Appersett

Appersett
Yorkshire North Riding
Appersett
Location
Grid reference:	SD857906
Location:	54°18’42"N, 2°13’12"W
Data
Post town:	Hawes
Postcode:	DL8
Local Government
Council:	[North Yorkshire

Appersett is a hamlet in Wensleydale, beside the River Ure, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, a mile west of Hawes on the A684 road. It sits just above the Widdale Beck, but e road between Hawes and Ingleton. It is in the Hang West Wapetake, and historically was part of the Parish of Aysgarth.

The name ‘Appersett’ derives from the Norse langaufe, and means the 'Shieling by the apple tree'. The suffix "sett", is notable to Wensleydale, found in such names as Burtersett and Countersett in the dale. Appersett was originally recorded as Appeltresate, which became Aperside and eventually, Appersett.

History

The bridge in the hamlet that carries the A684 over Widdale Beck, was built in the early 18th century and was widened in 1795 by the architect, John Carr. The second bridge to the north west, is New Bridge, which spans the River Ure and was built in 1825 to allow Hawes to be connected to the Askrigg to Sedbergh Turnpike. Both bridges are now grade II listed structures. The Ure is unquiet here an the hamlet is menaced by flooding as the waters rise: it lies at a low point in Wensleydale, at the northern end of Widdale, where Widdale Beck flows into the River Ure.

About the hamlet

The hamlet consists of only 23 dwellings and is located on the south side of the River Ure.

Up until the early part of the twentieth century, the hamlet had its own Wesleyan chapel. There are no shops nor amenities in the village, aside from an art gallery which previews the work of a local artist;

The village is a popular starting point for walks in Cotterdale and Widdale, and the hamlet is also on the Herriott Way, a fifty-mile circular walk through Swaledale and Wensleydale.

Appersett Viaduct

Appersett Viaduct

To the south of the village is Appersett Viaduct, which used to carry the Northallerton to Garsdale railway line. The five-arch viaduct is 108 yards long and is stands 56 feet above Widdale Beck, which it spans (although the eastern edge also crosses an unclassified road). It was designed by J S Crossley, who designed most of the viaducts on the Settle and Carlisle line, and was opened in 1878 as part of the Midland Railway's branch from Garsdale (Hawes Junction) to Hawes. The line closed to passengers in 1959, with complete closure coming in 1964.

In 1992, British Rail offered the viaduct for sale for only £1, but the new owners would be required to maintain the structure, which is is a Grade II listed structure.

The viaduct is used for abseiling by a local outdoor centre, but it does feature in the plans of a resurgent railway between Hawes and Garsdale.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Appersett)

• Detailed street map of Appersett showing all 23 buildings with names