History of Market Weighton

Market Weighton, a historic market town, has a population of about 6,000 and is located mid-way between York and Hull. In the 1750s the population was a little over 1,000 which then rose steadily to about 2,500 in the 1850s.

Going further back in time, in the Domesday Book of 1086, Market Weighton was referred to as ‘wicstun’ – a district of 15 villages and 117 farms with a value of £30.

Market Weighton became an important market town and a Royal Charter was granted by Henry III in 1251. On market days the High Street and Market Place were closed off and many pens for livestock erected, with markets for cattle and sheep/pigs being held on alternate weeks. Around the 1890s as many as 70,000 sheep would be shown in one day. These markets increased the prosperity of the town’s shops and inns as many people from surrounding areas would visit on these days. Nowadays, a weekly market is held on a Friday.

The town was also helped by the building of the railways in the late 19 th century which improved communications with York, Selby, Beverley and Driffield. In 1846 the manor of Market Weighton and the Londesborough Estate were purchased by George Hudson “The Railway King” and on August 10 th 1847 the York to Market Weighton railway line was opened. In the following year the Selby line came into operation. These lines were closed in the 1960s and the Hudson Way is now used as a public footpath and bridleway between Market Weighton and Beverley.

A notable inhabitant of Market Weighton was William Bradley, “The Yorkshire Giant”, who was born here on 10 February 1787. He weighed 14lbs at birth and subsequently reached about 27 stones and an amazing height of 7’9” at the age of 20. After working on various local farms and then travelling the country with a showman, he returned to Market Weighton where a residence was specially built for him on the site of the house where he was born, with rooms and doorways tall enough to accommodate him. This house can still be seen at 89 York Road.

He died on 30th May 1820 aged 33 years and was buried in the west side grounds of All Saints Church but was exhumed and buried inside the church under a marble slab as it was feared that body snatchers might attempt to steal his body. Now a mural monument can be seen at the west end of the church.

A “Giant Bradley” commemoration day is now held annually in Market Weighton during the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Another notable character called Peg Fyfe lived in Market Weighton in Southgate around 1660 but was known as the Witch of Market Weighton. She is said to have practised witchcraft on her neighbours and ran a robber band that terrorised people around East Yorkshire. Finally, she was found guilty of various wrongdoings and sentenced to be hanged in Skelfrey Wood on the York Road about a mile outside town.

As well as Giant Bradley’s house there are a number of buildings of historical interest, including the Primitive Methodist Chapel (now the fitness centre), St John’s Wesleyan Chapel, the old Court House, and the Londesborough Arms.

Other nearby historical places of interest include Holme upon Spalding Moor (originally built on Church Hill where the 13 th century church is now situated) and Goodmanham, one of the oldest religious sites in the country.