Bishopthorpe's history
spans many
generations. There have been people here since long before the Domesday
Book was written. They've done a lot of interesting things, some of them
bloody.
And because the Archbishops
of York have (mostly) had their base here since the summer of 1226, many
important events have taken place here, and many important decisions made.
A Roman fort was built nearby at Adcastra (now Acaster Malbis) in about 210AD, as an outer defence for York (Eboracum). For many years, Acaster remained the more important settlement. Bishopthorpe became known as 'Thorpe St Andrew' until 1226 when ArchBishop de Grey bought the Manor and changed its name to BISHOPTHORPE.
Click here for a more detailed history of the village.
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| Chantry Lane, Bishopthorpe |
Local History is Happening!
There is now a mass of local history available, and more will be appearing over the next year or so. We will post a bibliography for those who are interested. It's going to be an exciting time, so keep looking in!
You can help!
Both Linda Haywood and her group, and Mike West and his team, are working on projects which will appear in various forms next year. Meanwhile, send any local history - stories, memories, anecdotes or hard information to The Bishopthorpe Webmonkeys via the
Every Picture Tells a Story
Much of the very old history is known only from Parish and Palace records. But from the middle of the 19th century, photographic records begin to appear. They form a quite remarkable history.
The site of the Co-op in Main Street. Note the sundial - it survives. The Halifax is now in the house on the left
Compare the old with the new - this is the modern Co-op, still with its sundial
