The Parish Register Of Masham 1599-1716

Author: Edited by David M Smith
Price: £23
Publisher: The Yorkshire Archaeological Society
Edition: 1st edition
Publication Date: 1991
Format: Original wrappers
Condition: Very good

Description: Octavo. Original printed wrappers. pp. 404. Spine a little creased. Neat ink name to front wrapper. A very good copy. Location: OSR 002818

Masham Through The Ages

Nestled on the banks of the River Ure in Wensleydale, Masham (pronounced “Massam”) is a small yet historically significant market town in North Yorkshire. Known today for its rural charm, fine ale, and thriving arts scene, Masham’s story stretches back over a thousand years, with roots in Anglo-Saxon England and even earlier.

Early History and Origins

The area around Masham has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by Neolithic and Bronze Age finds in the region. The name “Masham” is thought to derive from the Old English Maessa’s Ham, meaning “Maessa’s homestead” or settlement.

By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, Masham was already a recognised settlement. It was recorded as part of the vast estates of Count Alan of Brittany, one of William the Conqueror’s key supporters. The Domesday entry mentions a church, a mill, and valuable woodland — all signs of an established and economically active community.

Medieval Masham

In the 12th century, Masham grew in prominence under the patronage of the Lords of Richmond, who granted the town a market charter — a crucial development that established Masham as a local centre for trade and commerce. The town’s market tradition dates back to at least 1250, and the market square, still one of the largest in Yorkshire, became a focal point for rural life in lower Wensleydale.

The local economy was historically based on agriculture, sheep farming, and wool production, with Masham benefiting from its position at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The importance of sheep to the town is still commemorated today with the annual Masham Sheep Fair, a popular event that draws on this deep-rooted tradition.

The Church and Ecclesiastical Life

St Mary’s Church, the parish church of Masham, has a history stretching back to at least the 7th century. The current building dates largely from the 12th to 15th centuries, though it stands on the site of an earlier Saxon structure. The church contains a fascinating collection of Saxon crosses, tombs, and carvings, reflecting Masham’s long religious heritage.

18th and 19th Centuries: Brewing and Industry

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Masham remained a prosperous market town. The local brewing industry began to flourish during this period, fuelled by the quality of the local water and the availability of barley from surrounding farms. This set the stage for what would become one of Masham’s most enduring claims to fame.

The town was also linked to textile production and small-scale manufacturing, although it largely escaped the heavy industrialisation that transformed parts of West Yorkshire.

20th Century to Present Day: Ales and Arts

Masham’s reputation as a brewing town was cemented in the 20th century with the founding of two family-run breweries: Theakston Brewery (established in 1827) and Black Sheep Brewery, founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, who broke away from the family firm following a corporate takeover. Today, both breweries are major attractions and export their ales across the country and beyond.

Despite its modest size, Masham has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with local galleries, studios, and an annual arts festival. Its attractive setting, with proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, draws walkers, cyclists, and holidaymakers year-round.

The town has retained its sense of identity and independence, resisting overdevelopment while embracing tourism and local enterprise. Traditional butchers, grocers, cafes, and craft shops cluster around the expansive cobbled square, which remains the beating heart of the community.

Legacy and Character

Today, Masham stands as a proud example of a historic Yorkshire market town that has evolved without losing sight of its roots. With its Norman church, ancient sheep fair, independent breweries, and artistic vibrancy, Masham represents a deeply woven blend of the old and the new — a rural place with a strong sense of place, history, and community.

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