Click on a tile below or use this search box to delve into the history of Wetherby. Below is a brief glimpse of the town’s development.
The recorded history of Wetherby began in the 12th & 13th centuries when the Knights Templar and later the Knights Hospitallers were granted land and properties in Yorkshire. In 1240 the Knights Templar were granted by Royal Charter of Henry III the right to hold a market in Wetherby (known then as Werreby). The charter stated the market should be held on Thursdays, which it still is to this day.
In 1233 the Archbishop of York allowed remission of sins to those who contributed to the building of the Wetherby Bridge across the River Wharfe. The Market Town grew considerably through serving those using this important river crossing and the town became a key stopping point midway between London and Edinburgh.
The North of England suffered many raids from the Scots from 1318 to 1319. After the Battle of Bannockburn Wetherby was burned and many people taken and killed. According to the blue plaque at the entrance to Scott Lane, it could be named after the Scottish raiders in 1318, or perhaps after the 18th century cattle drovers who used Wetherby as a watering place.