Bedale has been in existence for many centuries - the finding of Roman stones and the early Saxon church indicate a relatively thriving township before the Norman invasion.

In existence before the Norman invasion, change came very slowly to Bedale and until 1716 many of the buildings in Bedale were of timber, wattle and daub construction. Bedale was a busy industrial town before the 'Industrial Revolution' really began. In the latter half of the 1700s, some of the town's industrial wealth was spent on improving buildings and conditions and the Bedale to be seen today is still very much of that time. (Extract from 'The Heritage Trail')

The town continues to thrive with a bustling Market Place hosting the weekly Tuesday market. This market is derived from the granting of its Market Charter in 1251 by Henry III. The Market Place has interesting shops, many with original Georgian facades, and large areas of free parking with original cobblestones.

A 'feel' for Bedale's history can be experienced by following the Heritage Trail. Leaflets can be obtained from the local tourist information centre or viewed on line by clicking here.