Settle

"Dwelling"

from the Old English 'Setl' meaning a seat, an abode, a dwelling. Probably used to indicate a lofty setting

Ref: Key to English Place-names - University of Nottingham

Walk - Discover How Settle Developed

Nestled in spectacular North Yorkshire countryside the small market town of Settle retains a great deal of evidence of its medieval past as well as clues to an even older, ancient history.

Follow the story of Settle’s development by exploring the historic town and its surrounding countryside. Begin with a climb to the Craven Fault to discover a coral reef and a cave used by prehistoric animals. See how the stone walls that cover the hillsides provide evidence of centuries of different farming methods.

The second part of the walk explores the town and its oldest buildings. There you can find out how yeoman farmers diversified and became wealthy. Discover how the Quakers gained commercial control of Settle. Hear about a man who went to church naked and see another naked man in the market square!

This walk, created by local historian Tony Stephens, was a Highly Commended entry in a competition to create a walk organised by the Royal Geographical Society in collaboration with the University of the Third Age.

This walk is available as an attractive 44 page colour booklet from Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (at Settle Station), The Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly, Settle Tourist Information Centre.

The walk can be downloaded (Free of Charge!) at www.discoveringbritain.org

Settle is an ancient market town with a market charter first granted by Henry III in 1249.

The town is located at the gateway to Upper Ribblesdale at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Immediately overlooking the town is Castleberg, a 206 feet (63 m) limestone crag.

Current population is approx. 2600.

Settle was originally connected to neighbouring villages and towns via pack-horse trails and drovers roads.

In the early 1800s, Settle became an important town on the Keighley and Kendal Turnpike.

In 1847 the town was connected to the railway network with Settle Station being built on the 'little' North-Western Railway. This station is now known as Giggleswick Station. The Settle-Carlisle Railway opened in 1875 with a 'new' Settle Station built closer to the town centre.

In the late 18th-century cotton spinning became the town's main employment with five mills employing 333 people.

There are 76 listed buildings in the town, including The Folly (Grade I), Victoria Hall, The Shambles, Town Hall, Settle Station, Ye Olde Naked Man Café and The Golden Lion Inn (all Grade II).

Much of Settle is designated as a Conservation Area, notable for the survival of many 17th and 18th-century buildings, including stone cottages and fine houses around steep lanes and narrow 'ginnels'. The sinuous route of the 17th-century turnpike road helped to shape Settle and the historic street pattern, centred on the Market Place, still survives and the unbroken street frontages are an essential element of Settle's historic character.

Settle retains its historic role as the area's commercial hub and has a thriving range of independent shops, post office, solicitors, accountants, estate agents, places to eat, places to stay and places to be entertained. The town also has a doctor's surgery, dental surgery, veterinary practice, primary school, college, swimming pool and public library.

FIND OUT MORE:

W ikipedia >>

Settle Town Council >>