Thirsk

Archeological finds indicate there was a settlement in Thirsk around 500–600 BC.{{cite web|url=http://www.visit-thirsk.com/pages/history.php|title=Local History|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225064136/http://www.visit-thirsk.com/pages/history.php|url-status=live|website=Visit Thirsk}} The town's name is derived from the Old Norse word þresk meaning fen or lake.{{cite book|last=Watts|title= Cambridge Dictionary of English Place-names|page= 608|publisher =Cambridge University Press|year=2011|isbn=978-0521168557}}{{cite book|first=A. D. |last=Mills|title=Dictionary of English Place-Names|page=457|publisher=Oxford Paperbacks|year=1998|isbn=978-0192800749}}

Thirsk is mentioned twice in the 1086 Domesday Book as Tresche, in the Yarlestre wapentake, a village with ten households. At the time of the Norman invasion the manor was split between Orm and Thor, local Anglo-Saxon landowners. Afterwards, it was split between Hugh, son of Baldric and the Crown.{{OpenDomesday|OS=SE4282|name=thirsk|display=Thirsk|accessdate=14 February 2013}}

Most of Thirsk was granted to a Robert from Montbray for whose descendant House of Mowbray and the vale of Mowbray is named.{{cite web |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=64612 |title=Parishes: Thirsk |editor-first=William |editor-last=Page |editor-link=William Henry Page |publisher=Institute of Historical Research |year=1923 |work=Victoria County History: A History of the County of York North Riding: Volume 2 |access-date=14 February 2013 |via=British History Online|archive-date=7 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207223606/http://british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=64612 |url-status=live }}{{cite book|title=Bulmer's Topography, History and Directory (Private and Commercial) of North Yorkshire 1890 |pages=816–831|year=2002|orig-date=1890 |publisher= S&N Publishing|isbn= 1-86150-299-0}}

By 1145, what is now Old Thirsk, gained a Market charter giving it town and borough status. The remaining land in the parish was still under manorial rights.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

The Mowbray family built a castle on the north side of Castlegate. It is not mentioned in the Domesday Book and an exact date is not recorded for construction, but it was known to be completely destroyed by 1176 following an uprising against Henry II.{{cite ODNB|first=Hugh M.|last=Thomas|title=Mowbray, Sir Roger de|id=19458|date=23 September 2004}}{{cite book |last1=Joseph |first1=Charles Boltolph |title=The History of the Noble House of Stourton, of Stourton, in the County of Wilts |date=1899 |publisher=Elliot Stock |location=London |page=745|oclc=1184612200}}

William de Mowbray, 6th Baron of Thirsk, 4th Baron Mowbray, was one of the 25 executors of the Magna Carta in 1215.{{cite web|url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/a-look-at-the-rich-history-of-thirsk-6382924|title=A look at the rich history of Thirsk|date=9 August 2015|website=Great British Life|access-date=9 March 2021|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717231847/https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/a-look-at-the-rich-history-of-thirsk-6382924|url-status=live}} The Mowbrays built a manor house on the old castle site, which was destroyed by the Scots in 1322. The manor itself continued to be in the Mowbray's possession, despite several claims, until the death of the 16th Lord Mowbray in 1476.{{cn|date=December 2024}}

After the War of the Roses, Henry VII raised taxes, and that caused uprisings in the north. This led to the murder of Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland, either on The Little Green, where he was sent to collect taxes, or in nearby South Kilvington.{{cite ODNB|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/21935?docPos=8|title=Yorkshire Rebellion|year=2004 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/21935 |access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717231852/https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-21935;jsessionid=A8A09A98904B0DF9066D95E9019AA825?docPos=8|url-status=live}}

With no direct succession, the daughter of Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk, who had married into the Berkeley family, inherited the manor. Her son, William de Berkeley, 1st Marquess of Berkeley, inherited it on her death. For some years, the manor was held by Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, whose successors held it after William's death, until 1723.

In that year, it was sold by James, Earl of Derby to Ralph Bell of Sowerby, "whose descendants thereafter held the manor".{{cite web|url=https://theodora.com/encyclopedia/t/thirsk.html|title=Thirsk – Encyclopedia|website=theodora.com|access-date=9 March 2021|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812074427/https://theodora.com/encyclopedia/t/thirsk.html|url-status=live}} It remained in the Bell family into the 20th century.{{cite web|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/yorks/north/vol2/pp58-70|title=Parishes: Thirsk|work=British History Online|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127085902/https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/yorks/north/vol2/pp58-70|url-status=live}}

Thirsk Hall in Kirkgate is a grade II* listed three-storey town house built in 1720 and extended in 1770 by York architect John Carr.{{National Heritage List for England|num=1151319|desc=Thirsk Hall|access-date=11 December 2013}}

A 1767 Act of Parliament{{cite web|title=House of Lords Journal Volume 31 April 1767, 21–30|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=113277#s27|access-date=23 September 2013|archive-date=22 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922100403/http://british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=113277#s27|url-status=live}} provided for building a navigable waterway to the town from the River Swale along Cod Beck. The project ran out of funds and was never completed, although remains can be seen of the wharf and a lock near Lock Bridge.{{cite web|url=http://www.thirskpastandpresent.co.uk/bd10.htm|title=Thirsk History Walks|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927194046/http://www.thirskpastandpresent.co.uk/bd10.htm|url-status=live|website=Thirsk Past and Present}}

A 'squalid' but 'humane' poorhouse, for up to 40 paupers of the parish, was established in 1737 between Long Street and St James Green. One hundred years later in 1837, the Thirsk Poor Law Union was formed to serve the wider district. Despite mob protests and the 'burning of effigies', it erected a workhouse on Sutton Road in 1838, initially with a capacity of 120 beds.{{cite web |url=https://www.workhouses.org.uk/Thirsk/ |website=Workhouses |title=Thirsk |access-date=30 December 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219021839/https://www.workhouses.org.uk/Thirsk/ |url-status=live }} At the time of the 1881 census, there were 81 residents, including staff and inmates.{{cite web |url=https://www.workhouses.org.uk/Thirsk/Thirsk1881.shtml |website=Workhouses |title=Thirsk Union Workhouse, Sutton Road, Thirsk 1881 |access-date=30 December 2024 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920103333/https://www.workhouses.org.uk/Thirsk/Thirsk1881.shtml |url-status=live }} The building was used for military and first-aid purposes during World War II. Before conversion to housing, it was used to rear chickens and as a factory.

A rail crash occurred at Manor House signal box on 2 November 1892, on the North Eastern Railway about {{convert|3|mi}} north of Thirsk railway station, when an express train collided with the back of a goods train, both heading south in fog. There were 10 people killed and 43 injured.{{cite book|last=Rolt|first=L. T. C.|title=Red for danger|year=1978 |publisher=Pan|isbn=0-330-25555-X}} Another took place on 31 July 1967 on the East Coast Main Line. On that occasion an express train travelling north collided with a derailed freight train. Seven people were killed and 45 injured.{{cite book|author=Ministry of Transport|first2=Col. D.|last2=McMullen|year=1968|title=Railway accident: Report on the Derailment and subsequent Collision that occurred on 31st July, 1967, at Thirsk in the Eastern Region British Railways|location=London|publisher=H.M.S.O|isbn=0-11-550036-7|url=http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Thirsk1967.pdf|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928231332/http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Thirsk1967.pdf|url-status=live|via=Railways Archive}}

File:Thirsk Town Hall, Westgate -1 (geograph 4222038).jpg]]

Thirsk has been in the Thirsk and Malton Parliamentary constituency since its creation for the 2010 general election. Kevin Hollinrake was elected MP at the 2015 UK general election.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000993|title=Thirsk & Malton Parliamentary constituency|year=2015|access-date=13 May 2015|work=Election 2015 – BBC News|archive-date=13 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513134403/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000993|url-status=live}}

The town was a parliamentary borough that had representation in 1295, and then from 1547 to 1885. For the majority of the latter period, it was represented by two members until 1882, when it was reduced to one member.{{cite book|title= Cobbett's Parliamentary history of England, from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the year 1803|location= London|publisher= Thomas Hansard|year= 1808|url= http://www2.odl.ox.ac.uk/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=p-000-00---0modhis06--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4------0-1l--1-en-50---20-about---00001-001-1-1isoZz-8859Zz-1-0&a=d&cl=CL1|access-date= 13 February 2013|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150904125310/http://www2.odl.ox.ac.uk/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=p-000-00---0modhis06--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4------0-1l--1-en-50---20-about---00001-001-1-1isoZz-8859Zz-1-0&a=d&cl=CL1|archive-date= 4 September 2015|via=Oxford Digital Library}}

The constituency of Thirsk and Malton was originally created for the 1885 General Elections by the Redistribution of Seats Act of 1885, and existed until 1983. During that period it returned six Conservative party members to parliament, which included one by-election in 1915.{{Rayment-hc|t|1|date=March 2012}}

The Civil Parish of Thirsk was created by the Local Government Act 1894. The Local Government Act 1972 afforded Parish Councils the opportunity to change titles. Thirsk renamed itself a Town Council. In so doing, the Chairman was also renamed as Mayor. The council is represented by eleven Councillors.{{cite web|url=http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/page5.htm|title=County & District Coucillors|website=Thirsk Town Council|access-date=13 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119055934/http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/page5.htm|archive-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/|title=Town Council|website=Thirsk Town Council|access-date=13 February 2013|archive-date=10 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110104421/http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/|url-status=live}} The town council meets at Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall.{{cite web|url=http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/page8.html|title=Meeting Dates|website=Thirsk Town Council|access-date=6 March 2022|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306180423/http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/page8.html|url-status=live}}

From 1974 to 2023 it was part of the district of Hambleton, it is now administered by the unitary North Yorkshire Council.

File:Cod Beck Weir, Thirsk - geograph.org.uk - 1718027.jpg

Thirsk is in the Vale of Mowbray and situated around the Cod Beck. Within Thirsk, Norby lies to the north-west, and Old Thirsk to the north-east. The separate parish of Sowerby abuts to the south.

Nearby villages with names of Danish origin, identified by the suffix by meaning village, include Thirlby, Boltby and Borrowby.{{cite web|last=Harbeck|first=James|title=Why does Britain have such bizarre place names?|publisher=BBC Culture|url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160309-why-does-britain-have-such-bizarre-place-names|access-date=15 January 2025|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106194342/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20160309-why-does-britain-have-such-bizarre-place-names|url-status=live}}

The 1881 UK Census recorded the population of the parish as 3,337.

The parish had a population of 4,703 according to the 2001 Census.{{NOMIS2001|id = 36UC152|title = Thirsk Parish |accessdate = 17 July 2022}}

The 2011 UK Census recorded the population as 4,998, an increase of 33% over the past 120 years, with a density of 3.9 people per hectare. Of the total population, 48.9% were male and 51.1% were female. The ethnic make up of the town was 94.3% White British, 3.0% Other White, 0.9% Asian British and 0.2% Black/Mixed and other Ethnic Groups. The religious composition of the town was 71.7% Christian, 27.4% None or no religion stated, 0.3% Muslim, 0.2% Buddhist, 0.1% Hindu, 0.1% Jewish and 0.0% Sikh.

File:Thirsk Black Bull 620.jpg

Thirsk's medieval market place in the town centre hosts an open-air market each Monday and Saturday. The market was established in 1145 and remains a focal point for traders and visitors. Tourism and hospitality are major parts of the town's economy.{{cite web|url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/a-look-at-the-rich-history-of-thirsk-6382924|title=A look at the rich history of Thirsk|date=9 August 2015|website=Great British Life|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717231847/https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/a-look-at-the-rich-history-of-thirsk-6382924|url-status=live}}

Severfield plc based on nearby former RAF Dalton, and VetUK are significant employers in the area.{{cite web |title=GMB – Ripon – Thirsk – About Us |url=https://www.gmbriponthirskgen.org.uk/about-us/ |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=GMB |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416205642/https://www.gmbriponthirskgen.org.uk/about-us/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Putting vets on the internet|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/business/news/9319425.Putting_vets_on_the_internet/|date=21 October 2011|work=The York Press|access-date=9 May 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213627/http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/business/news/9319425.Putting_vets_on_the_internet/|url-status=live}}

File:Herriot museum 9663 (2).jpg

There is a livestock auction market to the south-east of the town.{{cite news|date=23 November 2019|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/country-and-farming/thirsk-makes-debut-christmas-show-1746979|title=Thirsk makes debut with Christmas show|work=The Yorkshire Post|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717231851/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/country-and-farming/thirsk-makes-debut-christmas-show-1746979|url-status=live}}

The town had a reputation for its leather tanning and saddlery trade, but by the 19th century was better known for the production of agricultural implements.

Thirsk Museum is operated by a team of volunteers in the house where Thomas Lord was born{{cite web|url=http://www.thirskmuseum.org/|title=Thirsk Museum|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=19 July 2013|website=Thirsk Museum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719143515/http://thirskmuseum.org/|url-status=live}} and is now home to Busby's stoop chair.{{cite news |last1=Minting |first1=Stuart |title=18th Century murderer's chair continues to captivate supernatural fans |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/opinion/leader/11566417.18th-century-murderers-chair-continues-captivate-supernatural-fans/ |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=The Northern Echo |date=29 October 2014 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308120722/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/opinion/leader/11566417.18th-century-murderers-chair-continues-captivate-supernatural-fans/ |url-status=live }}

File:Thirsk Museum, Kirkgate - geograph.org.uk - 2590835.jpg

The town's former courthouse, in adjoining Sowerby, has been an arts space since 1992.{{cite web|url=http://www.ruralarts.org|title=Rural Arts – arts for everyone!|website=www.ruralarts.org|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-date=18 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718185430/https://www.ruralarts.org/|url-status=live}}

The World of James Herriot is a visitor attraction in the former home and veterinary surgery of author James Herriot.{{cite news |date=2 August 2006 |work=Gazette Live|title=Herriot centre has reached landmark |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/herriot-centre-has-reached-landmark-3765232 |access-date=18 July 2022 |archive-date=18 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718185429/https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/herriot-centre-has-reached-landmark-3765232 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=World of James Herriot, an Attraction in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. |url=https://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=15583%20World%20of%20James%20Herriot |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=www.information-britain.co.uk |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717164324/https://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=15583+World+of+James+Herriot |url-status=live }} Scenes from the Channel 5 adaptation of his books were filmed in the town.{{cite web |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/gallery/crews-spotted-filming-fourth-series-26624719 |title=Crews spotted filming fourth series of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small in North Yorkshire |date=3 April 2023 |work=Examiner Live |access-date=2 September 2023 |quote= |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902175811/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/gallery/crews-spotted-filming-fourth-series-26624719 |url-status=live }}

Controversially, parts of 2011 splatter film, Inbred portrayed Thirsk as Mortlake.{{cite news |url=http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/8153736.Locals_object_to_plans_to_make_horror_movie_in_Thirsk/ |title=Locals object to plans to make horror movie in Thirsk |work=Darlington and Stockton Times |date=7 May 2010 |accessdate=21 November 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304115448/http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/8153736.Locals_object_to_plans_to_make_horror_movie_in_Thirsk/ |url-status=live }}

Photography for Pulp's Different Class album art was taken around Thirsk and includes shots of Thirsk Market Place, Hambleton Estate, Tesco's supermarket on Station Road, Sowerby and Ripon Way in nearby Carlton Miniott. Local children feature in pictures accompanying the work known for its track, Common People.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102073808/http://jameswestsblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/thirsk-town-in-different-class.html?m=1 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |url-status=live |url=http://jameswestsblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/thirsk-town-in-different-class.html?m=1 |title=Thirsk; a town in a different class |website=James West |date=30 May 2012 |access-date=2 January 2023}}{{cite web |website=Gripsweat |url=https://gripsweat.com/item/331384836129/pulp-different-class-vinyl-lp-rare-aperture-sleeve-12-different-covers-1995 |title=Pulp – Different Class |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102073556/https://gripsweat.com/item/331384836129/pulp-different-class-vinyl-lp-rare-aperture-sleeve-12-different-covers-1995 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.activewatercoolers.co.uk/water-coolers-thirsk/ |website=Active Watercoolers|title=Thirsk |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102073555/https://www.activewatercoolers.co.uk/water-coolers-thirsk/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=66819.25 |website=Yet Another Cycling Forum |title=LEL route background |access-date=2 January 2023 |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102073606/https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=66819.25 |url-status=live }}

In 2018, the first series of The Heist was filmed in and around Thirsk. The on-screen thieves were all residents of the town or surrounding area, and the crime's location was Marage Road.{{cite web|last=Flanagan|first=Emily|date=5 February 2018|title=Wanted for TV: Yorkshire folk to take part in heist near Thirsk|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15919598.wanted-tv-yorkshire-folk-take-part-heist-near-thirsk/|website=The Northern Echo|access-date=26 April 2024|archive-date=18 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918161134/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15919598.wanted-tv-yorkshire-folk-take-part-heist-near-thirsk/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=TV show The Heist films £250,000 theft in Thirsk |date=9 May 2018 |website=Northern Echo |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/16212101.tv-show-heist-films-250-000-theft-thirsk/ |first=Georgia |last=Banks |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207194424/https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/16212101.tv-show-heist-films-250-000-theft-thirsk/ |url-status=live }} The same year, filming also took place in Thirsk for The Runaways.{{cite web |url=https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/14-film-and-tv-shows-that-have-put-north-yorkshire-on-the-big-screen-3212173?page=1 |website=Scarborough News |title=14 Film and TV shows that have put North Yorkshire on the big screen |first=Lyndsey |last=Young |date=23 April 2021 |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427005031/https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/14-film-and-tv-shows-that-have-put-north-yorkshire-on-the-big-screen-3212173?page=1 |url-status=live }}

A character in Downton Abbey refers to an undertaker from Thirsk who can collect bodies on a Sunday. The historical drama also mentions nearby Easingwold and Ripon.{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/features/8454627.So_where_is_Downton_Abbey_/|title=So where is Downton Abbey?|access-date=30 March 2013|date=15 October 2010|work=The Press|first=Judith H.|last=Dobrzynski|archive-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115233615/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/features/8454627.So_where_is_Downton_Abbey_/|url-status=live}}

The Thirsk Hall Sculpture Park opened in 2021 in the grounds of Thirsk Hall. Artists that have been featured in the park include Michael Lyons, Zak Ové, and Emily Young.{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Catherine |title=Thirsk Hall Sculpture Park reopens with new exhibitions from top artists |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/thirsk-hall-sculpture-park-reopens-with-new-exhibitions-from-top-artists-3737526 |access-date=7 April 2024 |work=Yorkshire Post |date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=24 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824000141/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/thirsk-hall-sculpture-park-reopens-with-new-exhibitions-from-top-artists-3737526 |url-status=live }}

Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC Yorkshire and BBC North East and Cumbria on BBC One & ITV Yorkshire and ITV Tyne Tees on ITV1. Television signals can be received from either Emley Moor or Bilsdale TV transmitters.{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Emley_Moor|title=Emley Moor (Kirklees, England) Full Freeview transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=2 September 2023|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819070317/https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Emley_Moor|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Bilsdale|title=Bilsdale (North Yorkshire, England) Full Freeview transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate=2 September 2023|archive-date=3 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034040/https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Bilsdale|url-status=live}}

Thirsk's local radio stations are BBC Radio York on 104.3 FM, Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire (formerly Minster FM) on 102.3 FM, and YO1 Radio on 102.8 FM.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

The town is served by these local newspapers:

• The Thirsk Weekly News{{cite web|url=https://www.thirskweeklynews.com/about.html|title=About Us|work=The Thirsk Weekly News|access-date=7 September 2023|archive-date=3 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903065403/https://www.thirskweeklynews.com/about.html|url-status=live}}
• Darlington & Stockton Times{{cite web |title=Media Pack news from the Darlington and Stockton Times |url=https://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/contactus/mediapack/#inprint |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=Darlington and Stockton Times |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813213630/http://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/contactus/mediapack/#inprint |url-status=live }}
• The Northern Echo{{cite web|url=http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/the_north_east/mediapack/0910/echo.pdf|title=The Northern Echo : Key Facts|website=2.newsquest.co.uk|access-date=11 August 2021|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226085816/http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/the_north_east/mediapack/0910/echo.pdf|url-status=live}}

File:Thirsk Station - geograph.org.uk - 851082.jpg

Thirsk railway station is {{convert|22.25|mi|km|0}} north of York on the East Coast Main Line and situated {{convert|1.5|mi|km|0}} from the centre of Thirsk, in Carlton Miniott.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

Bus services for York, Ripon, Northallerton and local villages stop in Thirsk market place.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

The A61, passes through Thirsk market place. Since 1972 the A19 has bypassed Thirsk to the east of the town.{{cite web |url=https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37547&start=60 |title=Old A1 roundabouts in Yorkshire? Locations? |access-date=2 January 2023 |date=1 October 2017 |website=SABRE |archive-date=2 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102103605/https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37547&start=60 |url-status=live }}

The town has one primary school, Thirsk Community Primary, with two others in the adjoining village of Sowerby. It is within the catchment area of Thirsk School and Sixth Form College for secondary education. The current primary school was opened in 1979 with an extension added in 1991 to house extra classrooms, nursery section and medical facilities. Due to rises in the school population, some temporary build classrooms have also been erected on site.{{cite web|url=http://thirsk-pri.n-yorks.sch.uk/data/documents/PROSPECT=2012-13.pdf|title=School Propectus|website=Thirsk Community Primary School|year=2012|access-date=22 February 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} It is a mixed gender school catering for pupils between the ages of 3 and 11. It has a student capacity of 315 and as of 2013 was at 90.5% of that.{{cite web|url=http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/121365|title=Inspection Report|website=Ofsted|year=2012|access-date=22 February 2013|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717231852/https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/121365|url-status=live}}

File:The church on St James Green in Thirsk - geograph.org.uk - 173800.jpg

St Mary's Church is a Grade I listed, 15th-century church. There are gouges created by sharpening arrows and knives in the porch, and by the altar in the chancel.{{NHLE|num=1314935|desc=Church of St Mary|access-date=17 July 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://martintop.org.uk/blog/arrow-marks|title=Arrow Marks|website=Salem Chapel, Martin Top|date=3 November 2021|last=Marsden|first=Alan|access-date=22 August 2022|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822142326/https://martintop.org.uk/blog/arrow-marks|url-status=live}}

The Friends Meeting House on Kirkgate has been on that site since at least 1799.

In 1861, the Wesleyan Chapel on St James' Green was built.

A Roman Catholic church dedicated to All Saints was added in 1867 on Castlegate.

{{main|Thirsk Racecourse}}

Thirsk Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue consisting of a left handed oval of about one mile and two furlongs. The present course opened in 1923, but racing had taken place on the old course at nearby Black Hambleton over 200 years earlier. The racecourse serves flat racing in the spring and summer months.{{cite book|title=British Racing and Racecourses|isbn= 978-0950139722|author-link=Marion Rose Halpenny|first=Marion Rose|last=Halpenny|year= 1971|page=227|publisher=Holmes & Son}}{{cite web|url=http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Hambleton%20Racecourse.html|title=Hambleton Racecourse|access-date=21 October 2022|website=Greyhound Derby|archive-date=21 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021152243/http://www.greyhoundderby.com/Hambleton%20Racecourse.html|url-status=live}}

The Thirsk Amateur Tennis Championship was played at Thirsk from 1882 to 1908.{{cite news |title=Amateur Tennis Championship: Final Spring Meeting of the Thirsk Lawn Club's Championship Tournament. |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002310/19080510/072/0008 |access-date=26 May 2023 |work=The Referee |publisher=British Newspaper Archive |date=10 May 1908 |location=London, England |page=8 |url-access=subscription }}

Thirsk Cricket Club was founded in 1851 and play in the middle of Thirsk Racecourse. The club was a founder member of the York & District League in which they still compete.{{cite web|url=http://www.thirskcricket.co.uk/1851-2011%20History.htm|title=Cricket Club History|website=Thirsk Cricket Club|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=10 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610175030/http://www.thirskcricket.co.uk/1851-2011%20History.htm|url-status=live}}

Thirsk Hockey Club have been affiliated to the Yorkshire Hockey Association since 1923. Until Thirsk School laid a floodlit, artificial pitch they played on grass pitches on the out field of the Cricket Club. They still share the Cricket Clubhouse for social facilities.{{cite web|url=http://www.thirskhockeyclub.org.uk/|title=Hockey Club|website=Thirsk Hockey Club|access-date=14 February 2013|archive-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230025545/http://www.thirskhockeyclub.org.uk/|url-status=live}}

Thirsk Falcons FC compete in the Teesside Football League, which is at the 13th level of the English football league system.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

Thirsk RUFC is a Rugby Union Club which competes in the Yorkshire Division 4 North West league.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

Thirsk was on the route of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2016 and 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35040528|title=Tour de Yorkshire 2016 route announced|date=9 December 2015|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=18 July 2018|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004015845/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35040528|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/tour-de-yorkshire|title=Tour de Yorkshire|date=5 February 2018|website=North Yorkshire County Council|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190838/https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/tour-de-yorkshire|url-status=live}}

• Mary Bateman (1768–1809), murderer and alleged witch{{cite ODNB | last = Davies | first = Owen | title = Bateman, Mary (1768–1809) | year = 2004 | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/56653 | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/56653 | access-date =9 May 2010}}
• John Bell (1809–1851), politician and lord of the manor who thought he was a bird.
• Charles Camidge (1837–1911), Rural Dean of Thirsk, later Anglican Bishop of Bathurst{{cite web |first=Ruth |last=Teale |title=Camidge, Charles Edward (1837–1911) |website=Australian Dictionary of Biography |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/camidge-charles-edward-5480/text9315 |date=1979 |access-date=27 April 2024 |archive-date=27 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427005019/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/camidge-charles-edward-5480/text9315 |url-status=live }}
• Tasha Ghouri (born 1998), television personality, dancer and model{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-61717825|title=Love Island: Tasha Ghouri becomes show's first deaf contestant|website=BBC News|date=7 June 2022 |access-date=8 October 2024|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008162123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-61717825|url-status=live}}
• James Herriot, pen name of Veterinary surgeon James Alfred Wight (1916–1995), author of semi-autobiographical books based on his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofjamesherriot.org/|title=World of James Herriot – World of James Herriot|website=www.worldofjamesherriot.org|access-date=3 July 2018|archivedate=19 July 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719131910/http://www.worldofjamesherriot.org/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.visit-thirsk.com/|title=All about Thirsk – Thirsk Tourist Information|website=Visit Thirsk|access-date=3 July 2018|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302173033/https://www.visit-thirsk.com/|url-status=live}}
• Jay Jopling (born 1963), art dealer credited with popularising the Young British Artists{{cite news|date=12 December 2003|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7895187.all-the-top-nobs-hob-nob-round-here/|title=All the top nobs hob-nob round here|website=York Press|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717012341/https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7895187.all-the-top-nobs-hob-nob-round-here/|url-status=live}}
• Thomas Lord (1755–1832), founded Lord's Cricket Ground{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/16645.html|title=Thomas Lord|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226163809/https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/16645.html|url-status=live}}
• Roger de Mowbray (c. 1120–1188), lived at Thirsk Castle with his mother{{DNB|wstitle=Mowbray, Roger de|first=James|last=Tait|authorlink=James Tait (historian)|volume=39}}
• Keith Robinson (born 1933), cricketer{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/19777.html|title=Keith Robinson|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712081256/https://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/19777.html|url-status=live}}
• Georgia Steel (born 1998), television personality{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/love-island-star-georgia-steel-20503684|title=Love Island star Georgia Steel shares peek at 'dream home' in York|first=Megan|last=Shaw|date=2 May 2021|website=YorkshireLive|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717012230/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/love-island-star-georgia-steel-20503684|url-status=live}}

• Carlton Miniott
• South Kilvington
• Sowerby

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{commons category-inline|Thirsk}}
• [http://www.thirsk-tc.gov.uk/ Thirsk Town Council website]
• [http://www.visit-thirsk.com/ Visit Thirsk website]

{{North Yorkshire}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Market towns in North Yorkshire

Category:Civil parishes in North Yorkshire

Category:Hambleton District

Category:Towns in North Yorkshire