Knavesmire
Encyclopedia
The Knavesmire is one of a number of large, marshy undeveloped areas within the city of York
in North Yorkshire
, England
which are collectively known as Strays
. Knavesmire, together with Hob Moor, comprises Micklegate Stray.
It has been suggested that the name 'Knavesmire' may share a derivation with Knaresborough
-- Cenward's mire.
Situated in the south-west of the city, some distance outside the historic walls, Knavesmire's low-lying position makes it liable to severe flood
ing in times of heavy rain. As a consequence, it remained undeveloped as the city expanded around it.
For many years, Knavesmire was the site of public hanging
s in York. The gallows were erected in 1379, a few miles outside the city on the main southern approach road (now known as the A1036 Tadcaster Road). Probably the most famous people to be executed there were Rhys ap Maredudd
, a Welsh nobleman and rebel, hanged in 1292, and Dick Turpin
, who was hanged in 1739. By the beginning of the 19th century, it was felt that the gallows did not create a good first impression for visitors to the city. The last hanging at Knavesmire was in 1801, after which the gallows were moved to a more discreet (although still public) location near the castle. A paved area with a small plaque today marks the position in which the scaffold stood.
The Knavesmire was the site of York Golf course for many years.
During the second world war, parts of the Knavesmire were farmed, other parts were used by the military.
These days, the Knavesmire is used for recreation and for public events of a happier nature. It is a popular site for dog-walking, and a large part of it is occupied by York Racecourse
.
Knavesmire was also the site for Knavesmire Secondary School
, now one of the campuses of The College of Law
.
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is a non-metropolitan or shire county located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, and a ceremonial county primarily in that region but partly in North East England. Created in 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972 it covers an area of , making it the largest...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
which are collectively known as Strays
Strays of York
The Strays of York is a collective name for four areas of open land, comprising in all over , within the City of York. Their individual names are Bootham Stray, Micklegate Stray , Monk Stray and Walmgate Stray.- History :The Strays are the remains of much greater areas of common land on which the...
. Knavesmire, together with Hob Moor, comprises Micklegate Stray.
It has been suggested that the name 'Knavesmire' may share a derivation with Knaresborough
Knaresborough
Knaresborough is an old and historic market town, spa town and civil parish in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, located on the River Nidd, four miles east of the centre of Harrogate.-History:...
-- Cenward's mire.
Situated in the south-west of the city, some distance outside the historic walls, Knavesmire's low-lying position makes it liable to severe flood
Flood
A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
ing in times of heavy rain. As a consequence, it remained undeveloped as the city expanded around it.
For many years, Knavesmire was the site of public hanging
Hanging
Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain...
s in York. The gallows were erected in 1379, a few miles outside the city on the main southern approach road (now known as the A1036 Tadcaster Road). Probably the most famous people to be executed there were Rhys ap Maredudd
Rhys ap Maredudd
Rhys ap Maredudd was a senior member of the Welsh royal house of Deheubarth, a principality of Medieval Wales. He was the great grandson of The Lord Rhys , prince of south Wales, and the last ruler of a united Deheubarth...
, a Welsh nobleman and rebel, hanged in 1292, and Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin
Richard "Dick" Turpin was an English highwayman whose exploits were romanticised following his execution in York for horse theft. Turpin may have followed his father's profession as a butcher early in life, but by the early 1730s he had joined a gang of deer thieves, and later became a poacher,...
, who was hanged in 1739. By the beginning of the 19th century, it was felt that the gallows did not create a good first impression for visitors to the city. The last hanging at Knavesmire was in 1801, after which the gallows were moved to a more discreet (although still public) location near the castle. A paved area with a small plaque today marks the position in which the scaffold stood.
During the second world war, parts of the Knavesmire were farmed, other parts were used by the military.
These days, the Knavesmire is used for recreation and for public events of a happier nature. It is a popular site for dog-walking, and a large part of it is occupied by York Racecourse
York Racecourse
York Racecourse is a horse racing track in the southwest of the city of York in North Yorkshire, England with a spectator capacity of 60,000. The most famous race to be held at York on an annual basis is the Ebor Handicap, which is run during the Ebor Festival meeting in August...
.
Knavesmire was also the site for Knavesmire Secondary School
Knavesmire Secondary School
Knavesmire Secondary School was a comprehensive school based in York, England from the 1960s to the 1980s. During the 1960s it was a girls only school. The building was located on Bishopthorpe Road next to York Racecourse, and is now The College of Law. The author Sheelagh Kelly attended the...
, now one of the campuses of The College of Law
The College of Law
The College of Law of England and Wales is a private educational institution in England and a registered charity which provides legal education for students and professionals.-20th century:...
.