Sherburn Local History Society
Established 6th September 2021
Contact: sherburnlocalhistory@gmail.com
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Sherburn, Malton YO17.
Sherburn is a Rydale, North Yorkshire YO17 Village situated around crossroads on the A64 about half way between Scarborough and Malton to the east and west, with the villages of Brompton by Sawdon (The home of aviation/George Caley) to the north and Weaverthorpe to the south.
In 1974, it ‘moved’ from the East Riding of Yorkshire into Rydale, North Yorkshire, as part of boundary shuffles. Many of the archives for pre 1974 Sherburn, can, therefore, be found in Beverly, East Yorkshire Archives. Archives that are more recent are in Northallerton
Sherburn has an exceedingly long and interesting history, which can be evidenced back to geological times to pre- ice age when glaciers and moraines changed the direction of the River Derwent….the only, now, inland flowing river. At one time the area was ‘underwater’ in Lake Pickering, hence the fertile sandy soils; through to unique archaeological evidence of Roman and pre-roman findings of great international significance.
The Sherburn name comes from “Bright Stream” due to two chalk streams that run from springs at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. It is believed that these streams that run East side of the village (East Beck) and West side (West Beck) were the original reason for the existence of Sherburn. For almost the whole of inhabited history Sherburn economy has been based around agriculture with fertile land of different types, stony hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, sandy at the base of the Wolds and heavy land of the Derwent valley. The Sherburn Estate was owned from enclosure up until 1947 by Wykeham Estate, Lord of the manor residing at Wykeham Abbey. Sherburn became an agricultural centre with livestock market, it also boasted two Water Mills, High and Low mills, both on the fast flowing West Beck, also a wind mill situated to the West side of the village. In later years the West Beck became the source of pure water for brewing beer, first in beer houses and then at the old coaching inn the Pigeon Pie Hotel and then in 1860s at a purpose build brewery by the side of the main road. Owners of the brewery were firstly the Rivis family and for many years the Kirk family the Brewery building still stands today, sadly not used for brewing beer
Many of the tenant farmers in Sherburn also had farms on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, the name of the farms reflecting the owner name; Duggelby Wold Farm, Jackson Wold Farm, Allison Wold, Foster Wold, Cundall Wold and Lawson Wold.
Agriculture remained the main employment until 1940s when two brothers, Frank and Wilf Ward who farmed at Allison Wold Farm started their engineering business, manufacturing farm implements, then agricultural buildings and the large industrial buildings. Eventually they built their factory in the village, originally called the Allison Works. The business grew, employing hundreds of men and women, at the works, from 1960 to the present day, although now under different ownership.
Wards made the Guinness Book of Records for building the biggest Scarecrow in the World!! Wilf Ward left behind a book called ‘The Wilf Ward Story’ and the amazing Wilf Ward Family Trust, with an active base in Pickering, a charity to support people with profound disabilities.
St Hilda’s Church is over 1,000 years old and was substantially renovated in 1912 by Sir Tatton Sykes, but still kept many original features, including nine pieces of Anglo Saxon sculpture at the base of the tower and early 20th Century woodwork by Thompson & Co..
There is a large churchyard and burial ground which dates back many hundreds of years. Clear photos of the gravestones and names can be found online: https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/ERY/Sherburn/Graveyard.
Sherburn was the last of the 17 rural Churches in Yorkshire, to be renovated by Sir Tatton Sykes of Sledmere and is now part of the Northern Route of the Sykes Churches trail. (There is also a Southern Route!)
https://www.eychurches.org.uk/images/stories/leaflets/sykes_churches_trail_northern_route.pdf
During the renovations, including the building of a Church Tower, the Village Reading Room (Now the Village Hall), was used as the Church. Following the completion of renovations, a monument (pictured) commemorating their completion was built in the road alongside the Church at the north end of the village. In addition, Captain, The Hon J Dawney, Lord of the Manor led a collaborative village project to pass the Reading Room to the hands of the Parish, for reading and recreation which eventually evolved into the Village Hall (pictured) as we know it now.
There is also a large Methodist Chapel near Sherburn cross roads, which hosts events, regular coffee mornings and two weekly Wednesday Warm Space and free lunch club.
Both Churches participate in an annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Many trades in Sherburn have gone, Blacksmiths Tom Stones and then his son Fred, worked from their workshop in Stones Yard, which has been converted into a dwelling called the Old Smithy. Edgar Mintoft had his workshop in the same street which has been retained and refurbished and is part of the house of current owner. The Cade family also ran the Sherburn Forge Company which is located in the old brewery building on High Street. There also used to be a number of tailors and a saddle makers listed in census at the turn of the twentieth century.
During the sixties there were 5 stores selling general groceries plus a Post Office and electrical store. There are now two stores/general grocers
There used to be two Hotels/Public houses, The East Riding is still going strong, sadly the Pigeon Pie Hotel which was a very old coach house on the main York to Scarborough road closed in the mid nineties and is now a number of private dwelling which have many of the original building features.
Prior to its closure as a pub, the Pigeon Pie Hotel had an interesting history as a coaching inn, built in the C18th, one time HQ of an old Archaeological Society: one time (it is said) an overstay for Dick Turpin (under his mother’s maiden name): They held tripe suppers, inquests, formal dinners for a number of associations and an involvement in the aftermath of the Ganton Affair, where poachers shot and killed a gamekeeper. The Pigeon Pie was also one of the pub venues for the promotion and signing up of the Wolds Wagoners Special Reserve prior to the First World War…another fascinating story in the history of this village. Further information can be seen in the Wolds Wagoners Museum, free to visit at Sledmere House.
One of the large farms located at Sherburn cross roads, Corner Farm has been refurbished along with its barns, fold yard, and tractor sheds into high class accommodation for multi occupancy holidays, which include a hair dresser and beauty salon.
Sherburn is further surrounded by beautiful countryside and many people may come across it as they ramble the pathways of the Wolds Way which pass within the Sherburn boundaries.
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/yorkshire-wolds-way/trail-information/
Nowadays, it is still a thriving village: A Central Store, providing , for instance, all general food provisions, newspapers, stationary and a very convenient parcel point.
Lilly’s Cafe & Bakery, is a popular general store, offering catering, provisions and delicious sandwiches and cakes that are known far and wide.
Further along the A64 road is the excellent ‘Trotters’, Farm Shop produce and antiques, plus Sally Middlewood Farm Bakery and Cafe, providing first class provisions.
We are fortunate to have an excellent, friendly, and efficient Sherburn GP Surgery and Pharmacy plus a local
Sherburn Fire Station; On Call Fire Fighters for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, provide a service linked across the area and provide local advice
The recently refurbished Village Hall: for hire for regular groups, private parties, meetings and featuring their own events.
In August it is the venue for the popular Village Produce Show, whose members annually plants bulbs around the village
In addition, they supply, as we are writing the Village Christmas Tree. This has just been fixed in place ready for the Light Switching on Community event on Friday. The Christmas lights will be switched on by two children , nominated by the village school: St. Hilda’s Church of England Primary../.a very happy family event.
The ‘two Sue’s’ hold weekly welcoming Thursday Coffee Morning and book sale/exchange…All welcome.
A Sports and Social Club, holds a plethora of social events as well as sports and newly rebuilt children’s play area.
Chris Hodgson Car Sales, sports five Star reviews, friendly and reliable for servicing and repairs.
Chippy’s popular Mobile Fish & Chips arrives on Wednesdays.
Vanity Fur VIP Dog Grooming and Spa: State of the art equipment and the best service for dogs..
Sherburn is lucky to have numerous helpful and proficient skilled trades’ people
A Sports and Social Club, Sherburn offers regular events, music evenings, games nights and supports a variety of sporting teams.
Sherburn Parish Council is supportive and approachable and helps as many community groups as possible.One of those groups, Sherburn Local History Society is a thriving new society in the village, following the resurfacing of old photos during ‘Covid’, when people spent time clearing out old drawers etc., followed by a well attended exploratory meeting in the Village Hall on the 6th September 2021, resulting in a ‘Working Group’ to set up an infrastructure and initial programme of activity.
The purpose of the group was to establish a formalised, supportive group, a platform and forum for discussion to promote an interest in The Local History of Sherburn and environs: preserving, sharing of information, skills, learning and knowledge: to encourage research, collation, presentation, ongoing safekeeping and archiving of the Local History of Sherburn, Malton, Rydale, North Yorkshire …….and, touch wood, it is now well supported and attended. Everyone is made welcome…including long distance visitors we have had from abroad and afar.
The team also administrate Sherburn Archive Facebook group where information about meetings/events can be found, plus publicity, interest in old photos, stories, memorabilia, and existing written histories. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1088152688249982
We were enormously encouraged in the beginning , with advice and donations, specifically an extensive archived history of the village through the very generous donations of the life’s work of John Clarke; Photographer and Anne Collier, Author of many books and Chronicles of the village. Both John and Anne continue to be great supporters and advisers to us as we grow as a society and we were delighted to make them our first two Honorary Members. Other people and families have, since, also kindly and generously made significant donations, in various formats, all of which we are in the process of digitising to make them available more widely.
Sherburn Local History Society usually meets on the first Monday of the month, depending on bank holidays etc.. We also run an Open Day on a Saturday in July, before having a break in August. Our programme is varied and wide- ranging with a mixture of subjects and really exceptional speakers, interspersed by trips.
The evenings are all great for meeting up with old or new friends, with a cuppa ! Everyone is encouraged and welcome to contribute in any large or small way. Visitors are always made welcome.
Contact: sherburnlocalhistory@gmail.com
Sherburn Archive Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1088152688249982
