Catterick is one of those places that everyone has driven past, but not enough stop to visit, unless going to the racecourse or the garrison. This is a pity, as Catterick is a pleasant village with good services, as might be expected with a population of 2,743 at the 2001 census, and it has a surprising wealth of history. The village also makes a good base for exploring the northern dales – Arkengarthdale, Swaledale and Wensleydale, all just a few miles to the west – and is only three miles from the historic market town of Richmond. And a few miles to the east lie the North York Moors. Getting to Catterick is of course easy, as it stands by the A1, The Great North Road. The races have been held at Catterick since at least 1783, and there has been a purpose made course at the village since 1813. Catterick racecourse hosts flat races during most of the year, with National Hunt taking over in the winter. The garrison is of vital importance to the town, providing much employment and supplementing the facilities in the village itself. The roots of the garrison go deep. The Great North Road crosses the River Swale here, and so Catterick in more troubled times was strategically important, an easily defended point to keep the unruly Brigantes at bay in Roman times, or the Scots later on. The Romans built a fort here early in their occupation – it is known that there was such a place by AD79, and it may have been constructed before that. Extensive archaeological digging has revealed that there was a Roman town here, complete it is thought with a temple. A military bath-house has been found, and there is evidence that there was metal-working on the site, showing it was a place of some significance. The Romans called it Cataractonium, a name derived from the Celtic tongue, though the Celtic name denoted a place with ramparts, and the Romans seemed to have corrupted the name by confusing it with the Latin cataracta, a waterfall. The Romans stayed until the 5th century, but even after their departure the crossing point remained important. A battle (known as Catraeth) was fought here at the end of the 6th century between the Celts and the encroaching Saxons. Later on the Normans built the church of St Anne in the village. Catterick became a stopping point on the journey north for the English, and developed into a coaching town. The Angel Inn and the George in Catterick were both coaching inns, and the place remains a worthwhile staging post when travelling to and from Scotland, though there is enough of interest in the area to prompt a longer stay: Easby Abbey and Richmond Castle are close by (and joined by a pleasant walking route); and the Croft motor racing circuit that hosts some major events is about ten miles away along country lanes.
Dentist
Golf Club
Inn
Pub and Bar
Solicitor
Shops
Places to Stay near Catterick
Bridge House Hotel (0.34 miles)
A traditional, family-owned hotel, ideally located between the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales National Parks. Recently refurbished, we offer a friendly, dedicated service to commercial and leisure customers alike. Set in attractive gardens on the banks ... More | visit website
Greyhound Inn (2.97 miles)
Elmfields Country House (3.74 miles)
Situated in the heart of Wensleydale, this 4-star family-run guest house provides the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surroundings of the North Yorkshire Dales. Based in Arrathorne, adjacent to James Herriot Country and ... More | visit website
Travelodge Scotch Corner Skeeby (3.76 miles)
Bridgedown House Bed and Breakfast (4.38 miles)
Welcome to our Lovely home The Bridgedown House Bed & Breakfast. We offer a variety of rooms and services to ensure that your every need is met and that your ... More
River View B&B (4.54 miles)
River View ... More | visit website
Castle Tavern (4.63 miles)
Kings Head Hotel (4.66 miles)
Overlooking Richmond's cobbled market square, and the Norman castle, this charming Georgian hotel full of character and warmth is only 4 miles from the A1. Offering an excellent and newly-furnished restaurant, an exciting new menu and ... More | visit website
The Castle House (4.67 miles)
Buck Hotel Guest House (4.83 miles)
Located in the heart of Richmond, this small hotel is well-situated for exploring the beautiful scenery and features of the town. The Buck Hotel Guest House was built in 1800, and for ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |