“Ruswarp, in the beautiful valley of The Esk, where the
river is nearing the sea, has an iron bridge and a tall, brick
viaduct, an old mill where the wheel still turns, many new houses
among the trees on the hillside, and old houses at the foot of
a steep, winding hill where the modern church stands among flowers.
Its tower and spire are 120 feet high. Inside is a bullet scarred
crucifix, picked up at the battle field at Ypres, Belgium.
Not far from the church is the Old Hall, a dignified house built in Stuart times. Here lived Captain Bushell, who in the Civil War was sometimes for Parliament and sometimes for the King. It was a sad day for him when he betrayed Scarborough Castle to the Royalists, for it cost him his head”.
This apt quotation comes from Arthur Mee’s “The Kings
England – Yorkshire North Riding” written in 1941.
Over the years the scene has obviously changed but not significantly.
Near the iron road bridge and alongside the level crossing close
to the station stands the Bridge Inn. Further up the road are
several shops and a Post Office.
Ruswarp also offers a nine hole golf course, boating and a miniature
steam railway. A walk of just over a mile westwards takes you
to Sleights, the next station on the Esk Valley line, whilst
joining the Esk Valley Walk near the Post Office, provides you
with the opportunity to walk to Whitby (one and a half miles).
The walk crosses the A171 near the new high level bridge.
