Knaresborough
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Mother Shipton was a medieval seer who is said to have been born in a cave south of the town. Born Ursula Southeil around 1488, Mother Shipton is now considered to be largely mythical.
Another famous historical native of Knaresborough is John Metcalf, otherwise known as Blind Jack. Blind Jack was born on August 15th, 1717 into a working class family and had a typical upbringing. At the age of six, he lost his sight to a smallpox infection. Losing his sight in childhood did not deter him from carrying on a productive life as he learned to play the violin and guided people around Knaresborough. Later in life he became a roadmaker, building hundreds of roads and bridges in the Northern England. Blind Jack died in 1810 at the age of 92 in Spofforth.
Among other notables, Guy Fawkes once lived in the town and Richard II was imprisoned there; the four knights accused of murdering Thomas Beckett were also said to have taken refuge here. The noted 18th century scholar and murderer Eugene Aram lived here.
Sights in the town include remains of Knaresborough Castle, Mother Shipton's petrifying well and several cave dwellings, one a chapel, dating from the Middle Ages. Knaresborough is also the site of the oldest chemist shop in England, opened in 1720.
Every year the town hosts a number of large social events, chief among them being the Knaresborough Bed Race. Every summer, teams of locals and visitors, comprising 6 runners and 1 passenger, decorate special tube frame 'beds' for a parade through the town. Then, once the beds have been stipped of their non-essential decorations, they compete to push the bed on a combination race/time trial through the town. The climax of the race comes when the teams must cross the river Nidd and climb a steep muddy bank to reach the finish line. Beds without sufficient flotation devices have been known to sink. Although most teams are local, competitors often come from across the country and from Knaresboroughs twin German town Bebra to compete. Past celebrities who have taken part include James Whale and Peter Duncan, who famously ran the course for his show 'Duncan Dares'.
The Bishop of Knaresborough is a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.
It is served by Knaresborough railway station, on the Harrogate to York line.
Knaresborough Town are seen as the towns predominent football team. Housed at Manse Lane, they are the only club in the town to have an authentic set up. However, Knaresborough Celtic also provide youth footabll with junior teams from Under 6's to Under 17's.
Celtic reached the U12 West Riding Junior Shield in 2003 only to be beaten by Westend 1-0 in a tight game. In 2005, Celtic also missed out on a double. They came runners-up in the Harrogate & District U14 A Division and were also runners-up in the Main Cup. 2005/2006 has proved to be a disappointing season for Celtic.
The end of the season proved disaster for Celtic's U15's when they found out they would be relegated to the B League for 2006-2007. A remarkable grace from fall for the Team. The U12's did the club proud however by winning the League & Cup.
Continuing with the sporting theme, [Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club] were crowned Nidderdale League Division 3 winners in 2005.
External links
- [Knaresborough Online]
- [Knaresborough Mini Guide]
- [Knaresborough Online] Knaresborough Community Website.
- [link] Knaresborough Bed Race
- [Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club]
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