Market Weighton – how to pronounce East Yorkshire town name

Historic Market Weighton sits roughly half-way between York and Hull and on the site of Roman trade routes.

Today, its traditional high street bustles with independent shops, cafes, pubs and local trades.

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The town is a perfect refuelling stop for those walking the Yorkshire Wolds Way, a 79‑mile National Trail that follows the gentle chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds from Hessle on the Humber Estuary to Filey Brigg on the North Sea coast.

At less than half-way into the traditionally followed route from the shadow of the Humber Bridge, the town is marked by a small detour off the main A1079 York to Hull road.

The Londesborough Arms in the centre of Market Weighton began life in the late 18th century as The Devonshire Arms, an old coaching inn built around the 1780s for the 5th Duke of Devonshire and connected with the nearby Londesborough estate (Image: Kevin Glenton)

This scenic East Yorkshire town in the Vale of York is loved by visitors who pass through – even if some say its name wrong.

The name as read causes confusion and many newcomers ask how to say it, much as they do the village of Sleights in North Yorkshire.

For the avoidance of doubt, the proper local pronunciation is Market WEE-ton, or even WEE-tn, but not the commonly mispronounced “Market WEIGH-ton, or WAY-ton”, due to the spelling.

The proper local pronunciation is Market WEE-TON, or WEE-TN (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Market Weighton’s history was detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086 before which it was known as Wictsun.

The town acquired the “Market” tag later, when a charter was granted in 1251, after which it grew into a robust trading hub, particularly for sheep.

William “Giant” Bradley, born in Market Weighton in 1787, was the tallest recorded British man and is still celebrated in his hometown with a statue, heritage trail and Giant Bradley Day. (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The town’s most famous resident is William “Giant” Bradley, born in Market Weighton in 1787.

The “Yorkshire Giant” was Britain’s tallest recorded man and is immortalised with a statue in the town centre, a bypass on the A1079 is named after him and the town continues to proudly host the well-liked Giant Bradley Day annually.

This year’s event is on Sunday July 12 in Market Weighton’s High Street.