The town of Yate in South Gloucestershire has recently had its history published by Victoria County History books.
The name that Yate was given historically means Gateway, which is derived from the old English word giete or gete, which meant ‘gateway to a forest area’. During the Anglo-Saxon and into the medieval period much of the area now known as Yate was enveloped within Horwood Forest; this forest land was a place for the privileged and rich, along with medieval Lords and Bishops to visit. In later years farmers and peasants were also given the opportunity to visit the royal forest. Through the centuries the forest had been cleared for farming and for mining industries, such as coal, limestone and sandstone. In more recent years Yate’s industrial history has included aircraft production and it now boasts an innovative shopping centre. Continue reading
Gloucestershire Archives 