The modern history of the Underbanks

Conservation area status

In 1974, The Underbanks was designated as part of the Market Underbanks Conservation Area.

Conservation areas are places of particular architectural and historic interest worth preserving or enhancing. Designating these areas helps to raise public awareness of their unique character and historic development.

The Underbanks gained conservation area status because:

  • it has a large number of surviving historic and listed buildings from different eras
  • it contains architectural materials and detailing which unify buildings of different dates and styles
  • it contains multiple levels and vantage points, creating dramatic views and vistas
  • it’s an important historic route which has been used for hundreds of years
  • its historic buildings and architectural features contain examples of traditional craftsmanship

The Underbanks contains 42 listed buildings and 17 locally listed buildings. Little wonder then, that it has become a popular filming location for production companies.

The Underbanks featured in the 2019 BBC sitcom, Scarborough, for the Geraldine's of Scarborough hair salon.

Netflix thriller The Stranger also featured the Underbanks.