Sutton Bank is not only one of the “finest views in England,” according to All Creatures Great and Small novelist James Herriot, aka Alf Wight, but it also holds important historic stories too – and they’re set to be explored in a new archaeology project.
The Iron Age and Nazi involvement will be the focus of the ‘Raiding the Bank’ project, which aims to explore Sutton Bank in the North York Moors National Park, hoping to draw out stories and learn more about the historic events that occurred here.
For those who don’t know, Sutton Bank is the highest point of the Hambleton Hills, taking you to Thirsk and Scarborough via hairpin bends and steep roads. It offers breathtaking views and is a popular tourist spot for most of the year.
Back in the 14th century, it was the site of an Iron Age hill fort, and in the 1930s it was used for training German pilots. A number of ground surveys will be carried out over the next three years to learn more about the events in its past.
Discussing the area, the National Park Authority project officer Steve Collison said: “The sheer number of heritage sites within a small area is quite unusual.
“From the Iron Age Hillfort at Roulston Scar, dating from around 400 BC, to the dummy airfield of the Second World War, our timeline stretches back across history. We also have the Norman Motte that was located on the prominent Hood Hill, and then in October 1322, what is likely the bloodiest date of all, the Battle of Byland.”
“We’re also delving into local archives, particularly those relating to the fascinating past of the Yorkshire Gliding Club. With the help of volunteers, we’ll be carrying out archaeological fieldwalking, geophysical surveys, and small targeted excavations.”
Now, thanks to a grant of more than £280k from National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative, a three-year project entitled ‘Raiding the Bank’ will investigate the standout moments in the history of this iconic landmark and the surrounding area.
During the 1930s, many German glider pilots travelled to Sutton Bank for training, meaning that when war broke out, there was concern this familiarity would lead to it being a target for Nazi invasion. Defensive features, including trenches, were therefore built, and a dummy aerodrome containing fake planes was constructed just to the north, designed to divert bombing from genuine airfields.
The National Park Authority will work closely with Yorkshire Gliding Club and Forestry England during the project, along with Historic England and The Battlefields Trust.
Alongside the archaeological investigations, the project will see accessibility improvements around Sutton Bank National Park Centre, opening up the area to more people with additional requirements. Work will also be carried out on the paths at Hood Hill Motte. As the project sits in what is an important area for wildlife and biodiversity, two ponds will be built to benefit a multitude of species, including the threatened turtle dove.
Read More: 9 Idyllic North York Moors Villages To Visit
Feature Image Credit: North York Moors National Park Authority
