Market Weighton

Market Weighton was once a very busy place. Located on trade routes halfway between York and Hull, it grew over the centuries until five main roads and four railway lines converged here. Roads are now diverted, railways are dismantled, and station buildings have been demolished. It's much less busy these days, and is a lovely place for a day out of the boots.

Our accommodation is a former coaching inn, built by the 5th Duke of Devonshire (of Chatsworth House fame) in the 1780s. There are traces of its former glory in all areas of the building. A local chap told us that Winston Churchill spent time here on his honeymoon. It's unlikely Winston and Clementine had the same room as us, on the top floor at the back of the building.

We spent the day wandering around town, reading the many plaques describing historic events and places. There were regular references to Giant Bradley, the town's most famous resident. Born in 1787 and weighing 6.4 kg at birth, William Bradley grew to be the tallest recorded Englishman at 2.36m (7 ft 9 inches). One of 13 children, all siblings except one sister were 'of normal size'. His sister was expected to be close to his height but she passed away when she was a teenager. Giant Bradley made his living as a fairground exhibit, his fame brought him an introduction to King George IV.Read more