​Journal-commissioned artist David Work paints Bishop Burton. How much do you know about this pretty East Riding village . . ?

David’s painting of the Altisidora public house

Of all those competing for the title of prettiest village in East Yorkshire, Bishop Burton must be up there among the front runners.

It easily fits the description of “picture postcard” or “chocolate box” village . . . whitewashed cottages set back around two large, irregular, greens, bisected by the main York road, which comes sweeping down into Bishop Burton from Beverley.

A former estate village, there are ponds to the left and right of the road, too – the Grade II-star listed All Saints Church standing higher above the larger of the two ponds.

The village is home to Bishop Burton College, which has developed a national reputation for the quality of its agriculture courses (the college farms 362 hectares and also has dairy and pig units) as well as offering degrees and qualifications in a wide range of other subjects, including equestrian, sport, design, food and floristry.

The college opened in 1954 on the site of the Victorian High Hall and millions of pounds have been spent in the ensuing years keeping it at the forefront of land-based education.

School Green, with the Old School House

A prominent landmark in the village is the Altisidora public house, subject of one of David’s paintings. Originally called the Horse & Jockey, it was renamed Evander after a famous racehorse. But in 1813 the then owner of the inn staked every penny he possessed and all the buildings on Altisidora, which was running in the St Leger that year.

After 10 false starts, which must have been a nerve-wracking experience for the innkeeper, the race was finally run and Altisidora won by half a head. In gratitude the inn was once again renamed and it still bears the title today.

Some of the original paintings featured in these articles, and prints of all of them, are available to purchase, either framed or unframed. Framed prints cost £65 plus £12 post and package. David can be contacted on (01482) 881625, via his website: www. watercoloursdavidwork.co.uk or The Journal’s own website, where all of the paintings published so far can be viewed.

The A1079 York road bisects Bishop Burton, with ponds on both sides. Here, a view of the smaller pond and Forge Cottager

A view over the village from the churchyard of All saints, which dates back to the 13th century