Probably the north’s finest racecourse, the ‘Knavesmire’, as it is known locally, is rich in both its racing heritage and as part of the city of York’s history. The racecourse stages some of the country’s leading flat races annually, culminating in the Ebor Festival in August (Ebor is the Roman name for York). In 2005 the course was chosen to host Royal Ascot whilst the Ascot course was being re-developed. Historically, the Knavesmire is remembered as the site of Dick Turpin’s execution following his imprisonment in York Prison in 1739.