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The cobbled market place
on the west bank of the stream was probably laid out in early
medieval times and has been the centre of commercial activity
in the town ever since. The ancient market cross, though long
broken, stood there until replaced by the Clock Tower, built
in 1896 to commemorate the marriage of the then Duke of York
(who came to the throne as George V), to the future Queen Mary.
Opposite the cross, until 1834, stood the Tollbooth of Market
Hall and nearby were two dilapidated rows of covered butchers'
stalls - the Shambles - demolished in 1857. The only relic of
the tradition of open-air butchery that survives is the Bull
Ring, marked out in the cobbles near the bus stand with a replica
of the tethering ring at its centre.
This was where medieval market laws required bulls to be baited
by dogs before being sold for slaughter - a cruel custom that
had died out by the 18th century.
A busy market called for abundant supplies of food and drink
- hence the market place was ringed with inns, taverns and public
houses. The timbers visible inside some of the surviving establishments
reveal something of their history.
With the coming of the mail coaches in the 18th century, Thirsk
became a posting stage on the route from York to the North of
England
The Three Tuns and the Golden Fleece were principal coaching
inns and in their yards stabled the relays of horses that ensured
the swift passage of the mail and their passengers. Horses have
long played an important role in the area and the Racecourse
was first laid out in 1854. |
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