The History of Yarm
In 1206 Yarm was described as the second largest seaport in the North of England. Ships up to 60 tonnes burden could reach it from the sea with the assistance of four tides and a favourable wind.
For centuries Yarm was the site of the lowest bridge over the Tees. This was in existence in the early 13th century and was rebuilt by Bishop Skirlaw of Durham in 1400 AD. The upstream half of the two southernmost arches of the present bridge date from that time.
The main trade of the port was the export of corn, cheese, butter, salt, wool, hides and lead to London and the Continent. Imports included wine. Shipbuilding and sail making production also took place.
The demise of Yarm as a significant port was signalled in 1771 when a bridge was built at Stockton (some 11 km / 7 miles downstream) severely restricting the size of vessels which could pass upstream.
Following the construction of the Tees Barrage the river at Yarm is no longer tidal and the only commercial river activity is the coming and going of the Teesside Princess which runs pleasure cruises between Yarm and Stockton.
Recreational use of the river has blossomed - regular activities include rowing, angling and canoeing - and the river banks have been attractively landscaped.
As no part of the original town is more than 25 feet above sea level flooding was frequent - the levels of the more serious floods are marked on a number of buildings including the Town Hall. In recent years major flood relief works have reduced this risk.
Yarm has many historic buildings. These include The George and Dragon public house at which the originators of the first passenger railway met to establish the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Nearby is Tom Brown's House, said to be the oldest in Yarm. He was the hero of the battle of Dettingen and his resting place is marked by a fine tombstone in the churchyard of the parish church of St Mary Magdalene. The octagonal Methodist Chapel (between the High Street and the river) was opened by John Wesley himself in 1768 and described by him as one of the finest buildings in England.
Yarm Fair is held in October of each year - the original charter having been granted by King John in the 13th century. Originally the fair was for the sale of cattle, horses, sheep and cheese but now it mostly comprises the modern version of a fair, namely amusements, fortune tellers, rides, dodgems, bright lights and loud music!
At the southern end of the High Street is The Friarage. Built on the site of the former Black Friars monastery and originally built as a house it was subsequently used as offices and is now part of Yarm School.
Dominating the town is the railway viaduct. Engineered by Thomas Grainger and completed in 1851 it comprises 43 arches and is some 695 metres in length. The two arches spanning the river are of stone which was quarried in Osmotherley and hauled to Yarm by cart. Over seven million local bricks were used to construct the other arches. This viaduct still carries east coast rail traffic to Northallerton were it joins the main line.
Much of the High Street is Georgian and is typical of North Yorkshire in being broad and having the Town Hall in its centre.
For more information on Yarm see Colin Hinson's wesbite GenUKI: