Locations
Tadcaster
Tadcaster, a small town in North Yorkshire, is located on the River Wharfe about twelve miles south of York and equally north of Leeds. It has a population of 7,500 and is located in the Vale of York. Surrounded by fertile, flat farmland, it's well connected to many of Yorkshire's urban centres by road. Tadcaster is a small town, but it packs a punch in terms of its historical significance and its industrial heritage.
Tadcaster is a Roman town, called Calcaria because of the limestone in the area. This magnesian stone has had a major impact on the most famous industry. For centuries, the town's water, which is filtered by limestone, has been used to make beer. Tadcaster is one of England's most notable brewing towns, with three breweries - Samuel Smith's, John Smith',s and the Tower Brewery, operated by Molson Coors - a remarkable concentration for a town of its size. The brewing industry has helped shape the town's economy and skyline. It also gives it a unique character. On the right day, the malty smell fills the air.
In the town centre, there is a beautiful medieval bridge that crosses the Wharfe. It gained notoriety during the winter of 2015, when flooding caused the bridge to partially collapse. This split the community for a long period. The bridge was successfully restored and became a symbol of civic resilience. Tadcaster is also associated with the English Civil War. It was the scene of military action in 1the 640s.
Scarborough
Scarborough, a seaside resort on the North Yorkshire Coast, is perched on a rocky promontory above two bays - the North Bay and South Bay - separated by Scarborough Castle. It is one of the largest seaside resorts on the Yorkshire Coast and has a population of 61,000. The town also boasts centuries of history, as well as the usual pleasures of British seaside destinations.
Scarborough Castle's ruins, which crown the headland and command views of the North Sea, date largely to the 12th century. It was a royal fortress that withstood many notable sieges, including those during the English Civil War. The dramatic silhouette of the castle remains the most defining image from both sea and land.
Scarborough is a seaside resort that has a claim to be the first in England. In the 17th century, people began to visit the spa waters on the beach. By the Georgian and Victorian periods, the town was a popular destination for the northern upper and middle classes. To accommodate the influx of visitors, grand hotels, clifftop lifts, and wide esplanades have been built. Much of the Victorian and Edwardian architectural style can still be seen along the South Cliff, as well as the seafront. Literary and cultural associations are strong in the town. Anne Brontë died in Scarborough and is buried at St Mary's Churchyard. Playwright Alan Ayckbourn was closely associated with Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre.