11/09/2026
An interesting read!
Ever thought recycling is something of a modern invention? Well not so!
Bedale's historic tollbooth, which stood proudly at the North End of Bedale until the late 18th century, is a case in point. Making way for the grand Georgian architecture that can still be seen today, the stone from the tollbooth was reclaimed and later went into the construction of Bedale Primary school on Sussex Street. In the 20th century the school building transitioned to use as the town's health centre which has now itself been demolished to make way for housing. However, the heritage of recycling the tollbooth stone is ongoing and it has been earmarked for a project which will see it built into a wall that will provide a backdrop to the fabulous Deer Sculpture located by the roundabout as you enter Bedale from the North End.