IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Long Street, THIRSK, YO7 3PB

The Black Bull stood opposite the toll house on the way into the village from the south and west. In the 18th century it was the Half Moon. The pub closed to the public in 1982, after which it became a club attached to the caravan site.

A view from the Asenby side of the river, the bridge over the Swale being just visible. Beyond is St Columba's Church with the disused Methodist chapel to the right.

St Columba's and the Methodist Church on opposite sides of Church Street in Topcliffe.

The flood of late September was record breaking as the Swale rose to its highest level in at least 30 years, flooding the caravan park and its recently constructed reception building, as well as the old toll cottage across the road and the lower floors of Topcliffe Mill a few hundred metres upstream. After this photo was taken the waters rose at least another 30cm.

The small cottage in the foreground standing close to the road was built to collect tolls on the Boroughbridge to Northallerton and Darlington turnpike in the mid 18th century. Tolls charged ranged from 2 1/2d for one horse [approx 1p] to 2s 3d [11p] for 4 wheeled wagons drawn by 8 oxen or horse.

The River Swale is very high following a period of heavy rain that caused severe flooding over much of North Yorkshire. The chalets may just have been high enough to avoid being damaged in the flood.

Looking across the Swale towards the tower of St Columba's church in Topcliffe.

The Flush Bracket, series number 11566, is located on the northern parapet of the bridge at Topcliffe crossing the River Swale. The brass plate is at the eastern end of the bridge, and on the river side, not the road side.

This Flush Bracket, series number 11566, is located on the northern parapet of the bridge at Topcliffe crossing the River Swale. The brass plate is at the eastern end of the bridge, and on the river side, not the road side.

January 2021, and the river is somewhere near a normal level, having recently dropped from flood levels thanks to a spell of drier weather and icy conditions holding back water draining off fields etc. The Swale rarely flows with a consistent level. Being a spate river it either seems to be on the rise or the fall. Drought conditions can see it become so low that one could wade through it, whilst heavy rains upstream can cause it to flood into nearby fields and threaten the riverside holiday park.