Sutton-in-Craven

Sutton-in-Craven is a village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, England that is situated in the Aire Valley between Skipton and Keighley. The population is roughly 3,500.The village is adjacent to Cross Hills and Glusburn, but although these three villages form what is effectively a small town, Sutton has its own parish and maintains its own distinct identity.

History

The village existed as early as 1086, as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book.Sometime thereafter, Sutton and surrounding lands passed from the crown to a succession of Norman landowners: Robert de Romille, then Edmund de Boyvill and then Adam de Copley. As of the 14th century, the village was known as Sutton-in-Ayrdale. The main industry, until the Industrial Revolution, was farming of livestock, especially sheep.

In 1773, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal passed nearby, and railways followed in 1846. Agriculture was largely replaced by work in the textile industry for most inhabitants; however only one of the several original mill buildings remains today.

The village is best known for its pub life including the family owned King's Arms. Also noteworthy is the villages small but successful Arts scene. It is home to the UK's multiple winning National Accordion Champion, now St. Petersburg Conservatory student, Thomas Hardaker, and is also a regular rural holiday escape for director, Guy Ritchie and his wife - pop-star Madonna

External links

* [http://www.sutton-in-craven.org.uk/index.asp Sutton-in-Craven.org.uk]
* [http://www.sutton-in-craven.co.uk/index.html SUTTONsource]