Local Economy Local Economy
Local Economy
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Business Through the Ages
In 1890 it was noted, “The inhabitants are chiefly employed in agricultural pursuits, and in the manufacture of agricultural implements. There are also iron and brass foundries, brick and tile works, flour mills, a brewery, malthouses, and rope walks. Windsor chairs are made, and sent to various parts of the country. Near the town are limestone and freestone quarries and coal mines.” Such a mix of industries has been typical of Kirkbymoorside throughout its history.
A slightly different picture was noted in 1834. “There are no manufactures belonging to this town: on the Dove and other streams in the neighbourhood are corn mills, together with lime and free stone quarries; in the town malt is made, and there are some breweries.” The same article noted that the town was gaining increasing importance as demonstrated by its being named as a “boundary town” where votes would be taken for the North Riding Council.
In 1823 a host of trades were noted. Among these were 3 “attornies”, a “bacon and butter factor”, 3 blacksmiths, 10 shoemakers, 6 butchers, 2 coopers, a druggist, 8 grocers and tea dealers, 10 public houses. Additional businesses included ironmongers and manufacturers, joiners and linen manufacturers. By 1890, this trade list was recording an increasing number of banks.
The market brings people into the town from the surrounding moors and dales still today. The Beast Market has gone but it is hoped to resurrect a Farmers’ Market to sell local produce to local people. In days gone by fruit and vegetables were loaded onto trains to head for York and London. Sadly the last trains from Kirkbymoorside ran over 50 years ago.
In many ways the town has been self-sufficient: most things can be made or purchased in the town. Kirkbymoorside had its first Post Office in 1823, several banks continue to serve the town and a regular service through to York on the bus has now been resumed.
Kirkbymoorside has long attracted people to settle: refugees from Belgium in the First World War, evacuees in the Second War, convalescents from the industrial centres, Vietnamese boat people in the Seventies, those seeking an agreeable retirement home.
There is a history of creative, inventive people moving to the area to live and work. The tradition of innovation seen today in information technology, engineering and printing has antecedents in the foundries, machine tool makers and photographers of the last two centuries. Skilled craftsmen have made Kirkbymoorside their base for centuries – old cast iron can still be seen in and around the town and wrought iron screens made over the last two centuries and this adorn some of Britain’s most beautiful cathedrals. The town may no longer have a brickworks but it boasts a potter of repute, several artists, musicians and writers.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 16 March 2010 07:50)