Swillington
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Swillington is a village located on Fleakingley Beck in Leeds, in West Yorkshire, England. The name Swillington is derived from Old English swin "pig" + lēah "wood" + tun "farm". The name was recorded as Svilentone in 1147. Historically Swillington's full title was Swillington-in-Elmet, which refers to the village being part of the former Celtic kingdom of Elmet. However as with many other places the "-in-Elmet" has been lost in modern times with only a few exceptions such as Barwick-in-Elmet and Sherburn-in-Elmet surviving. Nowadays Elmet only exists as a political constituency with Colin Burgon MP, the current member. Many local people, mainly of the younger generations have taken to abbreviating Swillington to "Swilly".
Swillington used to be a coal mining village until the pit closed, which caused major upsets in the community. Where Primrose Hill pit once stood is now a housing estate with streets taken from the collierys name (Primrose Hill Drive, Primrose Hill Green etc). Most locals now commute to the nearby cities of Leeds and Wakefield or the towns of Rothwell and Castleford to work.
Swillington has had quite a strong community spirit in the past which probably dates back to the mining days. However there has been an influx of people from outside of the village in recent years which has detracted this. The village school, the sporting clubs and the drinking establishments are now the vital links keeping the community together.
The village facilities include St. Mary's Church, a Post Office, one pub called "The Swillington", a doctors surgery, two Social Clubs, (The Miners Welfare and the Labour Club), a fish and chip shop, a Horse riding centre, a garden centre, a gun shop, a Chinese takeaway, a petrol station, a community centre and a parade of shops. The major roads through the village are Wakefield Road, Swillington Lane and Astley Lane. There are also recreational grounds surviving from the mining days which are used by local people to play sports such as Football, Cricket, Rugby League and Lawn Bowls. Unfortunately the grand stand of the football pitch has not been maintained in recent times and is currently seriously dilapidated.
Interestingly "The Swillington" as it is called is not actually a pub because the historical land owners in the area (the Lowther family) decreed that no pub could ever be built on their lands after they had sold them. Therefore "The Swillington" is actually a hotel, although its main function is as a licensed bar.
Leventhorpe Vineyard is near the village, and has been recommended by Rick Stein.[1] It was until recently the most northerly commercial vineyard in Britain. (There is now one further north, near Malton.) It was established in 1986 by George Bowden.[2]
Another well recommended local business is Swillington Organic Farm, a fully Soil Association certified farm[3] on the former Lowther estate which has been frequented by celebrity chefs and has produce that was voted the 'Best Meat In Yorkshire' in 2007.[4]
The local school, Swillington Primary School is a medium sized school with around 270 pupils. Swillington does not have its own secondary school so pupils normally go to either Brigshaw High School (which is a specialist language college) or Garforth Community College (which is a specialist performing arts college).
There are several walks which can be taken in the area including the Leeds Country Way which passes through the village.
Nearby villages and towns include Garforth, Colton, Kippax, Castleford, Great Preston, Little Preston, Allerton Bywater, Oulton, Woodlesford, Rothwell and Methley.
References
External links
- Garforth and Swillington Community Website
- LS26 Community website
- "The Ancient Parish of Swillington". GENUKI. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
