Naburn was a predominantly agricultural community with local farms prospering on the rich alluvial soil. The village was until the mid 20th century virtually totally owned by the Palmes family. On the Northern boundary was Naburn Hospital, a psychiatric hospital, formerly known as York City Asylum, until its closure in 1988. Adjacent to it was Fulford maternity hospital. In 1739 a ferry was situated just to the west of Naburn Hall, but by the early 19th century was in competition with a horse and foot road that led from the village street past the hall and across the ings to a ferry close to Acaster Malbis village. The latter ferry is said to have been started by the Thompsons of Escrick after Beilby Thompson married Dame Sarah Dawes to provide a connexion with her estate at Acaster. Due to increased traffic, it proved a nuisance to the Palmes family at Naburn Hall. In 1824 they closed the road with the ferry moving to a point near the middle of the village. The new ferry, for passengers and vehicles, was later worked by wheel and chain and was closed in 1956.