On this day in Yorkshire: 19th August 1778 – The Stray in Harrogate is granted as “pastures for all”

..or the “Award of the Commisioners for the Enclosures of the Forest of Knaresborough, in the Duchy of Lancaster,” to give its full title came into effect. This meant that the pastures in the centre of Harrogate, known as The Stray became a public common where anybody could drink from its springs and “enjoy without trespass.” The principles of this original act have since been improved and modernised,since but this 200 acre stretch of common land in the centre of Harrogate has remained accessible for all to this day.