LEYBOURN, a market-town in the parish of WENSLEY,
western division of the wapentake of HANG, North
riding of the county of YORK, 46 miles (N. W. by W.)
from York, and 236 (N.N.W.) from London, containing
810 inhabitants. This town is pleasantly situated in
a fertile and picturesque district; adjacent to it, along
a continued ridge of rocks, is Leyburn Sparol, one of
the finest natural terraces in the kingdom. It is well
built, and consists principally of an oblong square,
which forms the market-place. The mineral productions
in the vicinity are lead, coal, and lime. The market
is on Friday; fairs are held on the second Fridays
in February, May, October, and December, and are
noted for large sales of cattle. There are places of worship
for Independents and Wesleyan Methodists, also
a Roman Catholic chapel. A school is supported by
voluntary contributions; and various benefactions have
been made for apprenticing poor children, and other
charitable purposes.