Leyburn

LEYBURN, a market-town, and the head of a union, in the parish of Wensley, wapentake of Hang-West, N. riding of York, 46 miles (N. W. by W.) from York, and 236 (N. N. W.) from London; containing 829 inhabitants. The town is pleasantly situated in a fertile district, and consists principally of one long, wellbuilt street, the houses of which are of a superior and durable stone, and of modern appearance, many of them having been erected in the present century. There are a circulating and a subscription library. A large elmtree formerly stood in the centre of the town, and served as a market-cross, but it was cut down in 1821. Leyburn attracts many visiters on their way to the lakes of Westmorland and Cumberland. The surface towards the north-west rises in bold undulations to the lofty moors of Wensleydale and Swaledale, and in the midst of beautiful scenery near the town is the celebrated walk called Leyburn Sparol, a magnificent natural terrace, commanding, among many others, fine views of the ruins of Middleham and Bolton Castles. Middleham is now connected with Leyburn by a suspension bridge across the Ure, on the site of the old ferry. The soil in the vicinity of the town comprises stiff clay and gravelly loam, but consists principally of a light limestone, having in some parts deposits of lead and coal. Petty-sessions are held on the last Friday in every month. The market is on Friday; and there are fairs on the second Fridays in February, May, October, and December, noted for large sales of cattle. The powers of the county debtcourt of Leyburn, established in 1847, extend over the registration-districts of Leyburn, Bedale, and Askrigg. A small chapel of ease was erected in 1836, at the cost of the Hon. T. O. Powlett; a national school is supported by subscription, and various benefactions have been made for apprenticing children, and other purposes. The poor-law union of Leyburn, comprises 41 parishes or places, containing, according to the census of 1841, a population of 9957.