Tadcaster

Tadcaster is a market town and civil parish in the Selby district of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated approximately 3 miles (5 km) east from the Great North Road, 12 miles (19 km) north-east from Leeds, and 10 miles (16 km) south-west from York. The River Wharfe joins the River Ouse about 10 miles downstream from it.

History

Tadcaster was founded by the Romans, who named it Calcaria from the Latin word for lime, reflecting the importance of the area's limestone geology as a natural resource for quarrying, an industry which continues today and has contributed to many notable buildings including York Minster.

Economy

Tadcaster is known for its breweries, including the John Smith's Brewery, the largest in the UK, and the Samuel Smith's Old Brewery, which is the oldest brewery in Yorkshire. The town also has a growing retail and service sector.

Landmarks

Notable landmarks in Tadcaster include the viaduct, an important symbol of the town, and the Tadcaster Castle, a 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle.

Education

Tadcaster has a number of educational institutions, including Tadcaster Grammar School, a co-educational state secondary school, and three primary schools.

Sport

Tadcaster is home to Tadcaster Albion A.F.C., a football club, and Tadcaster Harriers, a road running club.

Transport

Tadcaster has good road links, being located on the A659, close to the A64, A1 and M1. The town was once served by Tadcaster railway station, but this closed in 1955.

See also

• List of breweries in England
• List of towns in England