Knaresborough

England, United Kingdom

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Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024 • Article History

Knaresborough, town (parish), Harrogate borough, administrative county of North Yorkshire, historic county of Yorkshire, northern England. It lies on the left bank of the River Nidd where the river has cut a deep gorge in limestone.

Knaresborough Castle was founded there in 1070 but was destroyed in 1646 during the English Civil Wars. In the 12th–13th century the hermit St. Robert lived in a nearby cave (now a Roman Catholic shrine), and in it Eugene Aram, a notorious 18th-century murderer, buried his victim. Mother Shipton, the famous seer, was born about 1488 in another cave. The town’s main manufactures include clothing, furniture, and linen. Tourism has become increasingly important. Pop. (2001) 14,761; (2011) 15,441.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.