Langstrothdale facts for kids
Langstrothdale is a beautiful valley located in the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, England. It's a place where the River Wharfe begins its journey. The name Langstrothdale comes from an old language called Old English. It means 'long marsh' or 'marshy ground', which tells us what the area might have looked like long ago.
Contents
Exploring Langstrothdale's Past
Who Lived Here First?
People have lived in Langstrothdale for a very long time. The first known settlers were the Anglians, who arrived in the 600s. Later, around the 800s and 900s, people from Norse countries (like Norway and Denmark) also came to live in the valley.
The Royal Forest and 'Forest Law'
During the time of the Normans (after 1066), many small villages in Langstrothdale were already there. However, they couldn't grow bigger because of a special rule called 'Forest Law'. This law meant that the land was a royal hunting forest. The northern part of the valley, which is now open moorland, was once a large royal hunting ground known as Langstrothdale Chase or the 'Forest of Langstroth'.
A Change of Ownership
For many years, the Clifford family owned a lot of land in Langstrothdale. But in 1604, the Earl of Clifford had spent too much money and needed to pay off his debts. Because of this, he sold the lands. This was a big moment for the local people, as it allowed many families in the Dales to buy their own farms and land for the first time.
Old Travel Routes
Before cars and trains, the road through Langstrothdale was an important path. It was part of a packhorse route, which was a trail used by horses carrying goods. This route connected the town of Lancaster on the west coast to Newcastle upon Tyne on the east coast.
Villages in Langstrothdale
Langstrothdale is home to several small, charming villages. These include:
- Hubberholme
- Yockenthwaite
- Deepdale
- Beckermonds
- Oughtershaw
