Masham is a small market town in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire. It is the town Robin Ellacott grew up in and where her parents still live.

The town is surrounded by gentle hills, wide fields and farmland; a wide river called the River Ure also runs alongside the town. The market square of Masham is lined with pale Georgian houses. The town often has market days and fairs located in the large market square, “the broadest market square [Strike] had ever seen”.

In The Silkworm, Robin and Matthew return to Masham for Matthew’s mother’s funeral. By this chapter, the entire country is covered in a layer of thick snow, which started the previous day, when Strike and Robin drove to Devon to interview Daniel Chard.

After the funeral, Robin’s three brothers go for a few pints of Black Sheep ale at The Bay Horse, where their friends waited for them, but leave a sulking Matthew at home uninvited.

The town is known for its fairs and markets, but also has two popular breweries: the Black Sheep Brewery and Theakstons Brewery.

In Career of Evil, Robin returns to Masham to get her wedding dress fitted. She and Linda take a trip into Harrogate for this and then go to a tea shop called Bettys of Harrogate afterwards.

The church in Masham plays a significant part in the books, click on the link below to read more.

St Mary the Virgin Church

Nearby is a place called Swinton Park. This is where Robin and Matthew have their wedding reception in Lethal White. Find out more via the link below.

Swinton Park

Interested in a road trip to Masham? You can find it here:

A few miles away from Masham and a short walk through the woods is the Druid’s Temple. We definitely recommend a visit if you find yourself in Masham! Check it out: