Parishmouse Free Resources For Family Historians

Abbot-Side, High, a township, in the parish of Aysgarth, wapentake of Hang-West, N. riding of York, 1 ¼ mile (N.W. by W.) from Hawes; containing, with the chapelries of Hardraw and Helbeck-Lunds and the hamlets of Cotterdale, Fosdale, Litherskew, Sedbusk, Shaw, and Simonstone, 574 inhabitants. The two townships of Abbot-Side received their names from the monks of Jervaulx abbey, who had a settlement and considerable property in the district. This township, which comprises by computation 13,000 acres, is altogether wild and mountainous, and consists of moors, dales, and ravines; it is rich in springs, waterfalls, rocks and caves, and a variety of interesting natural curiosities; and the magnificent cataract called Hardraw Scarr, 102 feet in height, with its stupendous rocks and romantic caves, and the elevation of Shunner Fell, 2329 feet above the level of the sea, and commanding extensive views of several counties, are both situated in the township. The river Ure, on which are several beautiful waterfalls, rises at the head of the valley. A rentcharge of £163 has been awarded to Trinity College, Cambridge, as a commutation in lieu of the impropriate tithes.

Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England by Samuel Lewis Fifth Edition Published London; by S. Lewis and Co., 13, Finsbury Place, South. M. DCCC. XLV.