Thirsk is a little market town and also civil parish in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, it is 8 miles (13 km) south-south east of the county town of Northallerton. According to the 2011 UK Census, the population was 4,998. Thirsk is a popular visitor destination near to the Yorkshire Dales as well as the North York Moors. It was the residence of author James Herriot and also native home of Thomas Lord, after whom Lord's Cricket Ground is named. Thirsk Racecourse gets on the western side of the town. Thirsk is constructed around a huge middle ages market square, which still hosts an outdoor market each Monday and also Saturday. The market was established in 1145 and also is the focal point for neighborhood farmers, traders and site visitors. The community was when understood for its leather sun tanning and also saddlery trade, but this was changed in the 19th century by the manufacturing of farming carries out. This was assisted by the establishment of the Mechanics Institute in 1848. Thirsk has several facilities for travelers. The modern economy is based on hospitality, tourism, public administration, financing, production, construction, agriculture, small industrial, retail as well as service organisations. It is house to online retailer VetUK. Tourism is an integral part of the economic situation, with lodgings, dining establishments and bars as well as attractions that encourage site visitors.