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Thirsk Museums Galleries And The Arts

UFindUs is a comprehensive online directory of UK businesses searchable by region or category, giving you the ability to locate museums and galleries quickly and efficiently. The web sites featured in the UFindUs museums, galleries and the arts directory cover all aspects of museums, galleries and the arts including exhibitions.

About Thirsk - show info hide info

Thirsk is a small market town in the county of North Yorkshire. It has a population of 4,500 inhabitants. The town was mentioned in the 1089 Domesday Book as 'Tresche', a name derived from the Viking (Norse) word 'thraesk', meaning 'town by the brook'. There are a number of villages surrounding, all sharing names with a Norse origin, such as Thirlby, Boltby and Borrowby. The -by suffix means 'village' or 'farmstead'. Thirsk is built around a large mediaeval market square, which still hosts a market every Monday and Saturday. A museum in the town records much of the towns history. There is also a 15th century church (St Mary's) in Thirsk. Thirsk's modern day claim to fame is being the home of James Herriot (pen name of Alf Wright), whose surgery was based in the town. In his books, the town was referred to as Darrowby. The surgery in which he practiced is now a museum dedicated to his life: "The World of James Herriot". Another attraction nearby is the Kilburn White Horse, a chalk horse carved into the side of a hill, 4 miles from the town. Thirsk is also home to the Thirsk racecourse, a popular racing venue in the spring and summer months. The town has a rail station, and sees regular services between Middlesborough and Manchester Airport. These trains also call at York, Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly. Nearby towns to York include Northallerton, York, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Malton.