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Aysgarth, Yorkshire, England. Geographical and Historical information from 1829.

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AYSGARTH:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1829.

"AYSGARTH, a parish in the wapentake of Hang West."


"ASKRIGG, a small market-town and township, in the parish of Aysgarth, in the west hang wapentake of the north riding, is 241 miles from London, situated near to the north side of the river Ure, and consisting of two small streets, built on the sides of the roads leading to Lancaster on the west, and that running to Kirkby Stephen on the north-west. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in husbandry; and there is one flax mill and a wool carding mill. The places of worship are a chapel of ease under Aysgarth, and one belonging to the Methodists; the minister of the former is the Rev. Richard Wood, and the living is in the gift of the vicar of Aysgarth. Here are six alms-houses, for as many poor widows, founded and endowed by Christopher Alderson. There are many lead mines in this neighbourhood, but they are not very productive. The appearance of the country around here is of a romantic character, wild and mountainous, its natural beauties enhanced by many waterfalls that dash over precipices, and whose waters enrich the valleys as they run murmuring through them. The market-day here is held on Thursday; and the fairs are May 11th, the first Thursday in June, and October 28th. The population in 1821, was 765."


"GAYLE, or Gale, in the parish of Aysgarth, it is nearly adjoining to Hawes, and may be said to be a member of that town, its population being returned therewith."
Note: The directory entry for Gayle in Pigot's 1829 Directory is included with Hawes, (in this parish).


"HAWES, a small market town and chapelry, in the parish of Aysgarth, in the west hang wapentake of the north riding, is 252 miles from London, and six from Askrigg. The town is situated on a branch of the river Ure; the houses being chiefly built of stone, have altogether a neat and respectable appearance. The manufactures here are not of a various character; they consist principal) of knit hosiery, caps, &c. with some other woollen articles, two extensive water mills being employed in their fabrication. Here is one church, or rather chapel, under the establishment, one belonging to the sect calling themselves Sandemanians, and a friends' meeting-house. The curate of the church is the Rev. John Whaler, and the living is in the gift of the resident freeholders. There is in the town a small free grammar school and a subscription library. In this vicinity is a magnificent water-fall, called 'Hardraw Scarr' or Force, well worth visiting; the perpendicular fall is 102 feet. Lead mines are in the neighbourhood, but they are not worked to much profit. The general aspect of the country is mountainous and barren, interspersed with fertile spots, a relief to the prospect, which otherwise would be quite destitute of interest. The market day is on Tuesday, and the fairs are, Tuesday in Whitsun week, and the 28th and 29th of September. There are also cattle fairs held on every alternate Tuesday, from the last Tuesday in February to Whitsuntide. In 1821 the number of inhabitants in the chapelry amounted to 1,408."

[Transcribed from Pigot's National Commericial Directory for 1828-29 ]
by Colin Hinson ©2007