Tadcaster Genealogical Records

Tadcaster Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Tadcaster Baptisms (BTs) (1804-1859)

A name index, connected to digital images of baptism registers, the primary source for birth documentation before 1837. They may record the date a child was born and/or baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

Tadcaster Baptisms (1716-1886)

Digital images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, essentially recording births, but may also include places of residence and occupations.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Baptisms (1646-1910)

A name index linked to images of birth and baptism registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the birth or baptism of over 275,000 people.

West Yorkshire Baptisms (1813-1910)

Digital images of baptism registers that can be searched by name. They record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth, and list the baptised's name, date of birth and/or baptism and parents' names. They may also list where the parents lived, their occupations and occasionally other details.

Tadcaster Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Tadcaster Marriages (BTs) (1805-1837)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. They typically the record marital status and residence of the bride and groom and may contain other details.

Tadcaster Marriages (1584-1929)

Digital images of marriage registers, searchable by a name index. They typically the record marital status and residence of the bride and groom and may contain other details.

Tadcaster Banns (1754-1779)

Banns registers list the names of people who intended to marry by the system of calling banns, in which the bride and groom's name were called for three weeks at church. At these callings objections could be made to a marriage. They record the bride and groom's parish of residence, which may be recorded differently in the marriage register.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Marriages (1659-1935)

A name index linked to images of marriage registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the marriage of over 250,000 people.

Tadcaster Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Tadcaster Burials (BTs) (1804-1859)

A name index linked to original images of the burial registers of the church. Records document an individual's date of death and/or burial, age residence and more.

Tadcaster Burials (1716-1886)

Digital images of burial registers, searchable by a name index. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Burials (1646-1985)

A name index linked to images of burial registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the death and burial of over 170,000 people.

St Mary, Tadcaster Burial Records (1813-1837)

An index of burials recorded at St Mary, Tadcaster_. The index includes the name of the deceased, the date of burial, age (where available) and occasionally other notes.

Tadcaster Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Yorkshire Electoral Registers (1840-1962)

An index to and images of registers listing over 22.5 million names of those who were registered to vote. The records list name, address and qualification to vote.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

Newspapers Covering Tadcaster

Leeds Times (1833-1901)

This fully searchable newspaper will provide a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Leeds district. Includes family announcements.

Leeds Mercury (1807-1900)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Leeds district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

York Herald (1801-1900)

A searchable newspaper providing a rich variety of information about the people and places of the York district. Includes obituaries and family announcements.

Leeds Intelligencer (1754-1866)

Fully text-searchable articles from a local newspaper covering the Leeds district. It includes family announcements, obituaries, court proceedings, business notices and more.

Yorkshire Evening Post (1890-1903)

This fully searchable newspaper will provide a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Yorkshire district. Includes family announcements.

Tadcaster Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Derbyshire Will Index (1858-1928)

An index to wills, proved by the Derby Probate Registry. Index includes name, residence and year of probate. Contains entries for Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and other counties.

Tadcaster Immigration & Travel Records

West Yorkshire Removal & Settlement Records (1689-1866)

An index to and images of over 14,000 records detailing the removal and settlement of people between parishes in West Yorkshire.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Tadcaster Military Records

West Riding Yorkshire Territorials in the Great War (1908-1919)

Three books detailing the unit's history from the period before and during WWI. Also contains a list of members, with dates of service and a roll of honours and awards.

West Yorkshire Militia Records (1779-1826)

Digital images of records that record those serving in and assessed for service in the militia and details of payments for the militia. The records can be searched by a name index.

North East War Memorials (1882-1951)

An inventory of memorials commemorating those who served and died in military conflicts.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Roll of Officers of the York and Lancaster Regiment (1756-1884)

Lists of officers by rank, regiment and name.

West Yorkshire Electoral Registers (1840-1962)

An index to and images of registers listing over 22.5 million names of those who were registered to vote. The records list name, address and qualification to vote.

West Yorkshire Prison Records (1801-1914)

Digital images of various documents, searchable by an index of over 335,000 names. The records include registers that record prisoners' names, ages, occupation, crimes, criminal history, education, religion, genealogical information and more.

West Yorkshire Bastardy Records (1690-1914)

Records of over 14,000 illegitimate births, which will typically name the child's father.

West Yorkshire Coroners Notebooks (1852-1909)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording over 19,000 deaths deemed suspicious or otherwise worth investigating.

West Yorkshire Poor Law Records (1663-1914)

Records details of the distribution of funds to the poor, churchwardens' records, maintenance for illegitimate child and other similar records.

Tadcaster Taxation Records

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Riding of Yorkshire Poll Book (1835)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

West Riding of Yorkshire Hearth Tax (1672)

A transcription of records naming those who had taxes levied against them for the privilege of owning a hearth.

West Riding of Yorkshire Hearth Tax (1672)

A name index to records recording taxes levied against owners of hearths in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Tadcaster Land & Property Records

West Yorkshire Tax Valuation (1910)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of records recording over 600,000 properties in West Yorkshire, their owner, occupier, description and details of their taxable value.

West Riding of Yorkshire Poll Book (1835)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

West Yorkshire Land Tax Records (1704-1932)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registered recording almost 4 million tax payments on properties. They record land owners, occupiers, taxable value and sometimes a description of the property.

West Riding Domesday Extracts (1066)

Extracts for West Riding settlements found in the Domesday book. Includes the modern & 11th century place name, land owners and details of later history.

Poll Book for Yorkshire (1868)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Tadcaster Directories & Gazetteers

York & Ainsty Directory (1822)

A directory of York & the Ainsty district, detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1927)

A directory of settlements in the riding detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1908)

Descriptions of physical and geological landmarks, a listing of government offices and descriptions of the villages & parishes, including a list of the private Descriptions of physical and geological landmarks, a listing of government offices and descriptions of the villages & parishes, including a list of the private residents..

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1897)

A directory of the riding detailing its history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of West Riding (1893)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Tadcaster Cemeteries

West Riding Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of West Riding's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Yorkshire Graves Index (1408-2003)

An index to close to 150,000 names listed on gravestones in Yorkshire.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Tadcaster Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Tadcaster Histories & Books

History & Antiquities of Lower Wharfedale (0-1902)

Various articles of history from the Lower Wharfdale area of Yorkshire.

West Riding Domesday Extracts (1066)

Extracts for West Riding settlements found in the Domesday book. Includes the modern & 11th century place name, land owners and details of later history.

Yorkshire Domesday Records (1086)

An English translation of Yorkshire domesday records. This transcripts details the county's landowners in 1086.

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

North-East Diary (1939-1945)

A chronicle of happenings in the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire relating to the war in Europe. Contains much detail on ship building.

Tadcaster School & Education Records

West Yorkshire Reformatory School Records (1856-1914)

Digital images, searchable by a name index, of registers recording admission, residence and discharges for schools that aimed to reform criminal youths. A great deal of detail may be gleaned on over 9,000 individual, including genealogical details, employment record and photographs.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Tadcaster Occupation & Business Records

West Yorkshire Police Records (1833-1914)

Digital images of registers recording appointments, promotions, disciplinary actions, transfers, applications, injuries and more. The records can be searched by an index of over 32,000 names.

West Yorkshire Occupation Records (1793-1930)

An index to and images of occupational records. They may list name, residence, age, birth date, occupation, date of employment, employer, and marital status. Certificates of fitness for employment can include parents’ names.

West Yorkshire Alehouse Licences (1771-1962)

An index to and images of over 75,000 alehouse licences, listing name of the person who held the licence, the name and location of the public house, dates the licence was issued and renewed, and whether the licence was transferred.

West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Records (1627-1894)

An index to and images of around 7,000 apprenticeship records. They may list name, age, parents' names, master's name, trade, date, residence, terms of apprenticeship and more.

Collieries of The North (1869-1991)

Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Tadcaster

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Tadcaster Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

West Riding Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of West Riding's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Victoria County History: Yorkshire (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The Visitation of Yorkshire: 1584-5 (1000-1585)

Pedigrees compiled from a late 16th century heraldic visitation of Yorkshire. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

The Visitation of Yorkshire: 1612 (1000-1612)

Pedigrees compiled from a early 17th century heraldic visitation of Yorkshire. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

Tadcaster Church Records

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Parish Registers (1656-1985)

A name index linked to images of birth and baptism registers from West Yorkshire non-conformist churches. These records document the birth or baptism of over 275,000 people.

West Yorkshire Non-conformist Membership Records (1772-1973)

Tens of thousands of entries from non-conformist records detailing churches' membership. Records can include details such as date & place of birth, residence, familial relations and occupations. Records are indexed by name and connected to original images.

West Yorkshire Bastardy Records (1690-1914)

Records of over 14,000 illegitimate births, which will typically name the child's father.

West Yorkshire Parish Registers (1512-1538)

Digital images of registers that record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth; marriages and burials. The registers can be searched by name and can help establish links between individuals back to the 16th century.

Yorkshire Parish Registers & Bishop's Transcripts (1538-2001)

Digital images of baptism, marriage and burial registers from Church of England places of worship in Yorkshire.

Biographical Directories Covering Tadcaster

Yorkshire Who's Who (1912)

A listing of the prominent residents of the county of Yorkshire, giving details on family, education, careers, hobbies, associations and more. Also includes details on the county's government officials, military officers, members of parliament, religious leaders and demographics.

Officers of The Green Howards (1688-1931)

Biographies of hundreds of men who served as officers in The Green Howards, an infant regiment in the King's Division. Details given include parentage, date of birth, military career and later professional career.

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Tadcaster Maps

Maps of Yorkshire (1407-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

Collery Maps of The North (1807-1951)

A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Tadcaster Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Tadcaster is situated upon both sides of the river Wharfe, and is supposed to have been the Roman station denominated Calcaria, or Calcacester. Part of it is in the Ainsty of York and liberty of St. Peter. The middle of the bridge is the boundary between the West Riding and the Ainsty. In the Civil Wars of England, Tadcaster was always regarded as a post of great importance, and its possession often contested. In the bloody field of Towton, near this place, during the dreadful contest between the Houses of York and Lancaster, it has been observed, "the folly of a nation was fully exhibited; and between 30 and 40,000 Englishmen fell in deciding the question, whether a tyrant or an idiot should be their master." Tadcaster has an hospital and free school, called the School and Hospital of Jesus Christ, founded by Dr. Oglethorp, bishop of Carlisle, who crowned Queen Elizabeth; but was afterwards deprived of his see for refusing to change his religion.

The present noble stone bridge was built more than a century ago.

Tadcaster is at present a neat well-built pleasant town, containing a population of nearly 1800 persons. It has a good market on Wednesday. On the south side of the river Wharfe here, was formerly a castle.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

TADCASTER, formerly called “Langburgh,” is an ancient, clean and well-built market and union town, head of a county court district and parish, on the high road from London to York and on that from York to Leeds, situated in a fertile, well-wooded and picturesque district, abounding in delightful walks along the hanks of the Wharfe and in the immediate neighbourhood, with stations in the town and at Stutton on the Harrogate branch of the North Eastern railway: the town is 14 miles north-east from Leeds, 175 ½ from London, 9 south-west from York, 7 south-east from Wetherby and 14 north from Pontefract, in the division of Barkston Ash, rural deanery of Selby and archdeaconry and diocese of York. The parish consists of Tadcaster West and Stutton-cum-Hazlewood, Tadcaster East and Oxton, in the west division of the Ainsty of York: the Ainsty is now a part of the West Riding for most civil purposes, but voters in it poll for the North Riding: the town consists of the townships of East and West Tadcaster, and is pleasantly situated on both sides of the river Wharfe, anciently called” Guert,” which separates Tadcaster East from Tadcaster West, and is navigable for vessels of 50 tons; the spring tides flow up to the bridge, and in wet seasons the banks of the river are overflowed: this bridge, consisting of 9 arches, is supposed to have been built about the beginning of the eighteenth century, out of the ruins of the castle, which stood on a hill on the north-west side of the town.

The church of St. Mary, thoroughly restored in 1877 at a cost of upwards of £8,000, is a large and handsome stone building in the Gothic style of the fifteenth century, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles and a tower containing 6 fine bells, dating from 1780: a font of Caen stone, set on five beautiful marble shafts, has been presented by C. I. Ramsden esq. in memory of his father. The register dates from 1570, and is in good condition. The living is a vicarage, yearly nett value £220 with residence, in the gift of Colonel Fairfax and held by the Rev. Theophilus Clarke B.A. of Corpus Christi college, Cambridge. The tithe commutation for the whole parish is £172 4s. 6d.; the great tithes belong to C. Shann esq. the representative of the late Alfred Harris esq. Edward Todd esq. and others.

There are chapels for Catholics, Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists.

The cemetery, situated about half a mile from the town, on the Leeds road, was opened in January, 1876, and is 6 ½ acres in extent, with two mortuary chapels and porter’s lodge.

There are malt kilns, three breweries, a large corn mill and stone quarries.

Tadcaster is the station of the”K” company, 1st West York Rifle Volunteers, mustering 60 men, commanded by Capt. B. Blaydes Thompson, late of H.M. 38th foot, who have here a drill shed and armoury; the head quarters of the regiment being at York.

Monday is now the market day, but the market is very inconsiderable; there is a cattle fair every alternate Monday, and a statute fair for hiring servants is held in November.

The Town Hall was erected by the late Lord Londesborough. The Kirkgate Room was built by Charles Shann esq. and the Petty sessions were transferred here from the Town Hall, in May, 1880.

The Dawsoli charity, arising from Tunds bequeathed by Mrs. Dawson who died December 2, 1796, provides for twenty annuitants, being widows for spinsters above thirty years, ten of whom, have £15, each, and the remaining ten £10 a yean each, with £3 additional to every annuitant in lieu of a house.

Tadcaster is supposed to have been the “Calcaria” of the Romans, and to have taken its name from the calx, or limestone, which abounds in the neighbourhood, the Romans considering this place as one of the outposts to the city of York, their chief military station in this district. The Roman road of Agricola from London to Edinburgh, still called the Roman Ridge, runs through the township of Tadcaster, and crosses the Wharfe at a place called St. Helen’s Ford, near Walton; there are also traces of a Roman entrenchment round the town, and many ancient coins have been found. Tadcaster has always been regarded as an importait military station, and in the Civil Wars of England this town and its neighbourhood were the scenes of great military operations. Within three miles of Tadcaster, between the villages of Towton and Saxton, on Palm Sunday, 2sth March, 1461, was fought the great battle between the houses of York and Lancaster, which displaced Henry VI. and elevated Edward IV. to the throne: the Yorkist forces, tinder the King and the Earl of Warwick, numbered 40,000 men; those of the Lancastrians, with whom were Queen Margaret and the Duke of Somerset, amounting to 60,000; While the Yorkists were advancing to the charge there happened a great fall of snow, which, driving full in the face of their enemies, blinded then; Lord Falconberg, who led the van in Edward's army, taking ad vantage of this accident, ordered a body of infantry to advance before the line, who, after having sent a volley of arrows amongst the enemy, immediately retired, when the Lancastrians, imagining themselves within reach of the opposite army, discharged all their arrows, which fell short of the Yorkists; Edward then, advancing his whole line, decided the combat by the sword, and orders having been issued before thé battle to show no quarter, the routed Lancastrians were pursued with dreadful slaughter towards Tadcaster Bridge, but, despairing of reaching it, they turned aside towards the Cock, a small rivulet which runs into the river Wharfe, half a mile below the town; the bed of the rivulet, was soon filled with human bodies, over which, as a bridge, pursuers and pursued fled and fought; the slaughter at this point was tremendous; and in the battle and retreat not less than 30,000 men were slain.

During the struggle of the Royalists against the Parliament of England, the Earl, of Newcastle, on his appointment in 1642 to the command of the King's army, advanced from York with 4,000 men and seven pieces of cannon, to attack the town of Tadcaster, where the Parliamentary general, Sir Thomas Fairfax, was posted with 700 troops. The earl began his attack about eleven in the morning, and continued without intermission until dusk, during which time 40,000 musket shots were discharged, besides artillery fire; but the slaughter bore no proportion to the shot expended, since the number killed on both sides did not exceed 300. The ammunition of the Royalists failing, they were obliged to desist from the assault, in expectation of a fresh supply from York on the following morning; but during the night Sir Thomas Fairfax, who, from the great disparity of numbers, felt disinclined to renew the engagement, drew off his men to Selby and Cawood, and on the following morning the Royalists, marched into Tadcaster without opposition, the only person of any nots who fell in this encounter being Captain Lister.

In 1714 Henry O’Bryen, last Earl of Thomond, in Ireland, was created Baron and Viscount Tadcaster, but dying without issue in 1742, the title became extinct. Tadcaster was formerly in the possession of the family of Percy, Earls of Northumberland; devolving in 1755 upon Lady Elizabeth Percy, sole heiress of the Percy family, who married, as her 2nd husband, Charles, commonly called the “Proud” Duke of Somerset; in the church of Tadcaster previous to, its restoration in 1877 there was a carved new with this inscription: -” This same pew belongeth to their, Graces ye Duke and Duchess of Somerset.” There was issue of this marriage several children, but only one son survived, who, dying childless, the dukedom became extinct; but the earldom of Egremont, not being limited to heirs male, descended to the eldest daughter, who married Sir William Wyndham, Chaniellor of the Exchequer, secretary-at-War fend Privy Councillor in the reign of Queen Anne, whose descendant, Colonel George Wyndham, of Petworth. Sussex, created Lord Leconfield, sold the manor of Tadcaster, the advowson and a considerable estate to the Right Hon Lord Londesborough, and it was again purchased in 1874 by John Fielden esq. of Dob Royd, Todmorden.

Colonel Fairfax, who is lord of the minor, Charles Shann esq. John Fielden esq. Mr. Smith and the Rev. E. H. Brooksbank are the principal landowners. The soil is clay and limestone; subsoil magnesian limestone. The chief crops are wheat, barley, oats and turnips.

The area of Tadcaster West is 1,497 acres, and of Tadcaster East 580 acres; rateable value of Tadcaster West £5,937, and of Tadcaster East £2,126; and the population in 1871 of Tadcaster West 1,561, and of Tadcaster East 822; the entire area of the parish is 4,080 acres; the population in 1871, 2,715.

Petty sessions held every alternate Monday in the Kirkgate room. Places in the division are Angram, Appleton, Roebuck, Bilbrough, Bolton Percy, Catterton, Colton, Grimston, Healaugh, Hutton, Kirkby Wharfe-cum-Milford, Marston, Newton Kyme-cum-Toulston, Oxton, Steeton, Stutton-cum-Hazlewood, Tadcaster East, Tadcaster West, Towton, Ulleskelf, Wighill.

Tadcaster Union

Tadcaster union comprises the following 41 townships: -Aberford, Acaster Selby, Allerton Bywater, Appleton Roebuck, Askham Bryan, Austhorpe, Barkstone Ash, Barwick-in-Elmet, Bilborough, Bolton Percy, Catterton, Colton, Garforth. Grimston, Healaugh, Huddleston-cum-Lumby, Kippax, Kirk Fenton, Kirkby Wharfe-with-North Milford, Lead Hall, Ledsham, Ledstone, Lotherton-cum-Aberford, Micklefield, Newthorpe, Newton Kyme, Oxton, Parlington, Preaton (Great & Little), Ryther-with-Ozendyke, Saxton-with-Scarthingwell, Sherburn, South Milford, Steeton, Sturton Grange, Stutton-cum-Hazlewood, Swillington, Towton, Tadcaster (East), Tadcaster (West) & Ulleskelf; rateable value, £168,251.

Board day, every alternate Monday.

Places of Wohship:—

St. Mary's Church, Rev. Theophilus Clarks B.A. vicar; Rev. Joseph M. Lambert B.A. curate.

Primitive Methodist Chapel, Tadcaster East, Rev. George Hunter, minister.

Catholic Chapel, St. Joseph street, Rev. Augustin Collingwood, priest.

Wesleyan Chapel, High street, Rev. Edward Parry & Rev. John Mackintosh, ministers.

Inghamite Chapel, William Dixon.

Schools: -

The Grammer School, situated in the Churchyard, was founded in 1558, by Owen Oglethorpe, Bishop or Carlisle. A scheme for its management was issued by the Charity Commissioners in 1877 & has recently come into operation; the old school house is now (1880) being rebuilt for the reception of boarders, William Callum B.A. master.

Catholic, St. Joseph St. Miss Alice Shernington, mistress.

Dawson’s Charity, a schema for this school, involving the establishment of a Middle Class school for girls, is now under consideration by the Charity Commissioners.

Board schools, Wetherby road, erected in 1877, at a cost of £4,000 (boys), Philip Howell, master; (girls) Miss Hannah Merrywheather; (infants), Miss Ellen Walker & Miss Mary Hitchen

Catholic, Wingate hilly Stutton, erected with a house for the mistress in 1877, in place of the old premises, built in 1831, & will hold 60 children, Mrs. Mary Atkinson, mistress.

Kelly's Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire (1881)

Most Common Surnames in Tadcaster

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Barkstone Ash Wapentake
1Smith941:320.20%1
2Brown511:580.30%7
3Atkinson311:960.32%21
4Birdsall271:1105.93%1,060
5Johnson261:1150.19%12
5Thompson261:1150.16%9
5Simpson261:1150.30%27
8Robinson251:1190.12%4
8Freer251:1198.77%1,577
10Calvert221:1350.78%144
11Wilson211:1420.09%3
11Fowler211:1420.96%216
11Bilbrough211:14210.05%2,010
11Grimston211:14226.25%3,820
15Harrison201:1490.15%10
15Ward201:1490.18%15
15Ellerbeck201:14944.44%5,518
18Marshall191:1570.21%24
19Taylor181:1650.08%2
20Richardson171:1750.21%30
20Powell171:1750.88%254
20Nicholson171:1750.36%71
20Heneachon171:175100.00%10,286
24Watson161:1860.15%18
24Mortimer161:1860.87%275
24Stead161:1860.37%84
24Grimster161:186100.00%10,667
28Kendall151:1991.04%345
28Moverley151:19915.15%3,338
30Morton141:2130.47%134
30Backhouse141:2131.61%564
30Fairbourn141:21323.33%4,566
33Lee131:2290.16%31
33Lofthouse131:2290.98%372
33Sparling131:22910.16%2,848
33Swinden131:2297.43%2,276
33Moverly131:22948.15%7,669
38Green121:2480.13%26
38Pearson121:2480.15%29
38Hunter121:2480.45%157
38Gill121:2480.19%54
38Maddison121:2484.90%1,770
38Lazenby121:2481.22%503
38Larder121:24810.71%3,077
38Shilleto121:24835.29%6,597
46Wright111:2710.09%14
46Jackson111:2710.07%8
46Cooper111:2710.15%42
46Chambers111:2710.57%254
46Varley111:2710.52%223
46Farrar111:2710.41%155
46Scholefield111:2711.80%801
46Jakeman111:27111.96%3,487
46Blanshard111:2714.72%1,844
55Clarke101:2980.26%100
55Fletcher101:2980.19%66
55West101:2980.45%211
55Riley101:2980.22%79
55Hodgson101:2980.13%37
55Banks101:2980.56%283
55Rawlings101:2984.98%2,068
55Holliday101:2981.17%577
55Tindall101:2981.27%627
55Bywater101:2981.73%850
55Corcoran101:2984.39%1,880
55Nettleton101:2981.06%526
55Liversedge101:2982.26%1,090
55Ruddy101:29813.16%3,934
69Scott91:3310.13%47
69Allen91:3310.25%108
69Parker91:3310.12%39
69Dixon91:3310.15%56
69Henderson91:3310.87%482
69Hudson91:3310.12%44
69Hardy91:3310.28%129
69Dickinson91:3310.26%113
69Lancaster91:3310.65%358
69Clough91:3310.36%175
69Rawson91:3310.71%390
69Hick91:3311.18%642
69Diamond91:33114.75%4,512
69Thomlinson91:3317.20%2,891
69Bootland91:3318.74%3,257
69Cammidge91:3319.47%3,426
69Catmul91:331100.00%15,484
86Newton81:3720.25%127
86Long81:3720.49%309
86Hewitt81:3720.42%266
86Kirby81:3720.38%227
86Eastwood81:3720.24%126
86Horner81:3720.32%176
86Pool81:3721.61%980
86Hardcastle81:3720.46%291
86Snowden81:3720.67%422
86Poulter81:3722.07%1,209
86Trafford81:3728.70%3,487
86Woolford81:3728.08%3,338
86Brooksbank81:3721.07%652
86Kettlewell81:3721.28%782
86Cumberland81:37211.27%4,108
86Westmoreland81:3723.38%1,815
86Sunley81:3722.55%1,448
86Callum81:37216.00%5,135
86Brownbridge81:3725.10%2,454
86Blackstone81:37213.11%4,512
86Toes81:3725.71%2,678
86Caveny81:37233.33%8,268
86Ridsdill81:37213.11%4,512
86Leneachon81:372100.00%16,907
110Walker71:4250.04%5
110Clark71:4250.09%40
110Mason71:4250.16%88
110Hart71:4250.47%332
110Potter71:4250.42%299
110Clayton71:4250.17%91
110Dale71:4250.32%212
110Pickering71:4250.27%166
110Best71:4250.55%388
110Ireland71:4251.29%900
110Lyons71:4251.00%691
110Leonard71:4250.99%683
110Eccles71:4250.82%575
110Laurence71:4253.06%1,874
110Stones71:4250.59%426
110Beswick71:4252.80%1,739
110Larkin71:4253.98%2,268
110Farrington71:4254.46%2,454
110Swales71:4250.54%382
110Turpin71:4253.00%1,844
110Thackray71:4250.63%449
110Shipman71:4253.33%2,001
110Feeney71:4255.26%2,783
110Irish71:42512.96%4,889
110Hawkin71:4255.15%2,742
110Star71:42536.84%9,581
110Tipling71:4255.65%2,908
110Braime71:4259.59%4,038
110Grenwood71:42524.14%7,307
110Trestran71:425100.00%18,720
110Carons71:425100.00%18,720
141Jones61:4960.09%50
141White61:4960.08%43
141Moore61:4960.10%53
141Barker61:4960.06%19
141Dawson61:4960.08%46
141Morrison61:4960.83%673
141Shepherd61:4960.22%149
141Burgess61:4960.76%618
141Gardner61:4961.11%906
141Hopkins61:4961.17%946
141Stephenson61:4960.11%58
141Coleman61:4960.99%816
141Blake61:4961.13%916
141Howell61:4961.18%961
141Noble61:4960.24%177
141Ritchie61:4964.00%2,531
141Beaumont61:4960.12%69
141Beckett61:4960.74%606
141Ramsden61:4960.18%116
141Waddington61:4960.26%201
141Drury61:4960.66%543
141Caldwell61:49610.53%4,711
141Hook61:4962.88%2,016
141Laycock61:4960.22%154
141March61:4962.26%1,657
141O'Donnell61:4961.60%1,246
141Devine61:4962.86%2,001
141Appleyard61:4960.31%256
141Shannon61:4964.23%2,648
141Brittain61:4961.77%1,346
141Pick61:4962.00%1,506
141Carrol61:4964.84%2,908
141Viney61:49627.27%8,765
141Goodhall61:4961.86%1,418
141Powel61:4968.45%4,108
141Divine61:49614.29%5,769
141Bickers61:4969.38%4,379
141O'Donald61:49620.69%7,307
141Styan61:4963.28%2,203
141Shearsmith61:4965.50%3,137
141Thackwray61:4963.35%2,245
141Tillott61:49630.00%9,271
141Caveney61:49614.29%5,769
141Huscroft61:4965.71%3,218
141Brashaw61:49621.43%7,499
141Cundill61:49610.34%4,668
141Addinell61:49613.64%5,597
141Briscombe61:49635.29%10,286
141Bromet61:49650.00%12,789
141Hullay61:49650.00%12,789
141Howdell61:49646.15%12,159
192Hill51:5960.07%41
192Gray51:5960.15%123
192Foster51:5960.06%35
192Payne51:5960.59%579
192Armstrong51:5960.34%335
192Parry51:5961.63%1,484
192Middleton51:5960.20%169
192Sutherland51:5962.15%1,844
192Steel51:5960.26%263
192Welsh51:5960.71%692
192Hurst51:5960.63%624
192Sharpe51:5960.49%484
192Chamberlain51:5961.99%1,734
192Terry51:5960.48%474
192Holdsworth51:5960.13%99
192Waterhouse51:5960.27%272
192Gallagher51:5960.84%827
192Crosby51:5960.71%683
192Mitchel51:5961.16%1,107
192Kane51:5966.67%3,964
192Spink51:5960.48%475
192McNamara51:5962.73%2,203
192Lowther51:5960.98%962
192Younger51:5968.62%4,668
192Pawson51:5960.65%636
192Bolland51:5961.42%1,305
192Constantine51:5961.75%1,567
192Houseman51:5961.73%1,554
192Utley51:5961.42%1,305
192Littlechild51:59641.67%12,789
192Luty51:5961.89%1,660
192Cone51:59612.20%5,875
192Rafter51:5969.09%4,820
192Leddy51:59671.43%18,720
192Bollands51:59621.74%8,503
192Sumpner51:59611.36%5,597
192Greenshaw51:59621.74%8,503
192Gowshall51:59650.00%14,395
192Husker51:59623.81%9,004
192Standige51:59638.46%12,159
192Coultass51:59662.50%16,907
192Wincop51:596100.00%24,127