Great Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Geographical and Historical information from 1829.

GREAT DRIFFIELD:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1829.

"GREAT DRIFFIELD, a market and parish-town, in the Bainton Beacon division of Harthill wapentake, in the east riding, is 193 miles from London, 96 from Manchester, 30 from York, 13 from Beverley, and 12 from Bridlington; situated in a fine sporting country, and near the source of the river Hull, which is navigable a short distance from the town, and upon which is shipped large quantities of corn. The woollen trade has, within a few years, been introduced into the parish; and there are some large bleaching works in the neighbourhood. The buildings for divine worship are, the parish church, dedicated to All Saints, and a chapel each for the Baptists, and Wesleyan, independent and primitive Methodists. The Rev. Richard Allen is incumbent of All Saints; and the living is a curacy, in the gift of the precentor of York. A Court for the recovery of small debts is held in the town; and the chief municipal officer is a constable, appointed annually. The country around Driffield is agricultural, flat in its immediate vicinity; being undulating at a little distance, and the aspect is pleasing. The market-day is on Thursday, which is well attended. The population of the whole parish in 1821 amounted to 2,471, of which number 2,303 were inhabitants of the township."

---

"LITTLE DRIFFIELD, a township, in the parish of Great Driffield, is rendered remarkable amongst Antiquaries, as containing in its church the remains of Alfred the Great, king of Northumberland, who died and was buried here, in 1702. A stone coffin, containing the entire skeleton and most part of the steel armour, was discovered on Tuesday, the 20th of September, 1784, by a deputation of the society of antiquaries, accompanied by several other gentlemen. Fairs are held here on Easter Monday, Whit-Monday, September 19th, and August 26th. The number of inhabitants in the village does not exceed 100."
Note: The directory entry for Little Driffield in Pigot's 1829 Directory is included with GreatDriffield.

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