The
Knavesmire |
The annual
YHVG rally is held in Knavesmire, which is one of several large
undeveloped areas of marshy land within the city of York, England.
These areas are collectively known as the Strays, with
Knavesmire and Hob Moor forming
Micklegate Stray.
Situated in the south-west of York, some distance outside the historic
walls, Knavesmire's low-lying position makes it liable to severe
flooding in times of heavy rain, and consequently much of the land
remained undeveloped as the city expanded around it. |
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Today,
Knavesmire is best known for being the home of York Racecourse, one of the
premier courses in the UK. It’s most famous race is the annual Ebor
Handicap for three-year-old and above, which was first run in 1843 and
is now regarded as the most valuable handicap race of its kind in Europe.
For many years,
Knavesmire was the site of public hangings in York. The gallows were erected
in 1379, a few miles outside the city on the main southern approach road,
now known as the A1036 Tadcaster Road. Probably the most famous person to
be executed there was Dick Turpin, the legendary English rogue and
highwayman, who was hanged in 1739. By the beginning of the 19th century,
the local authorities felt that the gallows did not create a good first
impression for people visiting the city. The last hanging at Knavesmire was
in 1801, after which the gallows were moved to a more discreet (although
still public) location near the castle. A paved area with a small plaque
today marks the position in which the scaffold stood.
The
Knavesmire was also the site of York
Golf course for many years, and during the Second World War parts of the
Knavesmire were farmed, with other areas being used for military purposes.
These days, the Knavesmire is
mainly used for recreation, dog walking and public events, with a large part
of it occupied by York’s famous racecourse. |
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