Whashton is a village and civil parish in the Richmondshire district of North Yorkshire, England.

History

The name is of an uncertain origin and could either be taken from a personal name (Hwaessa) or the farm/settlement at the sharp, pointed place (Hwaessing). The village (with an older spelling) is sometimes cited as the origin of the family name of George Washington, the first US President. However, this origin is also claimed by the town of Washington near Newcastle upon Tyne, some 55 km north of Whashton. The Hack & Spade public house was established by 1880.

Farming

The village is surrounded by farmland and has two main farms the Hagg which is down a track away from the main village. The farm caters for pig farming with a residential property on site (part of the Hartforth estate) and another Whashton Farm set in the main village catering for cows.

Village

The village once had a pub 'The Hack and Spade', however that is now closed and the only village amenity is post box. There is also a classic red telephone box that has been converted to house a defibrillator. The village is set on several walks around the surrounding Yorkshire hills. The local town is Richmond approximately 5 mi away and the village is set only a few miles south of the A66.