Discover Howden

  In the 19th century, the Horse Fair which took place in the market square was renowned throughout Europe. Buyers travelled great distances to buy horses for their country's armouries. Today, a weekly market selling a colourful range of goods and produce takes place in the Shire Hall and the market place every Friday. The present market cross, replaced a gas lamp in 1909 but stands on a much older medival base.
Howden Marketplace
 
 Howden Minster

Dating back to the eighth century, the minster with its 135 foot tower dominates the landscape. The tower was built by Bishop Skirlaw, in about 1390. The Chancel collapsed during a thunderstorm on St. Stephen's Day 1696, the ruins remain today.
The Minster has an interesting history. It has attracted pilgrims, sounded the alarm for rebels to join The Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 and provided shelter in 1648 for Roundheads marching on route to Selby.
Howden Shire Hall



Situated in the centre of Howden in the Market Place, The Shire Hall was originally the Market Hall. The Hall, completed in 1872 was built with red brick and stone details, fishscale tiling, mullioned windows, a balcony and clock tower.
 The Hall is a regular venue for Howden-Live, theatre, entertainments and workshops. Information is available from the Shire Hall Office and following the links to Howden-Live
The Ashes 


The Ashes Cricket Ground and Playing Fields
 Originally part of the grounds of the manor and known as The Ashes from the 17th century, the playing fields were given to the people of Howden in 1925. 		 
 The letters APF (Ashes Playing Fields) can be seen on the Fruit House, picked out in medieval tracery. A children’s play area is a recent addition.  
The Bishop's Manor Bishops Manor
William the Conqueror gave the Manor of Howden to the Bishop of Durham in 1081. It  was frequented regularly by the Prince Bishops, its position making a convenient stop between Durham and London. In 1200 Howden was granted permission by King John to hold an annual fair.
 The fair took place in the courtyard of the Manor House. Today summer concerts can be enjoyed in the grounds of the Manor.
Howden Marsh is a local nature reserve and offers a tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of every day life. Many local people visit the marsh to either walk their dogs, go fishing, bird watch or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The recently renovated boardwalk has greatly improved access to the area, which offers nature lovers a chance to glimpse some of Howden’s wildlife. This natural habitat is home to ducks, moorhens, coots, finches and many other bird species.  		 
 During spring, frogs and toads populate the waters and a variety of fish, from perch to pike, live in the marsh all year round.
The Marsh is easily accessible from Howden Market Place. A short walk along Churchside, passing the Sculpture Sequence en route, leads onto St John’s Street and then towards the Marsh entrance		  

The Fruit House
Standing on a arched stone bridge above the moat, this tiny castellated building is an attractive mix of medieval masonry and 18th century brick.
Once surrounded by a large orchard, the harvested fruit was stored in the upper room and used in the kitchens of the Bishops Manor.
 

The idyllic setting of the beautifully manicured Ashes bowling greens is just a short walk from Howden Market Place. The pathways surrounding the greens can be accessed from one of the many entrances into the park, with car parking facilities available for park users.
Alongside the two bowling greens is a newly refurbished Multi Use Games Area, which supplies the town with a variety of sporting facilities, including tennis and basketball.
Mature trees, shrubs and plants offer year round colour and benches provide an ideal opportunity for visitors to stop and admire the view of the park’s gardens or to watch a game of bowls in progress.
The impressive backdrop is enhanced by glimpses of Howden Minster, which is visible from most areas within the park.