Great Ayton - North Yorkshire
The Village
The
attractive village of Great Ayton (population circa 4000) is centred on the
banks of the River Leven. It is ancient in origin, having several
Neolithic sites within the parish boundary, and is mentioned in the
Domesday Book. In former times its industries included linen making,
tanning and brewing; and the mining industries of whinstone (a hard
igneous rock used in roadmaking), ironstone, alum and jet were important
locally. Nowadays most of its residents work outside the parish
boundary while farming remains an important local industry.
Great
Ayton has two village greens. The High Green is the centre of the
village while the Low Green, with the river running alongside, is a
popular picnic place in the summer months. To the north of the village
the view is dominated by the 330 metre high Roseberry Topping. This
hill, and the adjacent whinstone outcrop, are of geological importance.
Captain James Cook
The
navigator and explorer, Captain James Cook spent his boyhood in the
village. He attended the Postgate School, now converted into the
Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum (open April - October). He worshipped in
the 12th Century All Saints Church (open afternoons April - October).
The cottage formerly occupied and probably built by Captain Cook’s
father was dismantled in 1934 and now stands in Fitzroy Park, Melbourne,
Australia. In its place is an obelisk built of stone taken from Point
Hicks, Australia. A monument to Captain Cook stands in a prominent
position on Easby Moor.
Leisure and Accommodation
Around
the village there are several interesting walks. The village is also
an excellent base for the more adventurous walker wishing to explore the
nearby North Yorks Moors, especially in the summer months when the
moors turn purple with the blooming heather.
There is a Tourist
Information Centre situated in the Discovery Centre which provides
information on local holiday accommodation. A good range of shops
mostly situated in the High Street, which together with restaurants,
cafes and public houses cater for residents’ and visitors’ usual
requirements. Suggitt's Ices and Petch's Pork Pies are particularly
well known.
Leisure amenities include tennis courts and a bowling green. There are also cricket and football fields.
Events
A
village fete is held in June every two years on the High Green starting
with decorated floats parading from Low to High Green.
A “Captain Cook” day is held annually on or near his birthday (27th October) when children race model boats in the river.