Sir, - Some readers might be interested in what I found recently in A History of Thirsk written in 1821 by J B Jefferson.

"Were a stranger to travel over our bridges in the heat of summer, he might justly wonder at the size and number of the arches across so small a stream. But let him come this way at the time of a winter flood, and there will be abundant proof that they are not too large for the overflowing torrent flowing from the higher hills."

He goes on: "November 3, 1754, Thirsk Bridge was entirely washed down by a tremendous inundation, unequalled in the memory of the oldest inhabitants. Great damage was sustained by the inhabitants whose property was situated by the banks of the river." He adds that the Rye also flooded at Helmsley, drowning 13 people from two houses "one woman who was ill in bed, only escaping. She was conveyed safely in bed, by the violence of the stream, half a mile down the river....."

A later book, My book of Thirsk, by Eric Thompson, takes us back yet further. He quotes from the Quarter Sessions records for 1649, as follows: Order "that the common water sewer of Codbecke and also the broad beck leading to Thirsk (I think this refers to the Mill race which used to run close to the Northallerton road in Norby) being so obstructed and stopped up by reason of the not scowring thereof that the country hath suffered much damage and is very likely to be further endamaged if it is not presently cleansed, it is to be scowred cleansed and opened a sufficient depth and breadth, and upon further neglect therein such severe fines will be imposed on the neglectors as shall be answerable to the damage occasioned thereby."

As local historians often remark, little is new, and little changes.

JENNIFER ALLISON

Lees Lane,

Northallerton.

The nightmare

Sir, - We fully support the thoughts and ideas expressed in last week's letter from Dr John Gibbins, in respect of the recent flood in Brompton, Northallerton.

We are new-comers to Water End, Brompton and had recently completed the refurbishment of our home. The effects of the flood on us and for our neighbours have been devastating. The upheaval will be with us all for months to come, as we wait for our damaged properties to be repaired.

As Dr Gibbins pointed out, we are not on a flood plain and flooding is preventable.

I am sure that all residents of Brompton will want to press for urgent action as detailed by Dr Gibbins and will support the meeting on December 18.

The most positive aspect of this experience has been the support and help of wonderful neighbours. We would like to express sincere thanks to all of them, especially to Kevin and Carol, Peter and Alison, the Three Kevins and their 'team', Peggy, Eric and Jean, John, Sheila and Ray, Mrs Rolfe, Pauline and the lady who brought round hot soup and rolls on the day of the flood. Thanks also to our friends in Wensleydale who came to help us and to our families and friends who offered help, sympathy, accommodation and even Christmas dinner!

JO MCSWEENIE and friends

Water End,

Brompton,

Northallerton.

Ill omen

Sir, - I think people who have known Ripon for most of their lives, will find recent happenings at the cathedral almost unbelievable (D&S, Nov 24). Persons being stoned on their way to worship was generally synonymous with totalitarianism.

During electioneering from Thatcherism to Blairism, their main theme often centred on law and order, sadly for many today neither exist.

There was a time when anyone entering Ripon from the A1 at a certain time before midnight would always see a policeman in North Street, and a sergeant and his accomplice patrolling the square, and that went on for many, many years. Nowadays, one can only imagine such a scene. Closing the old courthouse adjacent the cathedral must surely have been an ill omen.

Douglas Punchard

Bylands,

Keldholme,

Kirkbymoorside.

On its way

Sir, - May I assure all those who are awaiting the publication of my book. Sunters: High,Wide & Mighty - the history of Sunter Brothers, the Northallerton-based transport company has been delayed and will now come out sometime in the early spring. The delay was due to circumstances beyond my control. Could I also ask of any reader who may have information or personal photographs about the company to contact me when convenient.

A E EATON

Turker Lane,

Northallerton