Welcome to The Yarm Collection
Yarm is a town that is shaped by change and history. From its home on the meander of the River Tees, to its iconic High Street and railway viaduct, you can find the history and character of the small town in every building you pass. This website was designed as a guide and trail that leads you through the town. It introduces you to the history and heritage that Yarm is home to, to keep local history alive.
Along the trail you will discover the beginnings and hidden details of the town’s past, allowing you to connect with its significance in history. It provides historical images and information for you to look through as you take in the beauty of the town.
Note: All historical material used in this booklet are credited in Acknowledgements. Unless credited, modern photographs used throughout the website and booklet were taken by the author.
14 Stops
45 minutes
Self-guided
A Brief History of Yarm
1200-1499
Yarm was home to Dominican Friars, who settled in the town in 1286 and remained there until 1583, who maintained the Friary and a hospital. The iconic Yarm Bridge was built in 1400 and Yarm was at tidal limit, therefore seen as the head of navigation on the River Tees, being the first port to develop.
1500-1799
This time was Yarm’s most active, with the 1700s providing many changes that impacted the town. Important buildings such as the Town Hall, The Grammar School and the churches were built. There were also a number of floods that are commemorated on multiple buildings throughout the High Street and the surrounding streets.
1800-Present
One of the most important events in Yarm’s history took place within this period, and is the involvement the town had in the creation of the Stockton-Darlington Railway line, the world’s first. If we move now to current day Yarm, the high street was presented in 2019 with the Rising Star Award, a huge recognition.