Settle

 "Dwelling" 
from the Old English 'Setl' meaning a seat, an abode, a dwelling. Probably used to indicate a lofty setting
Ref: Key to English Place-names - University of Nottingham
 
Settle is an ancient market town with a market charter first granted by Henry III in 1249.
 
The town is located at the gateway to Upper Ribblesdale at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
 
 Immediately overlooking the town is Castleberg, a 206 feet (63 m) limestone crag.
 
Current population is approx. 2600.
 
Settle was originally connected to neighbouring villages and towns via pack-horse trails and drovers roads.

In the early 1800s, Settle became an important town on the Keighley and Kendal Turnpike.
 
In 1847 the town was connected to the railway network with Settle Station being built on the 'little' North-Western Railway. This station is now known as Giggleswick Station. The Settle-Carlisle Railway opened in 1875 with a 'new' Settle Station built closer to the town centre.
 
In the late 18th-century cotton spinning became the town's main employment with five mills employing 333 people.
 
There are 76 listed buildings in the town, including The Folly (Grade I), Victoria Hall, The Shambles, Town Hall, Settle Station, Ye Olde Naked Man Café and The Golden Lion Inn (all Grade II).
 
Much of Settle is designated as a Conservation Area, notable for the survival of many 17th and 18th-century buildings, including stone cottages and fine houses around steep lanes and narrow 'ginnels'. The sinuous route of the 17th-century turnpike road helped to shape Settle and the historic street pattern, centred on the Market Place, still survives and the unbroken street frontages are an essential element of Settle's historic character.
 
Settle retains its historic role as the area's commercial hub and has a thriving range of independent shops, post office, solicitors, accountants, estate agents, places to eat, places to stay and places to be entertained. The town also has a doctor's surgery, dental surgery, veterinary practice, primary school, college, swimming pool and public library.


FIND OUT MORE:

Wikipedia >>

Settle Town Council >>