North Yorkshire Through The Ages

Historical highlights from the region

William the Conqueror quells rebellions in a series of campaigns known as the Harrying of the North.

1154

Ouse Bridge collapses under the weight of a crowd gathered to greet Archbishop William of York on his return from exile.

1728

Captain James Cook is born in the village of Marton near Middlesbrough, becoming an apprentice draper in the fishing harbour of Staithes.

1826

Bath Hospital opens in Harrogate. The Royal Pump Room is built in 1842.

1836

The single-track, horse-drawn Whitby and Pickering Railway opens. Its total length is 24 miles.

1914

The hospital ship Rohilla, a former passenger steamer and troopship, runs aground on 30 October within sight of Whitby. There are 85 casualties.

1914

The Imperial German Navy bombards Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby, killing 137 people.

1974

North Yorkshire is formed on 1 April, as the 1972 Local Government Act comes into force. The new county covers most of the North Riding, York, and fringes of the West and East Ridings.