Harome – how to pronounce this North Yorkshire village

Harome – two miles from Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors and about 24 miles north-east of York – is home to little more than 260 people unlike the 439-strong population numbered in the 1881 census.

Despite its modest size, Harome was ranked as one of the ‘poshest’ villages in the UK by The Times, alongside the likes of Castle Combe and Alderley Edge, and much of its modern-day fame can be traced to the village’s thatched Grade II-listed fine-dining restaurant, The Star Inn, which pulls in diners from far and wide.

The Star at Harome. supplied

But for all its charm, attractive stone cottages, rare thatched roofs and a duck pond, one thing continues to trip visitors up: how on earth do you pronounce it?

So how do you say Harome?

At first glance, Harome looks like it should rhyme with “home” which is how many first-timers attempt it. Others try variations such as “Ha-rome-y”.

Locals, guides and tourism businesses, however, tend to agree on something closer to “HAR-um” or “HAIR-um”, softening the “o” and almost swallowing the “e” . Even online pronunciation sites offer a confusing range of options and no firm consensus, perhaps reflecting that the village name has shifted over the centuries.

Harome under a blanket of snow, captured by Sharon Strickland. (Image: Sharon Strickland)

Its spelling has certainly wandered. Until the nineteenth century the village was known as Harum, later Harom, before settling on today’s Harome.

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What is Harome known for?

Harome has a long history stretching back to a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, and its name is thought to derive from Old English, meaning a pile or heap of stones.

Unlike many villages reshaped by commuting, Harome has long been rooted in farmland, with agriculture and related trades providing employment for generations.

For centuries it was part of the parish of Helmsley, and its landscape has changed shape over the centuries as farms grew larger – though some 17th century timber properties survived and are listed..

Chief among them is The Star Inn – a thatched, low-beamed building is thought to have been the first dwelling in “Harum”, and has put Harome on the modern map with its pull as a destination restaurant with rooms.

Owned by chef Andrew Pern since 1996, The Star Inn has earned national acclaim for its seasonal, produce‑led menus and boasts an impressive list of accolades – including a coveted Michelin star.

The Star Inn at Harome after the fire. Image: Staff

In November 2021, the village watched in shock as the pub was devastated by a £2 million fire after its thatched roof caught alight. The blaze forced The Star Inn to close for a year, before it reopened in November 2022.

Completing Harome’s storybook setting is the Grade II-listed parish church of St Saviour, dating from 1862. Built under the patronage of the Feversham Estate, the church’s architect was Charles Barry Jr, whose father designed the Houses of Parliament.

Small it may be, but Harome’s name, heritage and resilience ensure it leaves a lasting impression – however you choose to pronounce it.