Selby Abbey

Selby Abbey dominates the market town. The Abbey, which is the only 'living' Abbey remaining in Yorkshire, has connections with France, Germany and the USA. For nearly a thousand years the Abbey has watched over Selby's development. In 1069 Monk Benedict of Auxerre was granted a charter by William the Conqueror to build an Abbey Church at Selby. It is reputed that William's son Henry, who later became Henry I of England in 1100, was born at the abbey. Despite being damaged by Cromwell's soldiers during the English Civil War, severely damaged by fire in 1906 and flooded on several occasions, the Abbey has retained many original features including the Norman arches and the famous Washington Window, which bears the Washington Family Arms forming the basis of the present day American Flag.

Battles

The area is particularly rich in history, and the scenery, towns and villages have been the backdrop to many historic struggles. The area's historic battlegrounds include;

The Battle of Stamford 1066, the Battle of Bramham Moor 1408, the Battle of Towton 1461, the Battle of Tadcaster 1642, the Battle of Selby 1644 and the Battle of Marston Moor 1644.

Selby Park

The park was formed in the early 1900's, the land which had previously been private gardens was given to the town by Lord Londesborough. The five acre site contains a variety of trees, shrubs and colourful annual flower displays.