Northallerton
Northallerton is a market town in the Hambleton district
of North Yorkshire, England. It lies in the Vale of
Mowbray and at the northern end of the Vale of York.
It has a population of 15,571 according to the 2001
census. It has served as the county town of the North
Riding of Yorkshire and since 1974, of North Yorkshire.
There has been a settlement at Northallerton since Roman
times, however its growth in importance began in the
11th century when King William II gifted land to the
Bishop of Durham. Under the Bishop's authority Northallerton
became an important centre for religious affairs. It
was also a focus for much conflict in subsequent years
between the English and the Scots, most notably the
Battle of the Standard, nearby in 1138, which saw losses
of some 26,000 men. In later years trade and transport
became more important. Lying on the main route between
Scotland and London it became an important stopping
point for coaches travelling the route, eventually superseded
by the growth of the railways in the 19th century. Lying
in the centre of a large rural area Northallerton was
established as a market town in 1200 by Royal Charter,
and there is still a market in the town today. It continues
to be a major retail centre for the local area today.
As the administrative centre for Hambleton district
and the County of North Yorkshire, the council and several
other associated public sector organisations have their
headdquarters in the town.
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