Sherburn in Elmet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sherburn in Elmet |
|
|---|---|
| Town and Civil Parish | |
 Sherburn town centre |
|
 Sherburn in Elmet
|
|
| Population | 6,657 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | SE506337 |
| Civil parish |
|
| District |
|
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LEEDS |
| Postcode district | LS25 |
| Dialling code | 01977 |
| Police | North Yorkshire |
| Fire | North Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
|
Sherburn in Elmet (pronounced SHUR-bər-nin EL-mit) is a town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. It is located west of Selby and south of Tadcaster.
Before 1974, Sherburn in Elmet was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire.
It is one of three places named after the ancient kingdom of Elmet. In 2011, about 6,657 people lived in Sherburn in Elmet.
Contents
Sherburn in Elmet: A Look at Its Past
What's in a Name?
The name 'Sherburn' comes from old English words meaning 'bright stream' or 'pure spring'. The earliest time the name was written down was in 963.
'Elmet' refers to an old kingdom that existed after the Roman Empire. This kingdom was in the area around what is now Leeds. Its exact borders are not fully known.
Sherburn is built on a low hill made of limestone. This hill sticks out into the valley of the River Ouse. The name might mean the water on the hill was clear, unlike the muddy streams in the flat areas below. This limestone area still provides clear water today. For example, it helps the brewing industry in Tadcaster, which is six miles north.
Roman Roads and Early Settlements
A Roman road used to run along this limestone ridge. This road connected Castleford with Tadcaster and York. Today, the Low Street/Finkle Hill route through the town follows where this old Roman road was. However, not many signs of Roman settlements have been found here.
Hall Garth and All Saints' Church
Next to All Saints' Church, there is an old earthwork called Hall Garth. Some people mistakenly call it 'Athelstan's Palace'. This was an important home given by King Athelstan to the Archbishop of York. He gave it to them after his victory in the Battle of Brunanburh in 937.
It is not certain if Hall Garth existed during the time of the Elmet kingdom. It might have been built by the Anglo-Saxons later.
The current All Saints' Church is a very old and important building. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it has special historical value. Parts of the church date back to around 1120. It was built on the site of an even older Anglo-Saxon church.
The town was part of the Barkston Ash area in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
The Battle of Towton and Local Legends
The Battle of Towton was a major battle fought nearby in 1461. Local stories say that King Edward IV, who won the battle, used the church tower to look at the battle lines.
However, the main part of the battle happened about 3 to 4 miles away. It would have been hard to see clearly from the church tower. Also, the church tower was not as tall then as it is today.
Sherburn in the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, soldiers loyal to King Charles I (called Royalists) were based in Sherburn. The town was important because it was close to their strongholds in Selby and York. It also controlled the roads from the south and west.
In 1645, the Parliamentarian forces (called Roundheads) attacked Sherburn. They defeated the Royalist soldiers there. On October 15, 1645, the Battle of Sherburn-in-Elmet took place. Royalist forces, led by Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, attacked the Parliamentarian soldiers in the town.
At first, the Royalists won. But another Parliamentarian force, led by Colonel Copley, counterattacked. They defeated the Royalists completely. This battle was the last important defeat for the Royalists in the North during the First English Civil War.
Famous People from Sherburn
Ernest Popplewell, Baron Popplewell, CBE (born 1899, died 1977) was a notable resident. He was given the special title of Baron Popplewell for his life. His title was Baron Popplewell, of Sherburn-in-Elmet.
Getting Around Sherburn
Sherburn in Elmet has its own train station, Sherburn-in-Elmet railway station. From here, you can catch trains to York railway station, Hull Paragon Interchange, and Sheffield railway station.
There is also another station nearby, South Milford railway station. This station offers trains to Leeds and Hull.
Arriva Yorkshire buses also run through Sherburn. You can take a bus to Leeds, Tadcaster, and Selby.
Learning in Sherburn
Sherburn in Elmet has two primary schools for younger children. These are Sherburn Hungate Primary School and Athelstan Primary School.
For older students, there is one secondary school, Sherburn High School. It is located on Garden Lane.
