Medieval, possibly going back before 1066

Hob Moor is Common Land, used for grazing (cattle & horses, but not sheep) under stewardship of York’s ‘freemen’ – local landowners. During this period, North Lane Pasture and the areas in the west by Our Lady’s and Hob Moor schools are not part of Hob Moor. They are outside the City boundaries and are under the plough, resulting in the wide ridge and furrow still visible today.

1374

First documentary evidence in the archives – Hob Moor referred to as ‘yhorkesmore’.

1549 – 1550

Two lodges built on Hob Moor to house plague victims.

1563

Reference to a water mill ‘mylne called Hobmylne and a close… conteyning by estymacon twoo acres of land.’ Later on, the mill is called Folly Mylne. The ‘two acres’ is very likely to be the area now called the Triangle.

1602

References to ‘Hoblaine’ (now Hob Lane which runs up to Tadcaster Road).

1604

Booths on Hob Moor built to house plague victims during an outbreak that killed one third of York’s population. Also the likely date of the ‘plague stone’, which can still be seen by Hob Lane.

1624

Samuel Parson’s map, showing part of ‘Hobb Moore, Common to Yorke and Houlgate’.

1644

During the Civil War, Scottish troops are encamped on Hob Moor as part of the Parliamentary Army as it besieges York.

1717

Hob Stone erected on Hob Lane.

1745

York – Tadcaster Turnpike constructed.

Early 19^th Century

Arable farming during the threat from Napoleonic France, resulting in the narrow ridge and furrow across the old common.

1822

Brickworking on Little Hob Moor.

1824

1826

The Triangle area in the north east incorporated into Hob Moor.

1907

York City Corporation takes over the ownership and management of Micklegate Stray, which includes Hob Moor.

1909

The clay pit, created by the North Field Brick Company, starts to fill with water on the area behind where Edmund Wilson baths now are. The pond later becomes known as Kelsey’s Pond.

1912 – 1920

Cavalry training takes place on Little Hob Moor.

1920 – 1946

The North Eastern Railway Golf Club establish a 15 hole golf course on Hob Moor (later moving to Pike Hills).

1947 – 1966

York Rugby League Football Club rents a pitch on Hob Moor.

1954

The area behind Edmund Wilson baths, including Kelsey’s Pond (now filled in) is incorporated into Hob Moor.

1962

Edmund Wilson baths built.

1999

Friends of Hob Moor formed.

2002

Cycleway and footpath built linking Tadcaster Road with Green Lane and Gale Lane.

2003

2010

Hob Moor gains Local Nature Reserve status.

Edmund Wilson baths demolished to be replaced by a supermarket.

Hob Moor entered into DEFRA's Stewardship scheme.