A brief history . . .

Both Hutton and Cranswick are mentioned in the Domesday Book, with Eddulf, Norman and Cnut having three manors. In the 1600s the villages were listed as Huttone and Cransvyric in Parish Registers.

 

‘Hutton’ is an indication of Norse origin: ‘hoot’ a hill and ‘tun’ an enclosure, ie, an enclosed village on a hill. ‘Cranswick’ also dates from the Norsemen and was originally the site of a ‘wic’ or a military station during the early days of the Anglian Occupation.

 

In the twentieth century the villages began to develop and the population increased. For administration purposes Hutton and Cranswick became one village but the respective areas still retain individual postal addresses.

 

Cranswick Green (approx 6½ acres) originally belonged to Lord Hotham and would have been used to graze cattle, as some elderly villagers can still remember. The green became common land under the Commons Act of 1899. In 1976, the green and surrounding areas were designated a Conservation Area.

 

The position of Hutton Cranswick and the good public transport links make the village an attractive place to live. These characteristics also mean that the area is viewed favourably by planners!

 

Villagers involved with the Yorkshire in Bloom competition have a raised awareness of what makes a place good to live in and how to maintain a viable community. The current population is around 1712, which means the village falls into category 1C, Large Village, for the competition.

 

While the entry is coordinated by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, every effort is being made to involve the wider community. Residents are encouraged

 

to enhance their own surroundings

to donate unwanted/divided plants to the In Bloom group

to keep the area around their homes litter free

to take responsibility for any planters near to where they live

to enter the Hutton Cranswick in Bloom competitions.

 

Other village groups support the entry by taking responsibility for specific areas. For example, the Scout Group look after the War Memorial garden; Kids Club tend the planters outside the Spar shop and the wheelbarrow on the green  and the school children create posters and are in the process of developing a ‘Memories and wildlife garden’. Local businesses help by giving sponsorship or donating plants or equipment.

 

Individual villagers offer the use of their greenhouses. They tend and water seedlings until they are ready to be planted out.

 

A group of Lifestylers, who are youngsters from the local primary school involved with projects to benefit the community, help with watering plants, picking up litter and fundraising during the summer.

 

In the eleven years of taking part in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition, Hutton Cranswick has achieved various positions and awards. The peak of success to date was gained in the year 2000 when five trophies were presented to the In Bloom group.

 

In 2005 the careful maintenance of St Peter’s Churchyard was recognised by the presentation of the Yorkshire Rose Award. The surroundings of this impressive Grade II listed building have been further enhanced by converting a tree damaged by lightning into an inspiring cross.

 

Initiatives stimulated by the competition include

 

attractive planting in public areas

the Millennium Sun Clock

the improvement of Centenary Wood

the development of the station gardens

the tidying of the recycling centre at the station

improvements to the Gatehouse Lake area

new planting at the Sports & Recreation entrance

improvements to the War Memorial and the granting of listed building status.

 

Introduction

Welcome to Hutton Cranswick in Bloom!

 

This section of our village website describes the highlights of the past; outlines our vision for the future; details the main sources of funding and gives examples of our efforts in public awareness, including our relationship with the Press. We hope you will enjoy reading it and trust that the information given will enhance your appreciation of our delightful village.

 

Taking part in the competition gives a focus to improving the area in which we live and work – an area that has an interesting history.