A BUOYANT picture for the future of one of Ryedale’s prettiest villages has been painted by a top geography professor.

A history of Marton spanning more than 1,000 years, has been written and recently launched by Richard Lawton, Emeritus Professor of Geography at Liverpool University. He is an authority on the historical and social geography of Britain and has written more than 150 research articles and books.

Professor Lawton says the Domesday Book village, which gets its name from a farm or place by a pool, was originally part of the lands of Sinnington Manor and was in the hands of Norman lords until the 16th century.

Today, Marton has a great community spirit with thriving social events including line dancing, a gardening club, annual produce show, summer fair and short mat bowls. Fundraising for the Methodist chapel mission room and village hall have produced united efforts, the professor found.

He added that a number of families have deep roots in Marton, with the Sawdon family going back 176 years, originally bootmakers and dressmakers, while the Lumleys trace their origins to the mid 17th century, and today are builders and developers. The Sellars family dates from 1917 with resident Mary Sellars still active in village life.

“The population is now rising, as new homes have been built with incomers bring fresh energy. They have settled into rural life and Marton ways,” said Prof Lawton.

The village has changed little since the early 18th century, he added.

The census of 1851 reveals Marton having 64 homes and a population of 248, but it declined to 141 by 1891. However, the census of 2001 showed the population at 190.

The book has been written after extensive research by Prof Lawton at the North Yorkshire Records Office, libraries in Pickering, Malton, Northallerton and York, together with villagers and other writers, and legendary local historian, John Rushton.

Financial help to publish the comprehensive 172-page book was provided by Marton Parish Meeting, Ryedale District Council, the Marton Mornings Jubilee charity and David and Lynne Lumley.

His research shows that individual families have played a key part in the evolution of homes, farms and businesses in Marton, Prof Lawton said.

“Changes, as well as continuity, are in the very nature of our rural communities, a dynamism that has seen Marton change in character over time, though not at the expense of its individuality.”

His book recalls how the coming of the railway opened up its markets for milk, fruit and vegetables produced in Marton and people travelling to York and Scarborough.

In 1901 the village had no fewer that 27 tradesmen including joiners, blacksmiths, tailors and dressmakers, and, Prof Lawton said, an article in The Yorkshire Herald – forerunner of the Gazette & Herald – in 1939, had 90-year-olds talking about the working lives on farms “in service”.

The book, priced at £12.50, is augmented with paintings of Marton by resident Renee Clark, a member of the Pickering Art Club, and pictures and copies of historic documents.

Further details on the book can be obtained from Veronica, Lady Piercy on 01751 431976.