 The Battle of Myton was fought opposite the village on the north bank of the Swale on 20 September 1319 between local levies, led by William Melton, Archbishop of York, and Scots raiders led by James Douglas and Thomas Randolph.The Yorkshiremen, with their backs to the river, were routed with heavy losses including many who drowned in the Swale.The village lies within the Thirsk and Malton Parliamentary constituency.