One imagines Osmotherley nestled snugly beneath the western fringes of the North York Moors. However, when seen from Green Lane, situated high to the east of the village, it becomes apparent that it occupies a rather exposed position, vulnerable to the gusts of southwesterly winds that sweep across the Vale of Mowbray. The dry fields evoke to me a scenery that exudes a certain Southern European charm. But not charming for the farmers.
Some nine centuries ago, this village bore the name of ‘Asmundrelac,’ meaning Asmund’s clearing. Bustling markets and lively fairs once animated the heart of the village, where remnants of the ancient market cross still command attention, standing alongside the stone table that once served as a market stall. The cross itself was replaced in 1874.
Many of the quaint stone cottages of Osmotherley were initially built to accommodate mill workers. The waters of Cod Beck, in times gone by, powered several mill-wheels. During the 1800s, Cote Ghyll, now the Youth Hostel, served as a flax mill, producing linen that found purpose in sailcloth and even as a covering for the wings of early aircraft. Downstream, a fulling mill could be found. To ensure dry feet while bleaching the cloth, the mill workers donned clogs fashioned with soles made of alder wood.
Familiar to all walkers of the Cleveland Way, the concealed old Methodist Chapel, tucked away in an alleyway, stands as one of the earliest buildings of its kind. It is rumoured that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once delivered a sermon from the stone table in the village square.
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