Thirsk is a small 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 vacationer destination near the Yorkshire Dales and also the North York Moors. It was the home of writer James Herriot and also birthplace of Thomas Lord, after whom Lord's Cricket Ground is called. Thirsk Racecourse is on the western side of the community. Thirsk is constructed around a big middle ages market square, which still holds an outdoor market each Monday and also Saturday. The market was established in 1145 and is the centerpiece for neighborhood farmers, investors and site visitors. The town was once understood for its leather sun tanning as well as saddlery trade, but this was changed in the 19th century by the production of farming applies. This was aided by the establishment of the Mechanics Institute in 1848. Thirsk has several facilities for vacationers. The modern economic situation is based upon hospitality, tourist, public administration, financing, production, building, agriculture, tiny industrial, retail as well as solution businesses. It is house to online retailer VetUK. Tourism is an important part of the economy, with holiday accommodations, dining establishments and pubs along with tourist attractions that motivate site visitors.