I ONCE read a book which described Gisburn as a linear village with little or no history. How wrong can you be?

Gisburn has many deep secrets especially relating to Robin Hood. Who has not heard of the evil Guy of Gisburne, arch enemy of the hero of legend. He lived, so we are told, at Gisburne Hall which is now a private hospital. It is reached from the village centre via a very pretty footpath.

There has also been some confusion with regard to the spelling of Gisburn - why has it lost its original e' at the end. It is said that in the 1880s, the Railway company decided that it cost extra time to write or print the e.' This accounts for the modern e-less' spelling.

At that time Lord Ribblesdale, who lived at Gisburn Hall, would only allow the railway to pass through his land if they made the old tunnels look like ancient castles.

The Ribblesdales were famous for their herd of white cattle which sadly have now become extinct. There is a reminder of this herd in the name of splendid local pub called the White Bull.

Close to the pub is the majestic church of St Mary. This served a network of villages including Rimington, Paythorne, Newsholme, Nappa, Swinden and Horton from at least Norman times.

The doorway is 13th century and there is some substantial Norman stonework.

Long before the railway came Gisburn was situated along the busy turnpike road which has now evolved into the A59. Some of the old coaching houses have gone, including the Ribblesdale Arms which is now an upmarket block of flats.

The building was purchased by the Lister family (who became the Lords of Ribblesdale) when it was built in 1635 for the then substantial sum of £855. It had barns and stables attached.

Gisburn is seen at its busiest and best on Thursdays when the cattle market is in full swing.

Take a drive to Gisburn, enjoy the hospitality of the White Bull and follow footpaths and soak up the history from Robin Hood onwards.