Austwick

Coordinates: 54°06′43″N 2°21′25″W / 54.112°N 2.357°W / 54.112; -2.357

Austwick is a village and civil parish in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, England, about 5 miles (8 km) north-west of Settle. The village is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Before local government reorganisation in 1974, Austwick parish was within Settle Rural District which was in the County of the West Riding of Yorkshire.

According to the Austwick & Lawkland Tithe Map of 21 October 1851 the parish has an area of 8,201 acres (33.19 km²) of which around a quarter is uncut moorland. The highest point within the parish is at Lord's Seat on Simon Fell at 2,079 feet (634 m).

History

The area around Austwick has been inhabited by humans for over 4,000 years. Archaeological finds in and around the village include prehistoric burial places, a large Bronze Age settlement, and even an Iron Age settlement. The area surrounding Austwick has many ancient remains including extensive walls and structures constructed of slate, limestone, and sandstone.