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

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SPOFFORTH:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1829.

"SPOFFORTH, a parish-town, in the upper-division of Claro."


"WETHERBY, is a small market-town, in the parish of Spofforth, wapentake of Claro, and liberty of Ripon, west riding, 190 miles from London, 57 from Manchester, 15 from York, 7 from Knaresborough and Tadcaster, and 3 from Thorp-Arch. It is agreeably situated on the left bank of the river Wharf over which there is a handsome stone bridge; and across the stream is a fine stone weir for raising the water, by means of which several flour, oil and logwood mills are worked. The manor formerly belonged to the Duke of Devonshire, by whose direction very important improvements were made in the town; a considerable number of old ruinous buildings pulled down, and small, neat and comfortable houses of stone, erected in their stead. The present lord of the manor is R.F. Wilson, Esq. M. P. who holds a court leet and baton, at Lady-day and Michaelmas; and sessions are held on the Tuesday in the first whole week after Christmas-day. The places of worship here are, a chapel of ease under Spofforth, and two belonging to the Methodists. The benefice under the establishment is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of the vicar of Spofforth, and incumbency of the Rev. Benjamin Eamondson. No particular trade attaches itself to this place, and manufactures are not known here : the occupation of the inhabitants in the parish is chiefly agricultural, for which the land is well fitted, being fertile and productive. The country around presents much beautiful and diversified, though no very striking scenery, and it contains many genteel residences. The market, which is on Thursday, is a tolerably extensive one, for corn, &c. the fairs are Holy Thursday, August 5th, and October 10th; there are besides, fortnight fairs for cattle. The population, according to the returns of 1821, amounted to 1,217."

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