Land Names in the township of Minskip
It is easy to think of Minskip as only being the area where the village houses are found, but the Township of Minskip extends much further than that - covering an area that includes farms, fields and lanes.
The boundary can be traced on the map below:
It is bordered by the River Tutt between Roecliffe and Minskip, under the A1M motorway, to the Great North Road that went through Boroughbridge until 1962; from where the River Tutt flows under the road near Charltons Garage, following the line of the old A1 to Brooms Farm, Limebar Hill; and continuing along part of Wincup Lane to High View, across to a drain that flows under the A6055 where the road dips, before it enters Spellow Wood. The border then follows the line of the drain, under the Staveley Road to where it flows out into the River Tutt.
This area today is often lost as being part of Minskip, but it’s good to reflect on the historical value and to realise that this area is still classified as Minskip today. Minskip’s total area covers 1,414.227 acres.
Aldborough Gate
The road leading northeast from Minskip to Stumpcross and on to Aldborough. The word “gate” came from the Latin “gata”. It is a Roman road and was used between the camp at Minskip and the fort at Aldborough.
Hills around Minskip
Although Minskip may appear relatively flat there are some named hills in the Township of Minskip.
Green Balk
The name of Green Balk is taken from the latin “Grene Balca” meaning boundary ridge found in the common fields. This ridge is reached by Beanlands Lane and Green Balk Lane.
Gibbet Hill
Northeast of Green Balk is the hill known as Gibbet Hill. This hill was cut through when the A1 was widened to a Motorway in the early 1990’s. A gibbet was first erected in 1322 when Edward II gave the public of The Manor Aldborough the power of judging and executing criminals.
Buck Hill
Between the Staveley and Knaresborough roads are found Buck Hills.
Limebar Hill
Limebar Hill is south east of Minskip along Longlands Lane.
High Moor Fields
High Moor Fields is the area of land each side of the Knaresborough Road, in the area around High Moor Lane and Wincup Lane.
The River Tutt
The River Tutt, marking the boundary between Minskip and Roecliffe, flows northwest of the village. It rises near Farnham and flows northeast to Boroughbridge and out into the River Ure. The river got its name from a Roman Goddess, Tutelina, who had the care of stored corn. Other names found have included:
Rivolum de Ptruth (iuxta Burghbrigg) – 1499 (which could mean ‘River Tutt which flows into a river at Boroughbridge).
Proche – 1548
Perche – 1546
Truttbrigge – 1442
River Tutt or Minksip Beck – 1558
Maps have also called it ‘Fleet Beck’
The Carr
The Carr is found on the western side, between the road leading to Staveley and the River Tutt. The word Carr means marsh and came from the word ‘kjar’. Also known as Ox Closes.
Once made from peat, there has been evidence that at some period it was formed from the bed of a lake then raised above water by deposits of mud, trees and vegetation. In about the late 1700/1800’s it was drained, Longlands drain and Carr drain into the River Tutt. It still floods during wet winters. Garthlands drain flows behind the houses and garths to the south/east of Minskip, under the Knaresborough and then Staveley roads and out into the River Tutt. It was named after the garths behind the houses. “Garths” meaning is “enclosure”.
The Lanes
The lane between the Church and The Village Hall is called Beanlands Lane; this lane then becomes Green Balk Lane, which emerges at the other end of Minskip near the roundabout.
Ox Close Lane is the short lane off Staveley Road that leads to farm land. This lane also gives access to the public footpath that goes to Roecliffe, after crossing a bridge over the River Tutt.
Lazonby Moor Lane links Staveley Road to Knaresborough Road.
High Moor Lane links Knaresborough Road to Arkendale Lane. Arkendale Lane starts about ½ mile out of Minskip, opposite Minskip Garage. It continues along lanes and field path to Arkendale. Whincup Lane links Arkendale Lane with the A168 south of Boroughbridge.
Longlands Lane starts just outside of Minskip, climbing up Limebar Hill to link with Wincup Lane. Pilmoor Lane runs a short distance from Longlands Lane east wards to fields only.
Gibbert Hill in the background; taken from Green Balk Lane (1993)
As new residents are welcomed into Minskip, the old names of the lanes, hills and fields are often lost as they re-name them, not knowing their original names. This is an opportunity to record the original names and perhaps bring them back into regular use, especially when naming new housing developments!