The story of Nells Gate.

A ring, a ring of roses, a pocket full of posies, a-ti-shoo, a-ti-shoo, we all fall down.

This old nursery rhyme descibes the symptoms of Bubonic Plague or the Black Death. A characteristic swelling or markings, posies - held over the nose and mouth for protection, sneezing marking the approach of death.

Tucked away in a corner of Hurworth village green is a secluded passageway leading down to a jetty on the river. This is known as Nells Gate and is a public right of way.

During the time of the Black Death, the village green was the burial ground for the victims of the plague for the surrounding neighbourhood, including those from North Yorkshire. Bodies were ferried across the river and carried by cart up the narrow passage to the gate. Here the bell would be rung and the ferryman quickly returned to his boat leaving the bodies for the gravedigger to collect.
For years, local people and children have used the passageway to go down to the river to play and to fish. Today, however, the passageway is fading from peoples memories and is becoming more overgrown as is it used less and less.

In an effort to further deter people from using the passage, the adjacent property owner has constructed a 1 metre wall, topped with a sturdy wooden fence, as shown in this picture. The breeze block construction in the background appears to be a barbecue.

If the owner can show that the land is unused, he can annex it for himself, thus denying the public access to the river.

The Parish Council should now take action to have the blockage removed and accelerate the programme to restore Nells Gate and maintain public right of access. If you or your parents have memories of Nells Gate and can recall using the passageway, please use our feedback form and we can pass the details on to the Parish Council.