To kick us off, we’ll look back into the mists of time and raise a wee nip to the first folk who farmed these fields, the Celts. Here’s a few thoughts based on chats we had with Acomb expert Gordon Campbell-Thomas.
THE NAME ACOMB
It is thought that the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe, lived in the area during the Iron Age this might be the origin of the connection with Oaks
Oaks were sacred to the Druids
In Old English acum, In the Domesday book (1086), the name of the village is spelt as both Achum and Acum and during the next one hundred years other spellings can be found, such as Achu, Acun, Akum and Acham. In the 13th century, the spellings Acome, Acorn and Akome can be seen, whilst Akam and Acombe are 15th century. Once printing was established, it enabled the standardisation of spellings to the one seen today The traditional pronunciation of the name was "Yackam“
OAK / CELTS
THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF YORK MINSTER OWNED ACOMB, WHICH PREDATES THE NORMAN CONQUEST AND IS REFERENCED IN THE DOMESDAY BOOK
ROMAN PERIOD
By the end of the fourth century, the population of Roman York, which was known as Eboracum, peaked at around 15,000 people. The Roman fortress housed around 5,200 soldiers, while the civilian population was probably around 5,000 plus. Many of Britain’s major towns and cities we know today such as London (Londinium), Manchester (Mancunium) and York (Eboracum), were founded by the Romans.
Some historians believe that the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (sometimes called the African Emperor) was cremated near the modern-day site of Acomb (possibly on Severus Hill) after dying in York in 211 AD. Today his influence can be seen in the street names Severus Street and Severus Avenue, and of course Severus Hill (Holgate) Acomb also has Roman roads, including one to Tadcaster (Calcaria) and another to the civil capital near Aldborough (Isurium Brigantum).
Eboracum
A Roman Building in Acomb. Alan Powell has a theory that this was the residence of Septimius Severus himself, if this true that increases the importance of discovery In the 19th century, a building and mosaic pavement were discovered behind Acomb House in Front Street by the Rev James Raine, which was confirmed by the Yorkshire Museum in 2023.
This is not the actual mosaic found behind Acomb House, this is The Four Seasons mosaic found in Coney Street, but the Acomb mosaic was probably of a similar style and quality
A SELECTION OF ANGEL ART FROM HOLGATE’S OLQM SCHOOL
Lidgett Community café
A CIVIC SEAL OF APPROVAL
We’ve been made welcome by Acomb’s Lidgett Grove Methodist Church and the Community Cafe that runs every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:30am (try the bacon sarnies - best in the west of York) We’d been sharing intergenerational stories, creating art, even using innovative digital AI to consolidate IT confidence
I knew from past meetings that the Lord Mayor of York sees the crucial work done by spaces like Lidgett Grove as the lifeblood of communities. As expected, he jumped at the chance of getting involved and joined us for a morning of art and video making based on Christmas cards and personal memories
“It’s humbling to see how well a welcoming place like this runs. All credit must go to the people who organise it, week in, week out With more places like Lidgett Grove Methodist Church we can work together to lessen social isolation and keep communities happy places to be.” And, reader, let me tell something ‘twixt thee and me - the Lord Mayor of York can draw a cracking Santa!
GETTING CREATIVE
CHECK LIDGETT GROVE METHODIST CHURCH ONLINE: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROFILE.PHP?ID=61569461612389
Books and Bevs is a fantastic new independent book and coffee shop and a really exciting addition to Acomb Run by a young couple who have lived in Acomb for several years Speaking to them I found out just how much they like nd enjoy the mmunity The for them to op evs has a cosy, tmosphere that want to stay a ovely spot to rink and a while browsing which include a on of books, election by local
As I was sitting in my favourite armchair ready to settle in for a read and a coffee, it was lovely to overhear two ladies stating that 'their' table should be named the 'locals table' since they fully intend on calling in regularly and becoming part of furniture
There are plans in place to host craft and storytelling events, which will be a real asset to the community Definitely worth a visit. Although I have to warn you, the selection of books is irresistible.
Check out this cracking shop’s site: hwww.booksandbevs.co.uk/
See you there!
Mary Passeri
REMIXING
SOUNDTRACKS
ACOMB’S ADRIANO’S REIMAGINES SCENES AND FILMS
Acomb based music fan Adriano knows a thing or two about music. Often found at gigs or sipping drinks at Accomb’s many cafes, he’s a trove of anecdotes and opinons
We hand the microphone to discuss soundtracks and whther they should be left alone.
The first Terminator would benefit from a new soundtrack. The film’s great as it is, but I often wonder how a new soundtrack would bring new elements to it There’s a lot of industrial music, and a lot of industrial ambience, stuff like 9 Inch Nails and Depeche Mode and some Marilyn Manson, that would fit the film well.
‘Alien’ is the same. Aphex Twin, atmospheric techno music, Boards of Canada would be interesting, but also a lot of Radiohead work. Thom Yorke’s solo stuff has elements of it too That famous scene, where Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is crawling through the tunnel, that would really come alive with new music, with perhaps tracks from Kid A, and Aphex Twin’s ‘Come to Daddy’ that would fit perfectly with the suspense found in these dark sci-fi films
NEW VISUALITY 25/26
https://www.kings-fishandchips.co.uk/
https://www specsavers co uk/stores/acomb
“Itchuckeditdownbutpeople
still thought it was a sensible idea to gather in our St Stephen’s churchyard to sing beautiful carols. We then conga’d down to The Crooked Tap for mulled wine and a good old fashioned Acomb community knees up. Thanks toallwhocame.”
Special thanks must go to Lidgett Community Café A parish is defined by more than just its worship or even its physical building; fundamentally, it is an essential concept that offers stability in a fragmented world a reliable source of energy, positive sentiment, and ground to lean on Our experience with the patrons at Lidgett Community Café powerfully reinforced this understanding
For 14 years, our York-based charity has been working with vulnerable people in community centres and learning academies We have run creative activities for diverse groups, including young people with disabilities, elderly residents experiencing solitude, and, most recently, refugees from Syria and Ukraine. We are acutely aware that the environment in which creative activities take place is as crucial as the activities themselves in fostering engagement over apathy. We sat with patrons and listened to stories and co-created art.
They shared their hopes for the area of Acomb and listened closely to the memories of what Acomb used to be like more than half a century ago, with some specific focus on the building of Lidgett Methodist Church. The conversations widened, and the mood was so positive and pride in the weekly Pop Ups so palpable, that we hit on an idea. Let’s make a digital magazine, ‘West of the Walls’, celebrating Acomb
These pages are our small attempt to chronicle the bright stories we received. Thank you, Lidgett Methodist Church, keep up the good work. The tough times are a little less dark with the light you nurture. Here’s to a bright 2026.
