History of Thirsk
The earliest mention of Thirsk is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is recorded as Tresche. The origin of the name is probably Celtic and archaeology tells us that both the Romans and the Saxons were here before the arrival of the invading Normans.

After the conquest, Thirsk and most of the surrounding land came under the ownership of the great de Mowbray family, who gave their name to the northern part of the Vale of York, known locally to this day as the Vale of Mowbray.

Thirsk, situated on the Codbeck where the route north from York crosses the road running eastwards to the coast, was clearly of strategic importance and the de Mowbrays built a castle here and probably a church where St Mary's stands today.

Their stronghold figures in the accounts of the baronial wars of the 12th century but when the rebel Roger de Mowbray finally surrendered to King Henry in 1174, his castles were ordered to be destroyed. All that remains of Thirsk Castle today is part of the moat and ramparts in Castle Garth, a site once used as a burial ground by seventh century Saxons.

The railway reached Thirsk in 1841, though the station was a mile or so out of town. The years that followed marked the peak of Thirsk's industrial importance; tanning and leather-working, milling, malting and brewing, linen-weaving, bleaching and dyeing were already well-established and the town had been lit by gas since 1834 but in 1860 Adam Carlisle Bamlett set us his agricultural engineering firm which, for the best part of a century, sent grass cutters and reapers all over the world.

The civic pride of the citizens was reflected in the setting up of a Savings Bank and Assembly Rooms, a Mechanics Institute, a Court Room and Police Station and eventually a Town Hall. There were nonconformist chapels and a Roman Catholic Church, clubs and societies flourished and the civic and social life of the town was probably at its richest in the years before World War 1.

Getting Here
For a walking or touring holiday, Thirsk, with its attractive cobbled Market Place is a natural centre. Thirsk has excellent road communications, a main line railway station and is within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, North York moors and the East coast. Thirsk is only 7 miles from the A1, 25 miles from York and 20 miles from Teesside.

Bus Services
Thirsk is served by several different bus operators and timetables are available from Thirsk Tourist information and the local library.

Rail Services
Thirsk station is about 1.5 miles from the Town Centre, services are provided by Northern Spirit, GNER and Virgin Cross Country.