Knaresborough Civic Society and town representatives unveiled their 23rd blue plaque yesterday to celebrate the town’s ancient market.

The market has been a rich part of the town’s history since it was first mentioned in 1206. Edward II confirmed Wednesday as market day in 1310.

The market has changed significantly in the 800 years since it started but to this day it is still held on a Wednesday and the bells of St John’s Church continue ring on Tuesday night to remind people the following day is market day.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by deputy mayor Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Peter Lacey and Charlotte Gale from Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and staff from the Tourist Information Centre.

The blue plaques are organised by Knaresborough Civic Society, which said this one — the town’s 23rd — had been in the pipeline for over a year. Andy Grinter, secretary of the society, said:

“We have a celebrated market and as a town it’s something we’re very proud of. It’s about time the market was recognised with a plaque.”

The plaque is located on Butter Lane, to the left of Caffe Nero, close to Market Place.

Other notable places and people that are recognised by plaques include Knaresborough Zoo, which is remembered at the site now occupied by Henshaw’s Arts and Crafts Centre, Dower House and celebrated local man Blind Jack of Knaresborough.

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Mr Grinter added the society was looking for new members. He said projects like this could happen more frequently if more members signed-up.

He also said a higher membership number would strengthen the society’s support or objection to local planning applications.

For an interactive map of all of the town’s blue plaques, click here.

A plaque to commemorate the UCI World Championships under 23s riding through Boroughbridge was unveiled yesterday.

One year ago the town was preparing for the cyclists to arrive. The streets were decorated with bunting and plywood bike sculptures were placed at various locations.

The team that organised the day’s event thought a blue plaque would create a legacy for the day. It was fitted in the centre of town near the new cycle racks at Havenhands The Bakers shop.

Susan Jagger, a member of the legacy organising team, said:

“We’d never had the big cycling events come through the town before. We spent six months preparing how to welcome the cyclists properly.

“Boroughbridge is a very popular cycling centre and it is fitting to have a reminder that our town was a part of this prestigious International event.”

Last year the local shops took part in the celebrations by decorating their windows.

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The team planned to unveil the plaque in April alongside the mayor and Team GB cyclists but, due to the pandemic, it had to be postponed.

The unveiling yesterday was carried out by last year’s mayor, Cllr Geoff Haldenby, who helped with the UCI celebrations last year.