Yahoo News Exploring Wharram Percy: A journey through Yorkshire's abandoned village
Yorkshire, a region steeped in history and diverse cultures, has been home to countless civilisations over the centuries.
Among its many settlements, Wharram Percy stands out as a forgotten village that time left behind. Tucked away in a picturesque valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, just outside Malton, this village has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times and was even mentioned in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book. Today, however, it lies deserted - a casualty of changing times.
Historical records suggest that shifts in the economy during the 15th century made sheep farming more lucrative than crop farming. This led landowners to repurpose their lands for sheep rearing, causing places like Wharram Percy to decline.
By the early 16th century, the village, around a 90 minute drive from Teesside, was completely abandoned, reports Yorkshire Live.
In recent years, the site has attracted the attention of archaeologists who have managed to map out much of the former village. St Martin's Church, which once served the local community, is the only remaining structure on the site. Today, English Heritage manages the site, with a car park situated about three-quarters of a mile from Wharram Percy.
After navigating the complex and treacherous country roads of North Yorkshire, I found myself in a small, deserted car park. Clear signage directed me towards the village via a gravel path cutting through fields of tall grass.
The location was breathtakingly scenic, even under the drizzle. The valley, reminiscent of a scene from a Kurosawa film, unfolded before me. As I ventured further down the picturesque trail, the encroaching trees and bushes gave a sense of being lost.
A quick stride across an overgrown field led to a bridge and a muddier section. A tall sign discussing the town's history reassured me that I was on the right track, so I pressed on along the tractor path.
In the distance, an old farmhouse came into view. It was too modern to be a 15th Century building and too square to be a church.
Local signage revealed it as an '18th Century Improvement Farm', which served as a base for archaeologists excavating the site from 1950 to 1990. To my surprise, I realised I was already in the village. As expected, there was nothing left.
A Historic England map showed that I was standing where homes once stood, and behind the farmhouse lay the remnants of the church.
Despite its modest size, the church is a sight to behold with half of its ancient tower still intact and all walls standing firm. The roofless church also boasts an attached graveyard.
During my visit, I was the sole visitor, making it an ideal setting for a thorough exploration. I spent considerable time soaking in everything the site had to offer, from the interior of the old church to the picturesque views of the encompassing valley.
Informative signs from Historic England, scattered along the earlier trail, offered ample additional information for those keen on learning more about the buildings and the village.
In conclusion, the journey to Wharram Percy was absolutely worthwhile. It offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into some of Yorkshire's forgotten corners.
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