Raise a glass to Tadcaster – Yorkshire’s historic brewery town
Founded by the Romans and built from the same beautiful, local limestone that was used for York Minster, the historic brewery town of Tadcaster – or ‘Tad’ to the locals – is complete with lovely shops and cafes and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Originally named Calcaria – ‘place of limestone’ - by the Romans, Tadcaster was initially a small settlement, serving as a resting place for travellers and a staging post on the London (Londinium) to York (Eboracum) road. The present bridge crossing the river was built around 1700 and was based on the first stone bridge built in 1200.
The market in the town was initiated when Henry de Percy obtained a Charter from King Henry III in 1270, and was originally held at the junction of Kirkgate and Bridge Street - Market Place.
The town contains many historical and architectural treasures such as the 12th century St Mary's Church with its beautiful East window; the 13th century motte and ditch of the Norman Castle, the Ark, originally built in the late 15th century and now the Tadcaster Town Council Offices, and many buildings from the Georgian and other eras.
The quality of the local water led to Tadcaster becoming a famous brewery town, with beers and lagers produced here supplied and supped throughout the world. The oldest of Tadcaster’s three present breweries is Samuel Smiths, dating from 1758.
Tadcaster Riverside Walk leads around the town, giving an insight into the town’s past, include details of historic buildings. Trail leaflets are available from The Ark on Kirkgate and the Library on Station Road.
Tadcaster Bus Station is in the heart of town, and is served by Coastliner 840 and 843 from Leeds, York, Malton, Pickering and the Coast.
