Towton, Saxton & Church Fenton
Three quaint and picturesque villages that have bore witness to so much of our history.
Towton
The Battle of Towton took place during the English War of the Roses and was described as the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. Today, you can visit the Battlefield itself, learn more through the information boards and follow the signs to complete the Battlefield Walk.
Built in the 18th Century as a traditional Country Inn, The Rockingham Arms is located on the site of one of the last complete medieval battlefields in Europe. Home to The Battle of Towton 1461, the Battlefield Trail offers walkers and history buffs alike, the chance to explore one of Yorkshire’s most notable landmarks. You can visit at any time of year, either unaccompanied or as part of a guided tour, with Towton Battlefield Society.
Saxton
Close to the battlefield, where the Battle of Towton took place, is the village of Saxton. Saxton is home to All Saints Church, which is a grade I listed structure dating back to the 11th century. Some of the bodies of those who were killed in the Battle of Towton were buried in the churchyard. The men who gave their lives in the First World War are remembered on the War Memorial outside the church and a plaque inside the church.
As well as being home to the Yorkshire Pudding Challenge, in the ground of The Crooked Billet Pub you’ll find the Towton Battlefield Society Visitor Information Centre, with information about the battle and area, replica artefacts from the period and information about the Society itself.
Church Fenton
Church Fenton is a lovely village, situated in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, in between Sherburn in Elmet and Tadcaster. Serviced by mainline trains, with excellent road links and the ability to fly directly to the village, it’s pretty easy to get to!
Church Fenton once hummed with the engines of Hurricanes and Spitfires. Today, the former RAF station is a busy private airfield and home to a dynamic mix of media, food and beverage, and private businesses. It is also the base for ITV’s global hit Victoria, where the producers Mammoth Screen transformed stages 1 and 3 into the interiors of Buckingham Palace.
Sit and watch the comings and goings of life at Church Fenton Airfield, at The Fenton Cafe. With seating for up to 90 people, including an outdoor veranda and seating area, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy honest, hand-prepared food, drinks and snacks.
The village even boasts its very own local gastropub and beautiful beer garden. The White Horse serve fresh food, using seasonal and local produce.
