General Information

South Milford is a small village located in the district of Selby, North Yorkshire, England. Its position on the edge of the Vale of York places it within easy travelling distance of York (18 miles), Leeds (13 miles), Selby (8 miles). London being some 187 miles distant. The village has Saxon foundations. Its name is derived from the "mill" which was on a site behind the Swan Hotel and the "ford", the remnants of which can still be seen next to the bridge opposite the pub. It is reputed that the highwayman Dick Turpin stayed in the village on his famous ride from London to York, the road through the village being the old London coach road. In 1379 the village was occupied by only 39 inhabitants. In the year 1822 ' Baines Directory' shows the population as 631, whereas today the figure is 3000+. Further development to the East of Low street is being planned.
As an agricultural village it has always had close connections with the land. New housing development over the years and its close proximity to the motorway network has meant that it has now become a commuting satellite for the nearby towns and cities. This said, the village still retains its links with the local farming community.
The National Parks of the Yorkshire Dales (Emmerdale & Herriot country) and Yorkshire Moors (Heartbeat country) are easily accessible by car. And the East Coast with its beautiful beaches can be reached in less than an hour.
Along with a regular bus service to nearby towns, trains can also transport you to Leeds, Manchester, Selby and Hull.
The village has a church, a methodist chapel, three public houses, three restaurants, a 'British Legion' club, local village shop, Post Office/general store, and an Ancient Monument (Steeton Hall Gateway). The numerous organisations within the village help to keep the community together. The village bonfire is renowned for its excellence.
Adifferent slant on Dick Turpin (by Lottie Alexander)
Oh dear oh dear - surely everyone knows that Dick Turpin made no ride from London and York - this fact was invented by Harrison Ainsworth in a novel called Rookwood. There WAS a ride from London to York (but made with many different horses, not one) by a criminal caleed John 'Swift Nicks' Nevison. Turpin was not a brave highwayman but an extremely unpleasant criminal