It is situated on the slopes of the Washburn valley, north of Otley and close to Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs.

In 1988, the diaries of local man John Dickinson were published,[2] providing considerable insight into the history of the village and the surrounding area.

In the 17th century, the village was home to The Witches of Timble, who were accused of witchcraft by local poet Edward Fairfax, and tried but acquitted twice at York.

[4] The name Timble may be of Brittonic origin and derived from the elements din, "a hill fort", and mę:l, "bald, bare".

[5] It may otherwise have a connection with Old English tumbian, "to tumble", although verbs rarely form the basis of settlement names.