The exceptional and occasionally bloody history of Sutton Bank is to be explored as part of a new project that will involve community research, archaeological excavations, public events and volunteering opportunities.
Funded by a grant of more than £280,000 from National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative, a three-year project entitled "Raiding the Bank" will investigate standout moments in the history of the famous landmark, near Thirsk, and the surrounding area.
Steve Collison, who has recently been appointed as Raiding the Bank project officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “The sheer number of heritage sites within a small area is quite unusual.
“From the Iron Age Hillfort at Roulston Scar, dating from around 400BC, to the dummy airfield of the Second World War, our timeline stretches back across history. We also have the Norman Motte that was located on the prominent Hood Hill, and then in October 1322, what is likely the bloodiest date of all, the Battle of Byland.”
In 2022, a flurry of events took place to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Byland, a significant encounter fought during the Scottish Wars of Independence. This piqued interest in the area’s history and whether any physical evidence could be found to help tell its fascinating story.
“With the help of volunteers and community members, we’ll be carrying out archaeological fieldwalking, geophysical surveys, and small targeted excavations,” said Steve.
“We’re also delving into local archives, particularly those relating to the fascinating past of the Yorkshire Gliding Club.”
During the 1930s, many German glider pilots travelled to Sutton Bank for training, meaning that when war broke out, there was concern this familiarity would lead to it being a target for Nazi invasion. Defensive features, including trenches were therefore built, and a dummy aerodrome containing fake planes was constructed just to the north, designed to divert bombing from genuine airfields.
The National Park Authority will work closely with Yorkshire Gliding Club and Forestry England during the project, along with Historic England and The Battlefields Trust.
Alongside the archaeological investigations, the project will see accessibility improvements around Sutton Bank National Park Centre, opening-up the area to more people with additional requirements. Work will also be carried out on the paths at Hood Hill Motte.
Two ponds will be built to benefit a multitude of species, including the threatened turtle dove.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here