Facts about Thirsk – YO7

Thirsk is a fine old fashioned market town in North Yorkshire with market days on Mondays and Saturdays.

Thirsk by Damion

Reasons To Visit Thirsk

1. The cobbled Market Place dates from medieval times and there are quaint named streets to walk around including Cod Beck, Millgate and Finkle Street as well as Castlegate and Westgate
2. Thirsk is nationally famous for its race course, make a note of Ladies day in September
3. St Mary’s is a beautiful old Church, according to Arthur Mee   ‘Set on the green bank of one of the willow-bordered streams, it is a magnificent tribute to those who built it in the first half of the 15th century.’
4. Thirsk Market is held on cobbles in the square  ringed by several pubs and eateries best days are Mondays and Saturdays.
5. Pubs include the Black….., Swan, Lion, Bull or Smith. The three Tuns and Ye Olde three Tuns by these publicans know a good name when they have had a bevvy or two.
6. Thirsk is also the Darrowby of the late James Herriot (Alf Wight), famous vet and author. Thirsk and near by village Sowerby are set in the centre of “Herriot Country” Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west and the North York Moors National Park to the east.’
7. James Herriot left not only the legacy of Vet books but created a small industry in Thirsk including the museum dedicated to him and Veterinary work ‘The World of James Herriot.’
8. Zillah Bell Gallery is having a Yorkshire Gateways exhibition of Paintings, Etchings, Jewellery, Ceramics from 25th June to 17th July but the shop on Kirkgate always has something of interest.

Unusual Facts

Unusual church in Thirsk

1. Thirsk museum was also the birth place of one of the first professional cricketers Thomas Lord in 1755. Whilst he spent his playing career for Middlesex and MCC is is best known for the ground that still bears his name Lord’s Cricket Ground.
2. There is a Furniture Trail covering the area rich in cabinet making skills with a wealth of furniture making companies with workshops and showrooms for all to see and enjoy.
3. Thirsk appears in the doomsday book called ‘Tresche’ meaning a place by the water. It was pronounced Thrusk
4. There is an avenue of Lime trees running into Sowerby from Thirsk.
5. St Mary Magdalene church has a square tower with battlements and stands 80 feet high with its perpendicular architecture.
6. Thirks has grown only 33% in terms of population in past century. The 1881 UK Census recorded the population of the Parish as 3,337. By 2011, this had increased to 4,998.

Thirsk – East Coast Main line

Thirsk lies on the East Coast Main line between York and Edinburgh. It is a busy commuter and freight route.

‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ – Steam at Thirsk, photo TrukinTim

Thirsk Flooding

Thirsk has often been flooded by a nearby river Cod Beck. In 2011, a proposed flood defence scheme in Thirsk was cancelled due to the Environment Agency having its budget cut by 41%.

photo: Finkel Street

Thirsk Through Time

Thirsk & Sowerby through time at Amazon