History of Yarm

Yarm became a thriving town in its own right during the Georgian Period. From the 12th Century up until the 18th Century, Yarm was a proud trading and fishing port which stood on the banks of the river Tees as having the lowest bridging point until the building of the bridge in Stockton in 1771.

The town hall, located in the middle of the cobbled high street was built in 1710. Not many towns have such a historical past. In 2010, Yarm proudly celebrated 300 years of history with a beautiful selection of historical photograph boards around the town hall.

Yarm has one of the widest cobbled high streets in England. The ever impressive High Street along with its imposing Georgian frontages offers a large variety of public houses, restaurants and designer shops.

The town boasts an impressive 43 viaduct railway bridge crossing over the river Tees, which dominates Yarm skyline. The associated links with the birth of the railway are still important to the people and the history of Yarm today.

The Civic Society have many historic photographs and one shows a sturgeon measuring over 7ft which was landed from the river using just a hook and line. In fact the name 'Yarm' is derived from the old Norse word 'Yarum' which means an enclosure to catch fish.

Each year In the June there is a Gala held which provides families with lots of fun and entertainment. The town attracts people from up and down the country each year as they hold their traditional Ridings Fair in October.

2010 was indeed a special year for Yarm's Twinning Association. The town is twinned with two towns in Europe, Vernouillet in France, which celebrated their 25th anniversary, and Schwallbach in Germany which saw them to celebrating 15 years.

Yarm is a beautiful place to be and once you have visited us you will definitely want to come back.

Yarm Town Council Standing Orders - Currently under review