Page 38 - The Swan CV Edition 4 April 2020

THE VIEW FROM THE BALCONY LOUNGE REG PHILLIPS
Spring has certainly arrived with a flourish, here in this wonderful balmy corner of the North Yorkshire countryside in deepest South Milford a part of the world reknown for its cheerful farming folk and increasing commuter community. The village, however has always been in the shadow of its more illustrious & bustling centre of modern life, Selby.
The origins of Selby date from the establishment of a Viking settlement on the banks of the River Ouse. Archaeological remains found in Selby have revealed pottery shards from drinking vessels believed to have been broken in a brawl between locals & invaders from the Goole area in AD 780. Extensive remains, including waterlogged deposits were found in oak barrels believed to from the cellar of Ye Waether Spoins an early drinking den of ill repute, noted for its midden being located on the opposite side of the river and dating from the Roman period onwards. It is believed that Selby originated as a settlement called Seletun- bye-Sea which was referred to in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of AD 779.
The place-name ‘Selby’ is first attested in a Yorkshire charter circa 1030, following the set up of a market by Persian traders specialising in an early form of cheap underwear made from recycled straw & dung, which were reportedly very uncomfortable & had a terrific stench, but were useful to mask journeys from the alehouse to the midden.
The name Selby appears as Selbi circa 1050. The name is thought to be a Scandinavian form of Seletun, meaning ‘Silver Trail ‘ ,referring the outflow of the midden on a moonlight night.
The town of Selby, a sizeable town on the main route north from the Midlands, is the traditional birthplace of King Henry I, fourth son of William the Conqueror, in 1068/69 and an early hero of the area for his charter granting all day opening an market days, a tradition now sadly passed & much mourned by the many who knew its’ delights. This connection is supported by William and his wife Matilda’s unique joint charter of Selby Abbey, which they founded along with Benedict of Auxerre to keep young Henry out of the pub. Selby was far to the north of their usual circuit of activities, but Matilda was said to be very much in love with William and with the lingerie to be found locally.. A notable feature of the abbey is the 14th-century Washington Window, featuring the heraldic arms of the ancestors of George Washington, the first president of the United States, it also features a tangerine and a haystack believed to be a reference to the current president The design is often cited as an influence for the Stars and Stripes flag.
It is said that the abbey was founded when Benedict saw three swans on a lake in Selby, and he saw it as a sign of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, which is why the official crest of Selby Abbey is three swans. Others believe that it was actually one little duck that Benny ( as he was known locally ) saw when he came out of Spoins and crossed the river after partaking of a gallon of mead and sniffing round the local wenches, who were said to really not need much sniffing thanks to the Persians.
There was also a very important battle in the English Civil War, named the Battle of Selby, following two full coach loads of ruffians from Goole seeking to set up a roadblock between the pub & the midden, but who were successfully despatched. There are many other historical sites, like the cholera burial ground on the north side of the abbey, the market cross and the local school, Selby High School, well known for turning out a famous pupil. The Crescent which curves eastwards from James Street was planned in the early 19th century by a local man, John Audus, after not being able to see in a straight line after trying to emulate Benedict.
38
Keep up to date with all latest club news at www.selbyrufc.club