Situated on the important A66 route across to Scotland.In Roman times there was a large settlement at Greta Bridge and today is hotel is built upon its ruins. In fact the ramparts of a Roman Fort support part of the present-day Through the 17th Century and the rise of the mail coach, Greta Bridge was the second overnight stop for the London-Carlisle coach, bringing with it a considerable number of visitors. In 1839 Charles Dickens visited Greta Bridge to research Nicholas Nickelby and highlight the hardship inflicted on their boys by certain Yorkshire schools. Infamy came to Dotheboys Hall in Bowes, which is still visible today along with the headmaster's grave in Bowes church cemetery. Dickens stayed at one of the inns in Greta Bridge - possibly The Morritt - and in the novel was the meeting point between Nicholas and Wackford Squeers.