Leven, East Riding of Yorkshire

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Leven is a village and civil parish in East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is situated approximately 7 miles to the west of Hornsea town centre. It lies to the west of the A165 road which was built to bypass the village.

According to the 2001 UK census, Leven parish had a population of 2,240.

Leven Canal, a Site of Special Scientific Interest links the village to the River Hull, although it is now closed.

George Dinsdale was born in Leven, in 1887.

[edit] History

It is believed that the village of Little Leven - immediately west of the present village - began as far back as the days of the Ancient Britons, though Neolithic and Bronze Age human occupation of the area is known. Finds from Leven 'Carrs' (marshy land) have included axe heads, leaf-shaped swords, and a spearhead.

The 1892 Bulmers' Directory of Hull and the East Riding states that the Manor of Leven was given to the Church of St John of Beverley by Edward the Confessor, and is listed in the Domesday Book as being amongst its' possessions.

After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1547, ownership of the land reverted to the crown, to be bought by Sir Marmaduke Constable in 1557. Around 1612, it appears that Sir Thomas Gresham owned some of the land, having received it as a gift from Queen Elizabeth I.

Until 1964, Leven was a small, unexceptional village - home to some 400 inhabitants but then private housing estate building commenced - Barley Gate, Mill Drive, Westlands Way, Balk Close and the village quickly expanded to become a dormitory for aspirant workers - mainly from Hull and Beverley. The population is now over 2500. The village boasts two pubs - "The New Inn" and "The Hare and Hounds" and is home to successful amateur football, cricket and bowling teams.