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    • Main contributor: James L. Tanner
    Whitby, North Yorkshire, England

    North Yorkshire is England's largest county, and is known for its rural landscape, which includes the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

    The population of North Yorkshire is 623,501 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. North Yorkshire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.8% per year. North Yorkshire covers an area of 8,038 square kilometers (3,103 square miles). The county of North Yorkshire is the largest county in England, and the least densely populated county after Cumbria.[1] It has a population density of 78 people per square kilometers (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[2]

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    North Yorkshire: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsNorth Yorkshire: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

    North Yorkshire is home to two distinct upland regions. The western region is dominated by the Pennines, a major mountain range in northern England. These mountains reach heights of over 2,200 feet, particularly around peaks like Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough, and Mickle Fell. Deep valleys, or dales, carved by rivers like the Swale, Ure, Nidd, and Wharfe cut through these mountains.[3] The eastern region is characterized by the limestone and sandstone formations of the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills. These uplands offer a more rolling landscape. Separating these two upland regions is the Vale of York, a lowland area with fertile glacial clay soils. The Cleveland Hills descend steeply towards the North Sea coast and the Tees Valley.[4]

    North Yorkshire doesn't have a long history of big factories. Instead, industries are often small and specific to certain areas. For example:

    • Tadcaster: Known for brewing
    • York: Famous for confectionery (candy and sweets)
    • Whitby, Scarborough, and Filey: Known for fishing
    • York used to be a major hub for rail engineering, but this industry has shrunk over time. More recently, high-tech businesses have been growing around York University.

    North Yorkshire is a large, mostly rural county. Its economy is driven by agriculture, with key products like pigs, milk, soft wheat, and spelt.[1]

    The North York Moors National Park In a remote valley below the Cleveland Hills is Warren Moor Mine, a remarkably well preserved complex of mine shafts, boiler and pump houses, railway lines and a huge square chimney of elaborate design. The first sight of the chimney as it comes into view in the valley never fails to surprise and impress.[5] Yorkshire Dales National Park includes some of the finest limestone scenery in the UK, from crags and pavements to an underground labyrinth of caves.[6] York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

    North Yorkshire historyNorth Yorkshire history

    North Yorkshire's history stretches back thousands of years. Evidence of human activity, including tools and settlements, has been found dating back to the Stone Age.[7] North Yorkshire has many Stone Age sites, including Star Carr, a famous Mesolithic site that dates to around 9,000 BC.[8]

    The Romans arrived in Britain in 43 AD and quickly established their presence in North Yorkshire. The region was strategically important due to its proximity to Hadrian's Wall and its rich resources. Roman settlements, roads, and forts were built throughout the area, including the notable fort at York (then known as Eboracum), which served as a major administrative center. Roman influence on the region was significant, leaving a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure, culture, and language.[9]

    After the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century, Anglo-Saxon tribes, primarily the Angles, began to settle in North Yorkshire.[10] They established kingdoms such as Deira and Bernicia, which later merged to form the powerful kingdom of Northumbria. This period saw the rise of significant Anglo-Saxon settlements, including York, which remained a major center of power and culture.[11]

    The 16th century was a time of significant change in North Yorkshire, as it was across England. The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII led to the closure of many religious houses in the region, including Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey. These grand monastic sites were transformed into secular properties, often becoming stately homes or being left to decay.[12]

    The 17th century was a tumultuous period for North Yorkshire, marked by the English Civil War. The region was divided between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, with battles fought in various locations. After the war, the Restoration period brought relative stability, and North Yorkshire began to recover from the conflict.[13]

    The 18th century saw the Enlightenment influence North Yorkshire, with a growing interest in science, philosophy, and literature. The Industrial Revolution also began to impact the region, particularly in areas like the West Riding, where textile mills and other industries emerged. However, the North Riding remained largely rural, with agriculture and fishing as the primary economic activities.[14]

    The 19th century was a period of significant industrialization in North Yorkshire. The region's coal and iron ore resources fueled the growth of heavy industry, particularly in the West Riding. Towns like Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees became major industrial centers.[14] However, the Industrial Revolution also brought challenges, including poor working conditions, pollution, and social unrest.[15]

    The 20th century brought further change to North Yorkshire.[16] World Wars I and II had a profound impact on the region, with many people serving in the armed forces and industries being mobilized for the war effort. The post-war period saw a decline in traditional industries, leading to economic challenges.[17] However, North Yorkshire has adapted to the changing economic landscape, with a growing emphasis on tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. The region's beautiful countryside, historic towns, and coastal areas continue to attract visitors from around the world.[18]

    North Yorkshire parishes and unparished areasNorth Yorkshire parishes and unparished areas

    There are 728 civil parishes within North Yorkshire. They cover the whole of the county with the exception of the unparished towns of Harrogate and Scarborough.[19]

    North Yorkshire geographyNorth Yorkshire geography

    Much of the north and west of North Yorkshire is mountainous and remote, the Pennine hills in the west rising, in places, to over 700 m in height. To the north-east are the Cleveland hills and the North Yorkshire moors. The two upland areas are separated by the vale of York, which runs north to south through the middle of the county. The largest towns are all situated on the flatter, lower ground to the south: Harrogate in the west is located on the edge of the Pennines; York is located in the centre of the county, and Scarborough on the east coast.[20]

    Researching family history in North YorkshireResearching family history in North Yorkshire

    The North Yorkshire Family History Society was founded in 1975, its aim being to unify people interested in family history. The Cleveland Family History Society was set up in 1980 to provide a service for family historians and we cover the old county of Cleveland and part of County Durham and North Yorkshire. The North Yorkshire County Record Office online catalogue contains descriptions of the millions of historic records. The University of York, Bostwick Institute for Archives has an extensive collection of records. The York University has a digital collection on a huge variety of topics. The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society has family history resources. Explore York has Archives and Local History. The Great Ayton Discovery Centre has family history resources.

    Ethnicities in North YorkshireEthnicities in North Yorkshire

    The demographic distribution of the [county] population is as follows:[2]

    According to the latest 2021 census, the population in North Yorkshire is predominantly white (96.7%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 3.3% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in North Yorkshire accounting for 1.4% of the population. 2,459 or 0% of the North Yorkshire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

    Population by race in North Yorkshire, 2021 census

    • White - 595,155 people or 96.7%
    • Asian - 8,320 people or 1.4%
    • Mixed - 6,722 people or 1.1%
    • Other - 2,843 people or 0.5%
    • Black - 2,459 people or 0.4%

    Surnames in North YorkshireSurnames in North Yorkshire

    The demographic distribution of North Yorkshire surnames is as follows:[21]

    Smith 13,980 1:77
    Brown 7,282 1:148
    Wilson 6,975 1:154
    Robinson 6,363 1:169
    Taylor 6,330 1:170
    Thompson 5,947 1:181
    Walker 5,465 1:197
    Jones 5,126 1:210
    Johnson 5,125 1:210
    Jackson 4,681 1:230

    Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

    MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

    See alsoSee also

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Eurostat
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 North Yorkshire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
    3. ↑ Learning about the amazing rivers of North Yorkshire!!
    4. ↑ Natural England - National Character Area Profiles
    5. ↑ Cleveland Hills | NYMNP
    6. ↑ About the Dales
    7. ↑ History and Heritage - North Yorkshire
    8. ↑ Star Carr | A Mesolithic site in North Yorkshire | Home
    9. ↑ The Roman Fortress: History of York
    10. ↑ Yorkshire | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica
    11. ↑ Yorkshire is the most Anglo-Saxon part of England. | History Forum
    12. ↑ History of Rievaulx Abbey
    13. ↑ York mass grave skeletons were Civil War soldiers
    14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Yorkshire's industrial development | The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society
    15. ↑ Richard Oastler | Factory Act, Ten Hours Bill, Yorkshire | Britannica
    16. ↑ Taking the high road - how transport has evolved through the years in North Yorkshire
    17. ↑ England - Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture | Britannica
    18. ↑ County’s global reputation will help to entice more visitors
    19. ↑ Parish Mid year Estimates
    20. ↑ Eurostat
    21. ↑ Most Common Surnames in Norfolk, With Meanings
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