Specific Histories

Information on Alne Annals can now be found by clicking here.

Parish Councillors: An updated full index of Alne Parish Councillors from 1913 to 2022 is now available. Click here to read it.

Gale Road and Gale Garth: Read the history of the building of Gale Garth and the renumbering of Gale Road by clicking here.

When was the old pond filled in? Click here to find out.

The Maltings at Alne Station: Read Rosemary Kitchman's brief history by clicking here.

Church Archaeology: The 2011 archaeological survey of the west tower of Alne church can be read by clicking here.

Alne Station and Railway Histories

1957. The Last train at Alne: Details of the 1957 Branch Line Society's tour and visit can be found by clicking here.

1917. Passenger train accident at Alne: Read the 1918 Board of Trade enquiry report by clicking here.

1906-09. Dating the pre-1918 photos of Alne Station: To read about this research and its conclusions, click here.

1877. Alne Steam engine boiler explosion: To read about this and view a picture, click here.

General History


Alne is a small village situated halfway between Thirsk and York. In the 2001 census the Parish of Alne had a population of 711. The 2022 electoral roll includes 276 households and 591 individual voters.
Alne was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and in 1823, Baine's Directory of the County of York said 'This village [Alne] takes its name from the Latin word Alnus (the alder tree), it being situated in a low swampy country, which formerly abounded with alders, and thence it was called the Forest of Alders. Pop. 386.'
In the early to mid 19th century, the parish of Alne was a thriving community and a railway station opened on 31st March 1841. By the early part of the 20th century, Alne was said to be virtually self-supporting, with four grocery shops (including a post office), two saddlers, a basket maker, a cobblers, a blacksmith, two joiners, two dressmakers and a tailor. There were four pubs, the Fox & Goose and the Blue Bell Inn near the centre of the village, and The Station Inn and the Railway Inn at Alne station. At the station, there were six stopping trains daily, in each direction.

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Website Winter Wednesday Wise Words #3

It's not me that can't keep a secret, it's the people I tell! 

Abraham Lincoln.

I like this amusing and self-deprecating comment – and it is so true!