West Ayton Explained

Country:England
Coordinates:54.247°N -0.487°W
Official Name:West Ayton
Static Image:West Ayton 1 (Nigel Coates).jpg
Static Image Caption:Low Mill weir on the River Derwent
Population:881
Population Ref:(2011 census)
Civil Parish:West Ayton
Unitary England:North Yorkshire
Lieutenancy England:North Yorkshire
Region:Yorkshire and the Humber
Constituency Westminster:Scarborough and Whitby
Post Town:SCARBOROUGH
Postcode District:YO13
Postcode Area:YO
Os Grid Reference:SE986847

West Ayton is a village and civil parish in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire, England. Located upon the west bank of the River Derwent adjacent to East Ayton.

According to the 2011 UK census, West Ayton parish had a population of 881, an increase on the 2001 UK census figure of 831.[1]

The ruins of Ayton castle can be found to the east of the village. The tower dates back to 1390 and was built by Ralph Eure. During the 1670s, stone from the castle was used to rebuild the bridge over the River Derwent.[2]

Just south of the village is the Wykeham Lakes park. This is a fishery and water-sports complex run by the Downe family's Dawnay Estates programme. The lakes are built on the site of a former First World War Royal Flying Corps airfield (known as West Ayton) that was used by No. 251 Squadron. The airfield was abandoned after 1919.[3] [4] [5] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2001 Census: Key Statistics: Parish Headcounts: Area: West Ayton CP (Parish) . 7 July 2008 . Neighbourhood Statistics . Office for National Statistics.
  2. Book: Salter , Mike . The Castles and Tower Houses of Yorkshire . 2001 .
  3. News: Murray. Kieron. Scarborough's own 'Total Wipeout' course set to open. 2 November 2017. The Scarborough News. 4 July 2017.
  4. Web site: The Wykeham and Danby Estates. wykehamlakes.co.uk. 2 November 2017.
  5. Web site: West Ayton - Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust UK. www.abct.org.uk. 2 November 2017.
  6. Book: Philpott. Ian M.. The Royal Air Force : an encyclopedia of the inter-war years. 2005. Pen & Sword Aviation. Barnsley. 1-84415-154-9. 246.