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Yorkshire
The largest county in the land - so large it had to be divided by the Danes
for administrative purposes into its ancient divisions called Ridings, or
'thridings' (third parts). Between them the North, East and West Ridings
account for roughly an eighth of England's land area and a tenth of its
population. In general terms, the North Riding, stretching in a ribbon
across the county from the Pennines to the North Sea, can be said to be
predominantly pastoral; the West Riding, running from the Pennines
southeast, is industrial; and the East Riding, running between them to the
Humber Estuary, is given over primarily to arable farming.
The shape of this county, in the north-east of England, is like a ragged
square, pulled down a little in its lower left hand corner. Within the
boundaries of the three Ridings is amazing scenic variation.
The Pennine mountains, grey-white limestone peaks reaching upwards of 2,000
feet, provide the county's western boundary. In the south can be found
millstone grit deposits, fringed with the large coal measures which make up
some of Britain's largest coal fields, while in the northeast, the North
York Moors composed of the considerable Cleveland Hills provide a bastion
against the growing encroachment of the North Sea.
Places to Visit
Allerton Park, Nr. Knaresborough
Brodsworth Hall, Doncaster
Broughton Hall, Skipton
Castle Howard, York
Duncombe Park, Helmsley
Fairfax House, York
Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Harewood House, Leeds
Newby Hall and Gardens, Ripon
Nostell Priory, Wakefield
Red House Museum, Gomersal / Batley
Ripley Castle, Harrogate
Castles of Yorkshire |
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