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Tadcaster,
on the River Wharfe, famous for its brewing industry, John
Smiths, Samuel Smiths and Bass Charringtons are still brewing
here.
The oldest brewery
is Samuel Smiths, still independent of the big brewers, and
has been here since Victorian times, although there has been
brewing here since 1341. Brewing needs water and was originally
supplied from springs, known as popple-wells.
Tadcaster was once
an important outpost for York, its own castle stood on Castle
Hill, only traces remain, and is now a pleasant walk.
An old bridge in
the town, rebuilt in the 18th Century, crosses the River Wharfe.
During the Civil War, in 1642, the Battle of Tadcaster took
place around it. The river provides views of the town's viaduct
and walks.
The viaduct itself
was built in 1849, but the railway line, for goods traffic,
wasn't completed until 1882. It is now a listed building as
the line closed in 1955. You can now try the Viaduct Walk
crossing the river.
A good range of shops
and facilities in Tadcaster, with a market on Thursday's.
The larger shops are in Commercial Street
Nearby limestone quarries
provided stone for the building of York Minster in the 13th
Century and cannonballs for Edward III.
St Mary's
Church is interesting, as well as dating from 1200's, between
1875 and 1877 it was taken down and rebuilt with the foundations
raised by 5 feet due to flooding.
Another
building on note is The Ark, the oldest building in Tadcaster
still used, built in the late 15th Century, it has fine interior
timbering, now used by the council . It was here that the
Pilgrim Fathers met to plan their voyage to America.
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the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Visit
Tadcaster
John
Smith's Brewery,
Scottish Courage Brewing Ltd, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire,
LS24 9SA, guided tour of museum, and brew houses. ‘Perfect
Choice Bar’. Open: by appointment, tours only, Tel : 01937
832091
