North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire
Kreuzschnabel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	North Yorkshire
Area	8,608 km²
Population	1,158,816
AdminHQ	Northallerton

North Yorkshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in Northern England, bordering County Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire. The county is home to two national parks, North York Moors National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park, which attract millions of visitors each year, including those visiting Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The county town is Northallerton, while other major settlements include Middlesbrough, York, and Scarborough. The county is also close to the Lake District National Park and the Pennines.

Geography

North Yorkshire's landscape is characterized by its diverse geography, featuring the Pennine Way, AONBs, and SSSIs such as Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. The county's terrain is divided into the North York Moors, the Vale of York, and the Yorkshire Dales, each with its unique geological features, including Whitby Abbey and Richmond Castle. The River Ouse and River Ure flow through the county, eventually merging to form the River Ouse (Yorkshire), which passes through York Minster and the City of York. The county's coastline features popular resorts like Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey, which are close to the North Sea and the Flamborough Head.

History

The history of North Yorkshire dates back to the Mesolithic era, with evidence of human habitation found in Star Carr and other archaeological sites. The county was later inhabited by the Brigantes and other Celtic tribes, before being conquered by the Roman Empire and becoming part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Viking invasions and the Norman Conquest of England also left their mark on the county, with many castles and abbeys being built, including Richmond Castle and Fountains Abbey. The county played a significant role in the English Civil War, with key battles taking place at Marston Moor and Seacroft Moor. Notable historical figures from the county include Guy Fawkes, George Fox, and William Wordsworth, who were influenced by events like the Gunpowder Plot and the Peterloo Massacre.

Demographics

As of the 2011 United Kingdom census, the population of North Yorkshire was approximately 1.1 million people, with the majority living in the urban areas of Middlesbrough, York, and Harrogate. The county has a diverse population, with significant minority groups, including those from Poland, India, and Pakistan. The county is also home to several universities, including the University of York, York St John University, and the Open University, which attract students from around the world, including from Oxford University and Cambridge University. Notable residents of the county include Alan Ayckbourn, W.H. Auden, and Baroness Hale of Richmond, who have been recognized with awards like the Laurence Olivier Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

Economy

The economy of North Yorkshire is diverse, with major industries including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The county is home to several major companies, including Tata Steel, Siemens, and Quorn Foods, which have operations in Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Malton. The county is also a major center for the rail industry, with Hitachi Rail and Bombardier Transportation having facilities in the county, near the East Coast Main Line and the TransPennine Express. The county's rural areas are also home to a thriving agricultural sector, with many farms producing livestock and crops for markets like the Smithfield, London and the Borough Market.

Culture

North Yorkshire has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of music, art, and literature. The county is home to several major festivals, including the York Festival, the Harrogate International Festivals, and the Malham Show, which celebrate the work of artists like J.M.W. Turner, Henry Moore, and David Hockney. The county is also home to several major museums and galleries, including the York Art Gallery, the Castle Museum, and the Mercer Art Gallery, which feature works by artists like Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Bridget Riley. Notable cultural figures from the county include Andrew Marvell, Anne Bronte, and James Herriot, who were influenced by events like the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution.

Places_of_Interest

North Yorkshire is home to many places of interest, including the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the City of York, which features attractions like York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and the Jorvik Viking Centre. The county is also home to several major castles, including Richmond Castle, Helmsley Castle, and Middleham Castle, which are close to the A1 road and the A66 road. Other popular destinations include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, and the Wensleydale Railway, which offer scenic views of the county's countryside, including the Dales Way and the Cleveland Way. The county is also close to the Lake District National Park and the Pennines, making it an ideal base for exploring Northern England. Category:Counties of England