Bones in the market place, an odd name, plenty of beer, sheep and creative people - where? Masham - it’s ‘peculier’…
The ‘peculier’ bit doesn’t relate to its folk (although…) but to medieval times when the Archbishop of York couldn’t be bothered to travel to Masham to oversee its affairs. So Masham was designated a ‘peculier’ with its own court and government. It’s now better known as the home of Black Sheep Brewery and Theakston Brewery, which created Old Peculier beer.
Masham’s other claim to fame is its large market place, once used for huge sheep sales when up to 40,000 sheep were sold. At the end of September every year, Masham Sheep Fair still attracts sheep farmers and visitors to marvel at the many different breeds of sheep on show, and to enjoy the sheep races.
Elegant Georgian houses, shops and cafes stand around the market place square, with an ancient cross and cobbled area at its centre. Some years ago a pile of bones was found: it's thought there was once a Viking burial ground in the Little Market Place, now commemorated by a blue plaque on the wall of the Visit Masham offices. They were re-interred in St. Mary's Church which is well worth a visit in its own right.
Visitors often call Masham “mash’em” but its name is pronounced "Massam", meaning Massa's ham - a Saxon chieftain's farmstead. Locals will quickly correct you if you get it wrong or call the market town a 'village'!
Masham is home to many creative people. Artist Josie Beszant recently celebrated 30 years since she first opened the wonderful Masham Gallery. Other local Masham artists include Ian Scott Massie (whose work you'll find in Masham Gallery) Maureen and Tim at Uredale Glass, the Nolon Stacey Gallery, and sculptor Gaynor Pearson. You can learn creative skills at ArtisOn or see craft work on display at Fleece. If you’d rather enjoy your art outdoors, look out for the two sculpture trails. One is known as the Leaves Walk and follows a route along the River Ure. The Swifts Trail is centred around the market square and roads leading from it. You’ll find it much easier to find them all if you pick up a leaflet from the Visit Masham office.
As you might expect in a market town famed for its beer, there are plenty of pubs - the White Bear, King’s Head, Bay Horse and Bruce Arms, as well as excellent cafes Bordar House Teas, Cafe on the Square and the Lunchbox. You can even learn to make your own gin at Spirit of Masham Gin Experience. Anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy a trip to Bah Humbugs and Joneva.
Photo of a misty Masham morning: Ian Whittaker