Brief History

Knaresborough was mentioned in the Doomsday book and was a gift from William the Conqueror to Serlo de-Burgh for his support in the Norman conquest It has thrown up some famous and infamous characters through its long eventful and bloody history.

Hugh de Moreville and three other knights fled to Knaresborough after murdering Thomas Becket.
Robert Flour born in 1160 la hermit known throughout Europe for his healing powers lived his life in a small cave on the banks of the river Nidd.

First mention of the famous Norman Castle was in 1130. King John lived there between 1204 and 1205 hunting in the Forest of Knaresborough. Records show that King John first issued Maundy Money in 1210.

In 1372 Knaresborough was inherited by John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and Knaresborough supported the House of Lancaster in the War of the Roses.

During the civil war Knaresborough was a royalist stronghold but was taken by Cromwell in1646. A 1648 Act of Parliament ordered the destruction of several Royalist castles of which Knaresborough was one.
Knaresborough boasts an excellent market. First documented in 1206 its charter was granted by Edward 11 in 1306 guaranteeing a Wednesday market to this day.

The viaduct that crosses the Nidd gorge was built in 1851, three years after the original collapsed.

Other notable historical characters of Knaresborough include Mother Shipton a prophetess born near the Dropping Well in 1488,and Blind Jack Metcalf who despite being blind from aged 6 went on to be a notable road builder, musician and guide and whose statue can be found in the Market Square.