About Boroughbridge
Boroughbridge is a tranquil village that boasts a vibrant high street adorned with charming pubs, restaurants, and a delightful array of independent shops. Just a short distance away lies the picturesque village of Aldborough.
Exploring Boroughbridge: Boroughbridge’s primary high street exudes the charm of cottage-style houses. While it may not be the most well-known tourist destination in the area, taking the time to explore its shops and cafes is a true pleasure. At one end of the high street, you’ll find Hall Square, a picturesque area with a cobbled pavement and historic fishermen’s cottages once inhabited by the River Tutt fishermen.
History of Boroughbridge:
Boroughbridge is a small town and civil parish in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is 16 miles (26 km) north-west of the county town of York. Until a bypass was built, the town lay on the main A1 road from London to Edinburgh, which crosses the River Ure here. The civil parish includes the villages of Aldborough and Minskip.
The origin of the name “Boroughbridge” lies in its location relative to Aldborough, the principal settlement during the Roman period known as Isurium Brigantum. Dere Street, the Roman road heading north from York, originally crossed the River Ure just north of Aldborough, but at an unknown date, the road was diverted to cross the river at Boroughbridge. The place was first mentioned in 1155 in the Latin form “pontem de Burgo,” and by 1298 in the English form “Burghbrig” (“the bridge near Burgh or Aldborough”). A new town grew up at the bridge, and the Old Town became known as the “Ald-Borough.”
A line of three menhirs, or standing stones known as the Devil’s Arrows, believed to have been erected in the Bronze Age, can be found on the outskirts of Boroughbridge, by the side of the A1. The tallest stone is 22 feet (6.7 m) tall. The stones are of millstone grit, probably quarried from Plompton, the closest source of this material. The stones stand on an almost north–south alignment, with the central stone slightly offset.
Boroughbridge was not mentioned in the Domesday Book but was later described as part of the manor of Aldborough. In 1229, Boroughbridge, as part of the manor of Aldborough, was granted to Hubert de Burgh but was forfeited a few years later by his son, who fought against the king at the Battle of Evesham.
In 1318, Boroughbridge was devastated by the Scots under Sir James Douglas following the Capture of Berwick upon Tweed.
In 1322, the Battle of Boroughbridge took place as King Edward II overpowered Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, bringing about the end of Edward II’s retaliation against those who had opposed him in the Despenser War of 1320–21.
Market Well:
From medieval times, Boroughbridge was part of the parish of Aldborough in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1553, it became a parliamentary borough, electing two Members of Parliament to the unreformed House of Commons. It had a burgage franchise, meaning that the right to vote was tied to ownership of certain property in the borough and had less than 100 qualified voters by the time it was abolished in the Reform Act of 1832.
Boroughbridge was an important stage for stagecoaches because of its position on the Great North Road, midway between London and Edinburgh.
Modern Times:
Boroughbridge became a separate civil parish in 1866. In 1938, the civil parish absorbed the parishes of Aldborough and Minskip.
In 1945, the bridge carrying the A1 road over the River Ure collapsed under the weight of a heavy transport vehicle carrying an 80-ton steel mill roll housing from Sheffield to Falkirk. The incident interrupted the main transport route for a short time, and the army installed a Bailey bridge until repairs were completed.
In 1974, Boroughbridge was transferred from the West Riding to the new county of North Yorkshire.
In 2011, the town’s sewage works was upgraded to meet stringent environmental requirements, improving waste management for the local population.
A Day in Boroughbridge:
Boroughbridge offers a fantastic bustling high street with everything to delight a visitor. There’s a free car park near the Butter Market Museum, along with free disc parking, making it convenient for visitors. You can also find great local produce from local producers. The shops mainly consist of local businesses, with a few brand names for those who prefer them. Everything you need for your stay, including butchers, bakers, clothing stores, greengrocers, wines, and more, can be found in the town. After a day of shopping, there are great cafes, pubs, and restaurants to visit.
Here are some of the businesses in Boroughbridge:
- The Beauty Shop
- Address: 19 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 325205
Absolute Fitness Hair & Beauty Studio
Address: 2A Brickyard Rd, Roecliffe, York YO51 9NS, UK
Phone: 01423 323241
Dzyna Nails
Address: 18 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 325683
The Leonard Cheshire Foundation
Address: 22 St James’ Meadow, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AR, UK
Phone: 01423 324780
YMCA Shop
Address: 27 Fishergate, Boroughbridge YO15 9AL, UK
Phone: 01423 324318
Oxfam
Address: 43-47 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Chemist
Treharne D H & G Ltd
Address: 26 High St, City Centre, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 322448
Food Shops:
SPAR Boroughbridge
Address: 37 High St
Phone: 01423 32235
On the Run Deli
Address: Horsefair
Phone: 01423 324699
Fink
Address: 14 High St
Phone: 01423 324188
Fashion Store Ltd
Address: 39 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 325999
Wardrobe
Address: 12 Fishergate, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AL, UK
Phone: 01423 324374
Explore a curated collection of fashion at Wardrobe, 12 Fishergate.
Gift Shops:
Issima Of Boroughbridge
Address: 6 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 325979
La Tienda Gifts
Address: 16 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 329172
Florists:
Bloomerang Flowers
Address: 42 High St, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9AW, UK
Phone: 01423 324863
Shopping in Boroughbridge is reminiscent of the old days, with the personal service you used to get from your local shopkeeper. Enjoy the quaint charm and local offerings in this delightful village.