History of Skipton facts for kids

Skipton is a small town in North Yorkshire, England. It has a long history, going all the way back to 1085! Skipton is even mentioned in the famous Domesday Book. This town played a part in big events like the English Civil War. It was also used as a prisoner-of-war camp during both the First World War and Second World War.

Skipton's Early History

Skipton is listed in the Domesday Book, which was a huge survey of England. William I ordered this survey in 1085 to find out who owned what land.

Skipton Castle was built around 1090. It was likely built by Robert de Romille, who came to England with William I in 1066.

Later, in 1310, the castle and its lands went to Robert Clifford. The Clifford family owned it for many years. The castle was made stronger to protect against attacks, especially from Scotland. For example, Skipton was raided during The Great Raid of 1322.

The English Civil War (1642–1651)

During the English Civil War, soldiers loyal to the King (called Royalists) were based at Skipton Castle. Sir John Mallory was in charge of these soldiers. Skipton Castle was the last place in North England held by the Royalists. It finally surrendered on December 20, 1645, after being under attack for three years.

After the war, Lady Anne Clifford carefully repaired Skipton Castle.

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal is Britain's longest inland waterway, stretching 127 miles! It took 46 years to build and cost five times more than planned. The first part of the canal to open was a section from Skipton to Bingley in 1773. The entire canal opened in 1816. It was very busy throughout the 1800s. Boats carried things like stone, coal, wool, cotton, and grain.

Building the Canal (1770)

People really wanted better ways to transport goods. In 1744, there was a plan to make the River Aire easier to travel on between Bingley and Skipton. This plan failed.

However, a new plan for the Leeds-Liverpool Canal was approved in May 1770. Construction started almost right away. The first contract was given to John Tickle to dig the section from Bingley to Skipton.

Opening the First Section (1773)

The Leeds Intelligencer newspaper reported exciting news on April 8, 1773:

"On Thursday last, that part of the Grand Canal from Bingley to Skipton was opened, and two boats laden with coals arrived at the last mentioned place, which were sold at half the price they have hitherto given for that most necessary convenience of life, which is a recent instance, among other, of the great use of canals in general. On which occasion the bells were set ringing at Skipton; there were also bonfires, illuminations, and other demonstrations of joy."

This meant that coal could be brought to Skipton by boat, making it much cheaper! People in Skipton celebrated with ringing bells, bonfires, and lights.

Lord Thanet's Canal (1773)

Lord Thanet owned Skipton Castle and the local limestone quarries. He wanted a small branch canal, about a quarter-mile long, to connect his quarries to the new Leeds-Liverpool Canal. This branch canal was built quickly.

Springs Branch Extension (1794)

The Springs Branch canal was made longer by another 240 yards. A special track called a tramway was built to move limestone more easily from the quarries. There was a growing need for limestone for making iron at the new Low Moor Ironworks in Bradford.

Foulridge Tunnel (1796)

It took many years to figure out how to continue the canal west from Skipton. A long tunnel had to be built at Foulridge to allow boats to pass through.

The Industrial Revolution (1780s-1900)

Skipton grew a lot during the Industrial Revolution. This was because it was located on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, between the big cities of Leeds and Liverpool. Many factories, called mills, were built in Skipton.

• High Mill – This was the first industrial mill in Skipton, built in 1785. It was a cotton spinning mill powered by water. Later, a part of it was added that used steam power.
• Belle Vue Mills – Built in 1828 by Thomas Dewhurst, this mill was for spinning and weaving cotton. It burned down in 1831 but was quickly rebuilt. By 1882, Belle Vue Mills had a huge floor area and employed over 800 workers. It made sewing cotton called Sylko.
• Low Mill / Sackville Mill – Built in 1839, this mill was used for weaving. It later became known as the Silk Mill. In 1908, the mill burned down, causing 300 people to lose their jobs. A new mill, Sackville Mill, was built on the same spot.
• Firth Shed – Built in 1877, this mill had 300 looms for weaving cotton goods. It was later extended. Weaving stopped there in 1970.
• Park Shed / Wilkinson's Mill – Built in 1889, this mill was different because it wasn't right next to the canal. It was home to Castle Acoustics, a company that made hi-fi speakers. The mill caught fire in 2007 and was later taken down to make way for houses.
• Union Mill – This cotton weaving mill was built in 1867. It had 800 looms and used steam power. Union Mill is now a housing development.
• Alexandra Mill – Built in 1887, this mill had a weaving shed with 500 looms. It made different kinds of fabrics.

The Otley Road drill hall was finished in 1892.

First World War

In 1914, there was a military camp in Skipton called 'Raikeswood Camp'. It was used to house soldiers. From January 1918, the camp became a prisoner-of-war camp. It held about 500 captured German officers and 130 soldiers. The camp stayed open until October 1919.

Second World War

During the Second World War, another camp called Overdale Camp was used as a POW camp. It held both Italian and German soldiers. Today, this site is the Overdale Caravan Park.