Bedale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bedale |
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 Bedale from the church tower |
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 Bedale
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| Population | 3,156 (Including Firby 2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | SE266883 |
| • London | 206 mi (332 km) south |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEDALE |
| Postcode district | DL8 |
| Dialling code | 01677 |
| Police | North Yorkshire |
| Fire | North Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Bedale (pronounced BEE-dayl) is a lively market town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. It sits near the Bedale Beck, a small river that flows into the River Swale. This area, known as one of the Yorkshire Dales, is mostly about farming and traditional crafts. However, more and more people are visiting Bedale for holidays. The town is about 7 miles (11 km) north-west of Northallerton and 31 miles (50 km) south-west of York.
Historically, Bedale was part of the North Riding of Yorkshire. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book, a famous survey from 1086. The town's name, Bedale, likely comes from 'Beda's Halh', meaning "Beda's corner of land."
Contents
What is the History of Bedale?
Before a difficult period known as the Harrying of the North (around 1069-1070), a person named Torpin owned Bedale. The local church, St Gregory's, dates back to the 9th century. It survived the Harrying of the North and was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Recently, the Bedale Hoard was discovered. This collection of Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures shows that important people lived in this area a long time ago.
Who Ruled Bedale in Early Times?
After the Norman Conquest, Bedale was given to different rulers. A Breton officer named Scollandus helped establish the new market town. Later, Sir Bryan FitzAlan built a castle in Bedale during the time of King Edward I of England. Sir Bryan was a very important knight. He helped defeat Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in Wales. He also became the Guardian of Scotland for King Edward I. Sir Bryan fought in big battles like the Battle of Falkirk (1298).
The Stapleton Family and Later Changes
After Sir Bryan FitzAlan, the Stapleton family became the Lords of the Manor of Bedale. Sir Miles Stapleton was a famous knight. He was one of the first members of the Order of the Garter, a special group of knights. He fought in important battles like the Battle of Crécy.
Bedale was often a place where people supported the Lancastrian side in English conflicts. Later, during the Stafford and Lovell Rebellion against King Henry VII of England, the people of Bedale were involved in protests. They also took part in the Pilgrimage of Grace, another uprising. During the English Civil War, the town saw more unrest. Eventually, the manor of Bedale was sold to Henry Peirse, whose family still has ties to the town today.
Who Were the Lords of the Manor?
The title of Lord of the Manor of Bedale was passed down through important families.
- Sir Alan FitzBrian (died 1267) was an early Lord of the Manor.
- His son, Sir Bryan FitzAlan, Lord FitzAlan (died 1306), was a very important figure. He was a Justice of the Peace and High Sheriff of Yorkshire. He was called to parliament, which made him a Lord FitzAlan.
Sir Bryan FitzAlan had two daughters, Agnes and Katherine. The estate of Bedale passed to his elder daughter, Agnes. She married Sir Gilbert de Stapleton.
- Sir Gilbert de Stapleton (died 1324) became Lord of the Manor through his marriage. His family kept Bedale for over a hundred years.
- Sir Miles Stapleton (died 1466) was a later member of this family who held the title.
Today, the title of Lord of Bedale Manor is shared. However, the Beresford-Peirse baronets are considered to have the main control over the manor.
What Happened in Bedale Later On?
In the 1700s, Bedale became a hub for horseracing. It was even the first place in England to introduce races specifically for three-year-old horses.
How is Bedale Governed?
Bedale has its own local government. It is part of the North Yorkshire council area. In 2018, Bedale became a twin town with Azay-sur-Cher in France. This means the two towns have a special friendship.
Bedale used to be part of the Hambleton District until 2023. It also changed its parliamentary constituency in 2023, moving to the Thirsk and Malton Constituency.
What Churches are in Bedale?
St Gregory's Church
St Gregory's is the main parish church in Bedale. It has some old Catholic items. During the English Civil War, some parts of the church, like statues, were damaged. The church has a unique painting of St George fighting the dragon, where St George is shown as left-handed. It also has a stone Viking Age grave marker with a rare picture of the legend of Wayland Smith.
In the past, people would hide in St Gregory's pele tower when Scots raided the countryside. The church has plaques listing all its priests and the previous landlords of Bedale. These plaques show the coats of arms of important families like Fitzalan and Stapleton.
St Gregory's also has connections to other local churches. These include St Gregory's at Crakehall and St Patrick's at Patrick Brompton.
Other Churches
There is a Catholic church in Aiskew called St Mary and St Joseph's Church, Bedale. Bedale also has Methodist chapels. Some private buildings in the area, like Christ's Hospital in Firby, have their own chapels too.
How Do People Travel in Bedale?
Bedale is on the B6285 road. A new bypass opened in 2016, which means that traffic going through the area now avoids the town centre. Bedale is also very close to the A1(M) motorway.
Bedale has a railway station on the Wensleydale Railway. The station first opened in 1855 but closed to passengers in 1954. The line was later used for goods and military transport. In 2003, it reopened as a heritage railway. This means old trains run on it for fun. The station is actually in Aiskew, a nearby village.
In 1768, people tried to make the Bedale Beck suitable for barges to travel down to the River Swale. This led to an area called The Harbour. However, the plan was stopped when the railway opened in 1855. You can still see parts of the old harbour today. There is a public footpath along the beck where you can walk.
What About Education in Bedale?
Bedale has three schools for young people. These are Bedale Primary School, Bedale High School, and Mowbray School.
What Can You Do in Bedale?
Bedale has many interesting historic buildings. One unique building is the 18th-century Bedale Leech House, where leeches were kept for medicine. There is also an underground ice house that was used to keep food cold. The 14th-century Bedale Market Cross is another important landmark.
The town has a small museum and many beautiful Georgian buildings. You can also visit the railway station and ride on the Wensleydale Railway. Nearby attractions include the Thorp Perrow Arboretum, a large collection of trees.
Bedale has many local shops, pubs, and places to eat. A market is held every Tuesday on the cobbled market place. There is also a car-boot sale every Saturday morning. The town has a leisure centre with a gym, swimming pool, and sports pitches. Bedale Athletic Sports Association offers football, cricket, hockey, squash, and tennis. For younger kids, Big Sheep Little Cow Farm is a petting zoo nearby.
Bedale Golf Club, founded in 1892, offers an 18-hole golf course. The town also has a brass band that provides music and education to the community.
What Media is Available in Bedale?
Local news and TV shows for Bedale come from BBC North East and Cumbria and ITV Tyne Tees. You can listen to local radio stations like BBC Radio York and Greatest Hits Radio York & North Yorkshire. Local newspapers include The Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times.
Has Bedale Been in Films?
The 1945 film The Way to the Stars was filmed in Bedale. The town was used as the local town for a fictional RAF airbase. Some parts of Bedale in the film still look very similar today. The movie starred famous actors like Sir John Mills and Sir Michael Redgrave.
Images for kids
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Bedale from the church tower
See also
In Spanish: Bedale para niños
