Little Owl in display in the Market Town of Skipton North Yorkshire, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales England
Skipton is the 'gateway' to the magnificent Yorkshire Dales for thousands of visitors from all over the world. The broad tree-lined High Street leads up to the church, behind which you see the impressive facade of the 900 year-old castle, and Skipton Woods. The High Street is home to the famous market Wander down the many alleyways or 'ginnels' to savour the town's history and character. Visit the canal area with boat trips, marina. footpaths, and picnic areas. Skipton is an attractive market town serving a large rural area. It is situated in the Aire Gap separating the Craven limestone Dales to the north, the gritstone moors to the south, and the pastoral Ribble Valley to the west. Just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary, Skipton prides itself on being 'The Gateway to the Dales'. Its name comes from the Saxon word for sheep - 'sheep town'. Settled by sheep farmers as long ago as the 7th century, Skipton was granted to the de Romille family in 1066. Their building of a fortress castle led to a regular market being established The market was granted its charter by King John in 1204. From the castle and nearby Holy Trinity Church the town grew around the market place, expanding along what is now High Street, with coaching inns, yards, and craftsmens' workshops. In 1309 Skipton Castle passed to the Clifford family, and became their main residence for over 300 years. The castle was rebuilt after the Civil War, and much of the present castle dates from the 1650s. The arrival of the Leeds-Liverpool canal in 1770 brought industrial growth to Skipton, with cloth making becoming a major activity. The railway brought increased growth to the town.
Size: 5029px × 3341px
Location: The Market Town of Skipton North Yorkshire, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales England
Photo credit: © Brenda Kean / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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