Area History
Middleham and Wensleydale have an amazing history with amazing events and characters dating back as far as the 12th century with the building of Middleham castle.
Richard III is one of the many notable figures that fill the local history books, he spent his early years living at Middleham Castle and it is said that this was his favourite home.
In 1568, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisioned in Castle Bolton, a remote castle found between Redmire and Carperby. It is said that she made a bid for freedom but was captured nearby on Leyburn Shawl in a spot now known as Queens Gap. There are several walks that take in this area and they are highly recommended, both for the wonderful views and the historic significance.
Middleham also had the first recorded jockey in Isaac Cape in 1733, the history of horse racing in the area is rich and a must visit for any racing/horse enthusiast
The cheese making that Wensleydale is famous for was started by the monks of Jervaulx Abbey, until its destruction at the Dissolution. Jervaulx suffered greatly because the last abbot was involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace. After this the farmers took up the mantle of cheese making and today the factory in Hawes continues the traditions
