Market Weighton

Market Weighton is an ancient market town that has prospered for over 750 years thanks to its markets and fairs. These days the weekly markets are held on a Friday, when the town fills with local traders. During the 18th century the town had the distinction of holding the largest sheep market in the country at its September Fair.

Toward the ends of the 18th century Market Weighton’s trade was boosted by a canal that linked the town with the River Humber, though it was made obsolete by the coming of the railways.

During the latter half of the 19th century the town held a critical position on the railway lines linking York, Beverley, Selby and Driffield and though the lines are now closed you can still undertake the Hudson Way walk, which runs alongside the tracks of the York-Beverley Railway Line and goes through some lovely Wolds countryside before ending in Beverley.