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route between Scotland and London it became an important stopping point for coaches travelling the route, eventually superseded by the growth of the railways in the 19th century.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.