> History of Wetherby

Wetherby's origins are as a staging post through the centuries for travellers between London and Edinburgh. Now it has developed into a busy market town, but still retains its Thursday Market, granted by Royal Charter in 1240.

Historic places to see include:

• The Shambles - built in 1811 by the Duke of Devonshire as ten butcher shops, only to open on market day. In 1888 they were converted to a covered market where farmers bought their produce to trade. The present facade was added early last century.



• St James' Church was built in 1839/1841 at a cost of £4,000 raised by subscription from the locals and enlarged later in the 19th Century.



• Wetherby Town Hall stands in the centre of the market square and replaced the former Court House and Wetherby Prison. It cost £1,300 and was also paid for by public subscription. The Town Hall has had many varied uses. It was famous as the venue for the Wetherby Statute Fairs, held every November, for the hiring of local servants on a day usually observed as a general holiday. In the inter-war years the Town Hall Dances were important social events.



• The nearby village of Boston Spa, renowned for its fine Georgian architecture.