Littlethorpe village lies two miles South East of the Cathedral City of Ripon in North Yorkshire.
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Nicholson's Lagoons
The road to Littlethorpe
Oxclose Lock - gateway to the Ure
Early settlers in Littlethorpe probably came to live near to the river Ure - or even travelled up it to reach
the area.
From the village there are many excellent views of the Cathedral and the village follows a linear layout through a truly rural area.
The URE Navigation
Following an act of Parliament in 1767, the Ripon Canal was opened in 1772.
This was the northern end of the Ure navigation, running through Littlethorpe to link the River Ure with the city of Ripon. Coal was the main cargo to Ripon, being distributed to other towns in North Yorkshire. Lead from Nidderdale and agricultural produce was carried south.
Competition came from the railways!
The Darlington to York railway opened in 1841 and the Ure navigation was purchased by the Leeds & Thirsk railway. In 1845 the viaduct, over the river Ure in Ripon was constructed to carry the railway through Ripon - and Littlethorpe!
Ripon canal was used less and less, eventually became derelict and was finally abandoned in 1935.
Ripon Motor Boat Club was founded in 1931, using a short stretch of canal which remained open above Renton's bridge. Jim Rose, who lived in Ripon brought his boat, Vagabond along to Ripon canal. He was accompanied by Joe Burton on his boat, Onaway; however, Oxclose Lock collapsed after they were through. They were welcomed by Mr O L Anders from Littlethorpe Hall; he already had a boat in a boathouse on the canal and was pleased to have company. Although OXclose Lock was repaired, these three together with Sid Cattle decided that Ripon was a lovely place to moor and they founded Ripon Motor Boat Club.
At it's inception in October 1931 permission was granted to use the Ripon Horn on the Club's burgee.
The four were the first Officers O L Anders - President, Joe Burton - Hon Sec, Jim Rose - Hon Treas, and Sid Cattle - Captain. The inaugural meeting was held at Littlethorpe Hall on 14th November 1931.
RIPON MOTOR BOAT CLUB Marina and Clubhouse
in Littlethorpe
In 1978 some land adjacent to Ripon Canal was purchased and excavation began in the summer of 1978, - above - with the fist craft entering the marina in October 1979. -
the marina was officially opened on 6th September 1980 .
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RIPON MOTOR BOAT CLUB
This club now has its own marina and clubhouse adjacent to the canal, next to Nicholson's Bridge, and has mooring for nearly 150 boats. These boats regularly cruise the waterways and coastal areas of the UK and some travel across the channel to cruise through Belguim, France and beyond.
The Boat Club celebrated it's 75th Anniversary in 2006. Formal Celebrations were on 16th September. |
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British Waterways
built a further 'racecourse' marina in 1999, which lies nearer to the head of the navigation, adjacent to the racecourse and the wild life lagoons. This is the home mooring for over 90 boats. |
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Back to the Railways
Although 'competition came from the railways' they, in turn became became used less, and the last passinger train ran on the line on March 6th 1967, the last 'goods' train left Ripon in 1969. The stations and line 'axed' under Beeching.
Early Map
An early map of Littlethorpe dated 1856 shows the canal, connecting Ripon with the river Ure and the railway which ran through Littlethorpe crossing Littlethorpe Lane at the 'Crossing'. The railway ran from Leeds (27miles) and wound its way north (34 miles) to Stockton-on-Tees. There was, at this time, however, no school and no Church. These were yet to come.
St Michael's Church ( 1878) now stands at the junction between Littlethorpe Lane, Littlethorpe Road and Pottery Lane.
Along Pottery Lane lies the Potteries.
Since 1831 Littlethorpe Potteries has produced traditional wares from the famous Littlethorpe clay deposits, which date back to when the Vale of York was glaciated.
Click to go to Birdlife in Littlethorpe
Click to go to more History of Littlethorpe