a town of the wapentake of Birdforth, in the north riding of the county of York, 223 miles from London. It is situated on the river Coldbeck, by which it is divided into two parts. The town has some trade in making coarse linens and sackings. It is an ancient borough, and returns one member to parliament. The church is a fine old building. There are also various places of worship for dissenters. There is a market on Monday, and several fairs. The inhabitants amounted in 1821 to 3502, and in 1831 to 3829.