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November 3, 2004
The Pinfold
For many years Bishopthorpe in common with other rural communities had a Pinfold. This was a small enclosed area where stray animals were impounded until the owner paid a fine to have them released. In 1893 the fines or “pains” as they were called 3/4d for pigs 2/6d for horses and 6/8d if an animal caused damage to the pinfold.
As time moved on and the villages dependence on livestock diminished so the pinfold fell out of use. At first half of it remained and eventually it disappeared altogether.
In 1953 a screen of trees was planted on one side of the former site by the Bishopthorpe Gardening Association to commemorate the Coronation of the present Queen. These are currently on school grounds.
In 1988 the Yorkshire Countrywomens Association had the site restored so that today the footprint of the structure remains as well as a plaque to commemorate its former function, but nothing remains of the structure.
Since then however the site which is under the ownership of York City Council Highways Department has been left untended so that there are weeds growing there and it lacks a purpose.
With the assistance of the Local History Group and with the backing of Local Heritage Initiative and any other funding which may be available, it is hoped that the area can be developed into a focal point. It would be proposed to erect a semi circular structure on part of the footprint of the former pinfold which would include seating as part of the structure and a historical montage representing the history of the village together with a map featuring areas of historic interest within the village.
Liam Godfrey
Posted by martin at November 3, 2004 12:43 PM
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