Boroughbridge

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Thomas the Baker is delighted to announce the forthcoming arrival of its renowned bakery delights in Boroughbridge, as it prepares to unveil a brand-new shop at the former Cooplands store on High Street. As a cherished family-owned establishment, Thomas the Baker is renowned for its exquisite breads, pastries, cakes, and more, and is excited to introduce its offerings to the local community, promising to create at least five new job opportunities in the town.

Expressing his enthusiasm for this expansion, General Manager Simon Thomas remarked, “We’re thrilled to be joining the vibrant community of Boroughbridge, a town we’ve long admired. Our aim is to seamlessly integrate into the fabric of the community, sharing our passion for baking and providing residents with a welcoming environment to enjoy our delectable treats, all lovingly crafted with an unwavering commitment to freshness, quality, and affordability.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Thomas the Baker has curated an array of enticing offers for the community. The first 100 children to grace the new shop’s doorstep will be greeted with a complimentary Gingerbread Man, a charming token of appreciation for their support. Furthermore, patrons can indulge in a complimentary hot drink with any sandwich purchase, and are invited to sample an assortment of our award-winning products throughout the week.

For further insights into the upcoming shop and its irresistible offerings, visit the Thomas the Baker website at www.thomasthebaker.co.uk. Join us in commemorating the art of baking and the spirit of community in Boroughbridge!

Nestled conveniently between the bustling cities of London and Edinburgh, Boroughbridge is a charming town that offers a rich tapestry of history and modern comforts. Its most iconic landmarks are the ancient Devil’s Arrows, mysterious standing stones believed to have been erected around 4,000 years ago. These impressive stones add an air of enigma to the town’s heritage.

The town’s picturesque streets are a delightful fusion of inns, shops, and cafes, offering visitors an authentic experience of Yorkshire’s hearty traditions and warm hospitality.

Boroughbridge and its surrounding landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out in Yorkshire, where history and natural beauty coexist harmoniously.

For those with the time and inclination to explore further afield, Beningbrough Hall, located on the outskirts of Harrogate, promises a year-round horticultural delight. With eight acres of meticulously designed gardens, it’s a haven for garden enthusiasts. These gardens include formal areas, herbaceous borders, and a kitchen walled garden. The year garden, featuring designs by RHS Gold Award winner Andy Sturgeon, is continually evolving. The eagerly awaited Mediterranean Garden, set to open by summer 2024, promises to be a highlight.

Families looking for a delightful day out can visit Newby Hall & Gardens. Please note that online bookings are necessary for your visit. The beautiful gardens, the legendary Adventure Playground, a Dolls house Exhibition, and the Bear House with over 1,000 teddy bears on display are some of the highlights. Newby Hall has received accolades for its gardens, including the title of Garden of the Year by the Historic Houses Association and Christies in 2019.

If you’re in the mood for wine, consider a visit to Dunesforde Vineyard in Upper Dunsforth, North Yorkshire. As one of the northernmost commercial vineyards in England, they offer a selection of award-winning wines. You can enjoy a tour and tasting in their picturesque location or simply relax with a glass of wine in the Cellar Room Bar, which overlooks the vines.

When it comes to accommodations in Boroughbridge and its surroundings, you’ll find a range of options to suit your preferences. From historic inns to boutique hotels and charming pubs with rooms, each offers a unique charm and comfort, enhancing your visit to this beautiful part of North Yorkshire.

This comprehensive overview should provide a vivid and appealing portrayal of Boroughbridge and its surrounding attractions, making it an enticing destination for travellers seeking a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and modern comforts.

If you have some extra time to explore beyond Harrogate, there are some fantastic destinations to consider. One such gem is Beningbrough Hall, situated on the outskirts of Harrogate. It promises a delightful year-round experience with its eight acres of meticulously designed gardens. This haven is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of landscapes, including formal areas, herbaceous borders, and a charming kitchen walled garden. What makes Beningbrough Hall truly special is the year garden, featuring designs by the renowned RHS Gold Award winner, Andy Sturgeon. This garden is in a constant state of evolution, so each visit offers something new to discover. Don’t forget to explore the upcoming Mediterranean Garden, scheduled to open by the summer of 2024.

For a fun-filled family day out, Newby Hall & Gardens is a fantastic choice. Be sure to book your visit online in advance. Here, you can explore beautiful gardens, an exciting Adventure Playground, a captivating Dolls house Exhibition, and the Bear House, where over 1,000 teddy bears are on display, making it a hit with visitors of all ages. Notably, Newby Hall received the prestigious title of Garden of the Year from the Historic Houses Association and Christies in 2019, further cementing its status as a must-see attraction.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, a visit to Dunesforde Vineyard in Upper Dunsforth, North Yorkshire, should be on your list. It stands as one of the northernmost commercial vineyards in England, offering a selection of award-winning wines. You can take a tour and enjoy a tasting session in their picturesque location or simply unwind with a glass of wine in the Cellar Room Bar, which offers stunning views of the vineyards.

For accommodations in Boroughbridge and the surrounding area, you have a variety of options to choose from. Whether you prefer historic inns, boutique hotels, or charming pubs with rooms, each establishment offers its own unique charm and comfort to enhance your visit to this beautiful part of North Yorkshire.

Boroughbridge, a small town and civil parish in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire, England, boasts a rich history. It’s located 16 miles (26 km) northwest of the county town of York. The town holds significance as it once lay on the main A1 Road from London to Edinburgh, crossing the river Ure. The name “Boroughbridge” has its origins in its relation to Aldborough, the principal settlement during the Roman period known as Isurium Brigantum. The Roman road Dere Street, heading north from York, originally crossed the river Ure just north of Aldborough. However, at an unknown date, the road was redirected to cross the river at Boroughbridge. The place was first mentioned in 1155 as “pontem de Burgo” in Latin and by 1298 as “Burghbrig” in English. The Old Town became known as “Ald-Borough.”

While in the area, don’t miss the intriguing Devil’s Arrows, a line of three menhirs or standing stones believed to have been erected in the Bronze Age. The tallest stone stands at an impressive 22 feet (6.7 meters) and is made of millstone grit, likely quarried from Plompton, the nearest source of this material. The stones are aligned almost north-south, with the central stone slightly offset. Historically, there were reports of seven stones, but the verifiable number is four, with the fourth stone having been removed and broken by treasure hunters. Most of it was used in the construction of Peg Bridge, a bridge in Boroughbridge that crosses the river Tutt. According to tradition, the top of the fourth stone can be found in the grounds of Aldborough Hall, which stands between Boroughbridge and Aldborough.

Boroughbridge was not mentioned in the Domesday Book but was later described as part of the manor of Aldborough. In 1229, it was granted to Hubert de Burgh as part of the manor of Aldborough, but it was forfeited a few years later due to his son’s involvement in the Battle of Evesham. It then remained a royal manor until Charles I granted it to several citizens of London. In 1318, Boroughbridge was attacked by the Scots, led by Sir James Douglas, following the Capture of Berwick upon Tweed. In 1322, the historic Battle of Boroughbridge took place as King Edward II defeated Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, marking the end of Edward II’s retaliation against those who had opposed him in the Despenser War of 1320–21.

Market Well

Throughout its rich history, Boroughbridge has played a significant role in the West Riding of Yorkshire. It started as part of the parish of Aldborough during medieval times. In 1553, Boroughbridge gained parliamentary borough status, allowing it to elect two Members of Parliament to the unreformed House of Commons. Voting rights were tied to property ownership in the borough, and it had fewer than 100 qualified voters when the Reform Act of 1832 abolished this system. The town was essentially a pocket borough controlled by the Dukes of Newcastle. Interestingly, Augustus FitzRoy, who later became Prime Minister as the 3rd Duke of Grafton, was elected as MP for Boroughbridge in 1756 but never took his seat, choosing instead to represent Bury St Edmunds.

Boroughbridge’s strategic location on the Great North Road made it a crucial stop for stagecoaches traveling between London and Edinburgh. An advertisement in the Edinburgh Courant from 1754 highlights the significance of this route.

In 1866, Boroughbridge became a separate civil parish, and in 1938, it absorbed the parishes of Aldborough and Minskip.

A notable incident in 1945 saw the collapse of the bridge carrying the A1 Road over the River Ure due to the weight of a heavy transport vehicle. This briefly disrupted the main transport route until repairs were completed with the installation of a Bailey bridge by the army.

In 1974, Boroughbridge became part of the newly established county of North Yorkshire, having previously belonged to the West Riding.

More recently, in 2011, the town’s sewage works underwent a significant upgrade to enhance its efficiency and meet stringent environmental standards. The upgrade included modern wire mesh drum screens, circular tanks with automatic desludging mechanisms, and improvements to handle a growing volume of waste.

Today, Boroughbridge boasts a charming and vibrant high street with a range of shops, from butchers and bakers to clothing stores and greengrocers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore. It’s a place where the shopping experience harks back to the service of local shopkeepers from days gone by.

The Butter Market, situated in Hall Square, is a historic open-fronted structure dating back to the 18th or early 19th century. Originally designed to provide shelter to farmers’ wives during market days as they sold their dairy products, its unique name reflects this agricultural heritage.

After years of disuse, a local benefactor generously funded the installation of elegant railings across the open front, securing the building’s integrity. This initiative spurred the Town Council to transform the space into a small museum showcasing locally made or used artifacts. These items, either loaned or donated by the public, create a diverse collection ranging from a 19th-century bread oven to railway memorabilia and dairy equipment from nearby farms.

Visitors can explore the exhibits at their leisure, free of charge, during daylight hours. Informative wall-mounted display boards accompany each artifact, providing insights into their origin and purpose. The museum actively welcomes fresh contributions, encouraging those with items of local interest to reach out to The Clerk to the Town Council. It’s a community-driven space that preserves and shares the rich history of the area.

Here are some notable establishments in Boroughbridge:

• Hardware Store: Boroughbridge Hardware Ltd
  • Address: Horsefair, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AA
  • Phone: 01423 323584
• Gourmet Grocery Shop: FINK
  • Address: 14 High St, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AO
  • Phone: 01423 324188
• Clothing Store: Espada Boutique Ltd
  • Address: St James Square, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AR
  • Phone: 01423 323168
• Shoe Shop: Clippity Clops Shoes Ltd
  • Address: 38 High St, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AW
  • Phone: 01423 323785
• Ladies Clothing Store: Claremarie
  • Address: 1 Horsefair, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AA
  • Phone: 01423 322140
• Butcher: Greenwood Butchers
  • Address: 6 Horsefair, Boroughbridge, YO51 9AA
  • Phone: 01423 322248
• Baker: Havenhands the Bakers
  • Address: 8 St. James Square, City Centre, Boroughbridge YO51 9AR
  • Phone: 01423 322432

Boroughbridge also offers a range of accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay for both leisure and business travelers. Here are some of the inviting hotels in and around the area:

• The Crown Hotel: A historic gem from the 16th century, offering central location, comfortable lodgings, and delectable British cuisine.
• The Grantham Arms: An 18th-century hotel by the tranquil River Ure, providing a scenic atmosphere, a restaurant, and a cozy bar.
• The Bridge House Hotel: Popular choice with well-appointed rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving classic British dishes.
• The Crown Inn: A family-run haven with cozy accommodations and homemade delights made from locally sourced ingredients.
• The Black Bull Hotel: A traditional English pub with comfortable lodging, offering pub food and real ales.
• The Three Coopers: A historic pub with rooms, known for its friendly ambiance, traditional British fare, and popular bar.
• The Aldwark Arms: Located just outside Boroughbridge, this boutique hotel offers individually decorated rooms, a restaurant specializing in modern British cuisine, and a cozy bar with a fireplace.
• The Plum and Partridge: A country inn a short distance from Boroughbridge, providing spacious rooms, a bar, and hearty meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
• The Black Swan at Fearby: For a touch of luxury, this hotel, about 10 miles from Boroughbridge, offers spacious rooms, a spa, a restaurant featuring modern British cuisine, and stunning countryside views of the Yorkshire Dales.

Whether exploring the town’s history or enjoying the scenic surroundings, Boroughbridge offers a range of accommodations for a delightful stay.