These pages are extracts from the English Lakes Visitor and Keswick Guardian which was published in Keswick each week from 1877 to 1910.
Each extract covers items that I thought might be of interest to 21st century readers and I have tried whenever possible to keep to the words actually used - Victorian use of English and particularly punctaution is quite different from that used today - even by a pedant like me.
The extracts have been published, monthly, in the Keswick Reminder which has itself been published in Keswick continuously since 1897. I started in January 2003 just after the death of George Bott who had for many years done a piece for the Reminder though in a different style and timezone.
I will normally add them to this site the following month.
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3 Sept 2007
In and around Keswick 125 Years ago: January 1878
Banks's Charity. John Rigg, former woollen spinner became a recipient at five shillings (25p) weekly in place of Thomas Martin, deceased.
Extraordinary circumstance. Four children were baptised at Crosthwaite Church with surnames Black, White, Brown and Green!
Derwentwater Fife and Drum Band are making good progress under the tuition of Mr Thos Atkinson, and played "John Peel" on top of the Bowder Stone - much to the delight of the old lady in charge of the stone.
3rd Cumberland Rifle Volunteers (Skiddaw Greys) met for the annual New Year's Day prize shoot. The winner, Prvt Isaac Hodgson, won a chest of drawers presented by Mr J Crosthwaite and a dozen photographs from Mr Henry Mayson. Other prizes included: brush and comb, 1lb tea, bottle of whiskey, pair of boots.
Skating Prospects. Twyfoot Tarn is bearable and the lake is almost entirely covered with thin ice.
School of Art, Keswick Sketching Club exhibited numerous oil and water colour paintings, some of which were very creditable to our local talent.
Keswick Local Board were
asked to sanction employment of six men at £1 per year to hold themselves
ready for fire-engine duty and to practice four times a year. They also discussed
the condition of Keswick roads which were shoe deep in mire.
The following week an article asked "How would Keswick fare in the event
of a serious fire?" Had the engine sufficient power - it worked satisfactorily
from the mains but failed when it had to draw water. It could throw water to
the height of the town-hall clock, but the new houses had a greater elevation.
Building Society for the Lake District - "Lakes District Working Men's Mutual Benefit Building Society" was launched with upwards of 50 persons joining. A member borrowing £150 paid £9 per year and a weekly subscription of 8d (3p) would become owner of his house in about 15 years.
Timber Raising Supper. The 33 workmen rebuilding the Skiddaw Temperance Hotel were entertained at the expense of Miss Lawson. Orange champagne was provided.
Keswick Savings Bank had 776 depositors with balances ranging from under £1 to over £150, totally £21,332.
Presentation to a Schoolmaster. The first class scholars of Brigham School presented Mr Highton with a silver penholder and inkstand.
Sale of Mining Plant. Mr Mumberson, auctioneer, sold the plant and machinery of Yewthwaite and Goldscope Mines. The Goldscope water wheel and crushing mill fetched £57, but the remains of the 42 ft wheel £3-7s only.
Fire in Museum Square - happily extinguished before serious damage. The fire originated in a closet next to Mr Wood's oil store. An effort was made to get the fire engine, but before it could be brought the flames had been extinguished.
Keswick County Court heard an application concerning partnership in a brick and tile works at Threlkeld. Agreed that £60 paid to Mr Armstrong would free Mr Simpson of all advantages and liabilities.
Victim of Ruling Passion.
Thomas Nicholson was fined for possessing an unclean salmon. On being charged
by William Irving, river watcher, he threw the fish in the Greta and jumped
in himself but was dragged out by his muffler.
month index
J Birkett Practical Watchmaker Jewller and Mineralogist offered silver watches from 30s (£1-50) and gold from £3-3s (£3-15).
Hogarth and Hayes Black Lead Pencil Makers invited visitors to spend an enjoyable and instructive hour to witness the interesting process of Pencil making. No charge is made for admission and visitors can have their own names impressed on pencils.
Keswick Library. An addition of about fifty volumes had been made to the library.
Hydrants. The Waterworks Company agreed that the hydrants (which had been installed in the town some eighteen years ago at a cost of over £300 for the use and protection of property) be put in good working order.
Keswick Literary and Scientific Society's weekly lectures included Mr Thos. Mayson, printer, on the "Character of Cromwell" and Mr J Clifton Ward FGS took a Natural History Class at the Museum.
Keswick Local Board granted a license to Mr T W Townley to store 40 gallons of benzoline in his warehouse.
Billiard Room. Mr W Wilson of the Royal Oak Hotel opened his new billiard room. The table is full size and has been supplied by Mr Orme of Manchester whose reputation as a manufacturer is unsurpassed.
Fisheries. An inquiry was held at Keswick into the condition of the fisheries of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere, Ullswater and other lakes, tarns and streams to consider a Board of Conservators for the Lake District.
Lake District Model. Visitors should not fail to see Mayson's Ordnance Model of the entire Lake District (6 inches to the mile vertical and horizontal). Admission one shilling (5p).
Hunting. The Blencathra Hounds had a splendid run. Throw off was at Wanthwaite Crag and having started a fox they ran him into Patterdale.
Keswick Museum of Local Natural History. Mr Frank Buckland inspected the museum and highly approved of the idea of collecting specimens of natural history of the mountainous region connected with Keswick and its neighbourhood. The Museum was by no means complete. He advocated the setting to work of the younger people and recommended the offering of small prizes for the best collection. School children might be taught to do this. He trusted that in time Keswick would have a perfect catalogue of its own natural history products.
Destructive Waterspout near Thirlmere. Keswickians were reminded of the dreadful storm of thunder and lightning in 1749 attended with such a torrent of rain as considerably changed the face of the country and did incredible damage in the vale below. The storm started over Skiddaw went through a vale called Threlcot, and over the rocks on one side of Keswick, called Lady Rocks, meeting no opposition till it came to the mountains which bound St John's Vale and by these it was stopped. Among the damage cottages were ruined and a mill destroyed.
The Thirlmere Scheme and Rainfall.
The Thirlmere Defence Association objected that when the reservoir is drawn
down, its bared bottom will present to the eye and nose a littoral zone of mud
and rotting weed nine miles in circuit and varying from a few yards to more
than a mile in width. In answer it was alleged that the rainfall is so enormous
that it will seldom be necessary to drawn the water down a few feet.
month index
In and around Keswick 125 Years ago: March 1878
Keswick streets are now almost one continuous puddle, the footpaths in some places being very little better than the main road
A Model of Thirlmere has been prepared by Messrs Brocklebank, Wilson and Mulliner for the Parliamentary Committee. It is to a scale of 25 inches to the mile. The whole of the intended new works, comprising banks, aqueducts and new roads are clearly shown.
Telephone. G I Snelus Esq delivered a lecture on "The Telephone" to Keswick Literary and Scientific Society.
WANTED: a thorough housemaid in small family who can help now and then in waiting at table. Wages £16 and £2 beer money. [per year!]
£100 Reward Whereas during the nights of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last some evil disposed person or persons did wilfully and with malice aforethought turn off the moonlight, and thereby leave the people of Keswick to walk in darkness … NB Now that the stipulated 800 hours of street gas-light have been exceeded by 9 1/4, the loyal and well bestowed citizens are hereby requested in their generosity to subscribe for NINE TURNIP LANTERNS of approved pattern and shape, and a due complement of candle ends, wherewith watch may be kept for the good regulation of the town. [Keswick Local Board had contracted for only 800 hours per light (at 32/6 each lamp)and the gas company had stopped supply when they realised they had over-supplied.]
No Sewer. Mr Barrow, who was about to build two houses with water closets, complained that there was no sewer within reasonable distance. His neighbour had no real drainage for sixteen. The least the Board could do was extend the sewer to Greta Street.
John Birkett, farm bailiff was summoned for passing through Brigham tollgate without paying.
Mungrisdale School is in very fair order and the instruction is careful and shows some degree of intelligence.
That well-bred boar "Lamplighter" will serve sows at the High Mill at 5s each.
Brickworks. Mr Mumberson offered for public competition the brick and tile works situate at Guardhouse near Threlkeld. The reserve was £400. No bid was made.
Natural Curiosity A cow belonging to Mr Geo Hindmoor of Setmabanning, Threlkeld gave birth to a calf having two fully grown and perfect heads. The animal lived but a short time.
Thirlmere Water Bill. The Select Committee decided that they are prepared to pass the preamble of the Bill on the understanding that clauses will be introduced that water will be supplied to towns demanding the same if they are situated in the neighbourhood of the aqueduct.
Not really Keswick but reported
there …The first of eight wheelbarrows ordered by Dundee Police Commission
for the conveyance of drunk and incapable persons to the station has been delivered.
It is shaped almost like a coffin. There is a box at the top on which the head
of the drunk and incapable will recline.
month index
In and around Keswick 125 Years ago: April 1878
The Street Lamp saga continued Keswick Local Board proposed to buy, on trial, six patent gas oil lamps, while the Gas Company offered to light the town for 1000 hours at 34/- per lamp (previously they had been paying 32/6 for 800 hours per lamp). Gas oil lamps had been lighting Threlkeld Station satisfactorily. They required three times as much attention as gas and there was the humiliation of bringing gas lamps into the town.
Dr John Fox made his final report on the health of Keswick. There were 89 births in 1877, an increase of 9, but the proportion borne illegitimate was enormous being 18% against the English average of 5.6%. But though life has thus in so many instances been illicitly imparted, yet there is no evidence of the lower state of moral feeling which leads to its premature sacrifice. Deaths of infants in first year were wonderfully small at 10.1% against a usual 17%. Deaths were 51, a reduction of 7. At 13.4% this was the lowest he had reported and 37% are of those who have exceeded the "three score years and ten".
Plans Mr Jonathan Gibson's plan to layout building sites in Station Road was deferred.
The Teeth. Professional attendance at Mrs Greenhow's on first and third Saturday every month. Mr Mackintosh, surgeon dentist, Carlisle.
New Mining Venture at Threlkeld A new company has commenced on the east side of White Pike in search for manganese.
The Royal (Poland Street) Handbell Ringers - the talented troupe of campanologists gave their entertainment in the Oddfellows' Hall.
Interesting Sale Property of the late Mr Flintoft including the original topographical model of the Lake District - looked on as one of the greatest works of art not only in the Lake District but almost anywhere. With the model were the sign boards and eight visitor books which were exceedingly valuable as a collection of autographs of many noble and eminent persons. The model was sold at £160 to Mr W Wood on behalf of the Trustees of the Museum of Local Natural History. Messrs Mayson Brothers bought a smaller model, an unfinished 6" scale model and models of Switzerland and France & Belgium.
Rev George Goodwin Memorial R D Marshall Esq. the lord of the manor has kindly promised a site for a Parish Room, which Mr Goodwin had expressed as the chief want of the parish. Mr Ferguson will prepare a plan for the building which without trouble may be turned into a chapel. Subscriptions are invited.
Rigg's Coaches left Keswick at 8-05 am arriving at Windermere at 11-40. The return left at 2-30 pm and arrived at Keswick at 5-45.
CKP Railway trains took 50 minutes
between Keswick and Penrith and from London Euston to Penrith was about 8 hours.
month index
Manchester Corporation Water Works were issuing annuities secured on the rates of the City.
John W Grisdale would post Good Black Lead Pencils to any address in the Kingdom with your own name or any other name printed in Gold or Silver Letter from 2/8 (13p) per dozen
Curious Discovery A water wagtail's nest was found in a coal wagon standing at the railway station
Ulcatrow. Discussion of the name claimed that it was comparatively modern and a corruption of a sort of cottage and either wolf or Ullswater. Alternatively it may have been Wildcatrow
Markets At Cockermouth, Wheat fetched 23/6 per 14 stone bushel (£13-11 per tonne), Best Flour 2/8 per stone (2p per kg), Beef 7d to 10d per pound (7p to 9p per kg), Eggs 16 for 1/- (4p per dozen) Cumberland hams 11/- per stone (7p per kg), Potatoes 1/- per stone (4p per 5kg), young pigs 15s to 20s each (£0-75 to £1-00)
Unlicensed dog owners are having a lively time. Inland Revenue having invoked the aid of the police, batches of cases have been brought before the magistrates. All kinds of excuses are pleaded by the offenders - bad memory and not knowing the right time for taking out the license being by far the most common. The payment of 25s (£1-25) and costs is an expensive refresher of the memory.
Keswick Local Board had a number of matters to consider including:
- Plans: Mr Barrow's plans were approved subject to the drainage being connected with the sewer in Penrith Road when completed.
- Watercart: It was agreed that the Surveyor should go to Maryport to purchase a cask and get it filled up for use as a street watercart.
- New Rate: The total expenditure including £177-10-3d to Reserve Fund was £412-10-3. It was proposed to levy a rate of 9d (4p) in the pound on house property
Lord of the Manor Courts for the manors of Castlerigg and Derwntwater were held at the Queen's Hotel. Mr Wm Todhunter was elected Constable for Keswick, Mr A Dowthwaite for St John's, Castlerigg and Wythburn, Mr G Nicholson scavenger and Mr E E Poole market inspector for Keswick. The rent audit was held immediately afterwards and subsequently the tenants were entertained to a most excellent dinner.
Rare Tree Cultivation Mr Thomas Fergusson of Shu-le-Crow has succeeded in growing out of doors three specimens of the blue gum tree (eucalyptus globulus)
Cookery Classes The first of twelve demonstration classes (by Miss Macpherson in connection with the Glasgow School of Cookery) in the art of plain cooking was given in the Lecture Hall of the Library, when there was a good attendance of ladies, though it would have been more gratifying to the promoters of these important aids if the wives and daughters of working men in greater numbers had availed themselves of the opportunity.
Hospital Sunday Fund The following sums have been received: Crosthwaite Church £11-15-10, St John's Keswick £15-17-8, Lake Road Congregational Church £2-10-0, Threlkeld Church £1-12-3, Bassenthwaite Church £1-15-0
Keswick Literary and Scientific
Society excursion to Thirlmere and Castle Rock left, in three carriages,
from the Library. Passing quietly without even a salute from the wooden soldiers
who perform certain gyrate and mysterious evolutions on a pole in front of Mr
Dowthwaite's house at the Moor, they halted in the shade of Raven Crag where
Mr Clifton Ward said a few words about the unfortunate dam and the geology of
the site. At Castle Rock Mr Crosthwaite acted as cicerone and told of the Legburthwaite
floods of 1749, 1806 and 1846.
month index
Cockermouth Keswick and Penrith Railway ran a circular tour to Ullswater. Keswick to Troutbeck by Rail, Coach to Patterdale and Steam Boat the full length of Ullswater returning the same or following day. Fares: First Class 10/8d, Second Class 8/4, Third Class 7/6.
Keswick Petty Sessions Thomas Bewley, farmer, Wythburn, was summoned by James Gillbanks for an assault. Mr Wick, appearing for the defendant, suggested before the case was gone into that as the parties were neighbours they shake hands and the summons be withdrawn. The Chairman said that the Bench would not stand in the way. The defendant walked across the court and publicly shook hands with the complainant.
Skiddaw Temperance Hotel re-opening. The building was too limited to afford accommodation to the increasing number of its patrons. It is now four storeys in height and presents a lofty and imposing front. All the rooms are both light and airy, and present the picture of comfort. Every care has bee taken to dry the rooms thoroughly and no anxiety need be felt on that score.
Thirlmere Water Bill Thrown Out (By Telegraph) Our informant adds "No more danger till next year"
Crosthwaite High School. A meeting of the Governors was told that it had been discovered that the Governors had a right to three and three-fifths stints on Helvellyn. It was decided to advertise the letting of them. Had it not been for the Thirlmere Scheme they would have heard nothing of them.
Street Lighting Keswick Local Board having heard the draft agreement - the chief points of which were that the Lessees would undertake for 34s (£1-85) each lamp to light with pure 16 candle gas from 15th August to 15th April according to the times set forth which were dependent upon the phases of the moon and a provision for lighting twenty of the lamps from 15th April to 15th May for an additional sum of £3-17-6 (£3-88) agreed that these terms be adopted for the remainder of the lease.
Wanted by Mr W Graves, Wine and Spirit Merchant - immediately a strong active lad as errand boy, and to make himself generally useful.
Supposed case of being lost on the Mountains. Considerable anxiety and excitement was caused on Wednesday by the report that a gentleman staying at Keswick had been lost on Scawfell. He went out on Tuesday and should have returned that night. On Wednesday a search party was just about to leave Keswick in a waggonette from the Royal Oak when a telegram arrived from the gentleman announcing his locale at Dungeon Gill, Langdale, where he had stayed the night.
School Examination - Threlkeld School. The several examinations of this school during this year show that its condition is pleasing and reflect great credit upon the master Mr S Butler. Of the 51 presented for examination 45 passed in reading, 46 in writing and 48 in arithmetic. H M Inspector, the Rev C H Parez reported- "The master has only been recently appointed, but I have good reason to believe that under his tuition the children of this school will reach a satisfactory standard in religious knowledge.
Lake District Models Well worthy a visit is The Keswick Museum of Local Natural History (situated at the centre of the Market Place) in connection with which is Flintoft's Model of the lake District. Mayson's in Lake Road were showing their six inch to the mile model.
A Good Swim On Thursday evening Mr H Holmes of Keswick, swam from St Herbert's Island to Lord's Island, and from thence to the Isthmus, in all a distance of about two miles. A strong wind from the SW prevailed at the time.
Keswick Local Board and the Waterworks Company. The committee appointed to inquire into the desirability of the town purchasing the waterworks strongly recommended that it should be the property of the Board. Until recently an insufficiency of supply did exist but since the additional supply from Whitbeck there will be no deficiency for years to come.
Edward Edmondson again He
was charged with being drunk and riotous in Main Street. He pleaded guilty to
the charge of drunkenness but not to that of riotousness. He made a long statement
charging the police with assaulting him on several previous occasions when sober
adding that he dared not retaliate, lest they would lock him up. The Chairman
said that although Edmondson had been in jail several times the magistrates
were not inclined to deal severely with him on this occasion.
month index
Curtains Heaps and Harrison of Manchester offered 7 yard White Muslin curtains at from 10/9 (53p) to 36/6 (£1-82) per pair and White Swiss curtains from 156 (77p) to 25/6 (£1-27) per pair
John Postlethwaite advertised his book "Mines and Mining in the Lake District" at one shilling (5p) per copy
Miss Highton teacher at St John's and Infant Schools was presented , as a token of affection and esteem, a cruet set purchased with the contributions of the teachers and pupils on the occasion of leaving her charge and her approaching marriage. At Brigham School the boys and girls presented her with a silver butter knife and marmalade spoon together with two flower vases as a token of respect and wishing her every success in her new sphere of life in Russia
Braithwaite Parochial Committee having obtained Lord Ormathwaite's signature resolved to adopt a more perfect system both of water supply and sewerage.
A treat was given to the children of Threlkeld School by H C Howard of Greystoke Castle to commemorate his marriage
George Goodwin Memorial The parishioners of Crosthwaite and others met to discuss provision of a Parish Room which may be used for occasional services, classes, choir practices, parochial and other meetings. The Rev G G Goodwin (late Vicar) had felt strongly about the absence of such a place and such a building would be a suitable memorial to Mr Goodwin. £620 had already been received towards the cost which by the end of the month had risen to £751
Keswick Local Board's income was £944 which after expenditure and repayment of mortgage left a balance of £383. Mr Pape reported that the business in the care of the street committee was prosperous, though he thought that they might have the streets watered a little oftener and a greater length of road included. He had heard that the water cart had broken down, and he would like to ask whether the new one was ready
Earthquakes A correspondent asked whether anyone could afford information on the earthquakes at Kendal in August 1787 and November 1817 or any similar phenomenon
Keswick Visitors. The lists included the Martin family from Adelaide, Australia; the Misses Avery, Hubbard and Grahame from Michigan & Philadelphia, USA; and Mr & Mrs Reid from Pondebosch, Cape of Good Hope.
The management of the "Welcome". have decided to place a refreshment stall at the Lakeside during the summer months to accommodate the trippers and boatmen
A trip from Cockermouth brought 340 excursionists into the town
Manor of Castlerigg and Derwenwater published rules for the use of the lake within the said manor - including: 6 BATHING is allowed in any part of the waters belonging to the Manor until the hour of half past eight am, but after that time bathing is allowed only between Isthmus Point and the River Derwent where it leaves the Lake, and drawers must be worn, which may be procured from any of the Hotel keepers or boatmen at a fixed charge of 2d per pair
Heavy Thunderstorm in Keswick
A thunderstorm of unusual violence accompanied by a heavy hailstorm passed
over Keswick on Sunday afternoon. The morning was almost tropically hot and
oppressive, although the sun for the greater part of the time was obscured by
cloud. Towards two o'clock the sky in the north-east assumed that dark premonitory
appearance, and at a little after half past two the storm burst upon the town
in full power. Vivid flashes of lightning were closely followed with crashing
peals of thunder, and presently hailstones of what may be termed prodigious
size fell in alarming quantity and with such force that all sky-light windows
facing to the east suffered more or less in breakages. Some hailstones measured
no less than one and a quarter inches in diameter and would weigh not less than
an ounce.
month index
A large pike. Mr Mark Allinson caught, by trolling, a well-grown pike which weighed 16 pounds. The bait used was the famed “phantom “
The Threlkeld School extension fund. The increased attendance at Threlkeld School in consequences of its efficiency and the enforcement of the enforcement of the requirements of the Education Act 1876 has led the Department to remind the managers that a classroom was ordered some time since. It is estimated the cost the enlargement of the school and other necessary improvements will amount to about £300. The trustees invited subscriptions
Challenge (1). I, John L Knubley, of Keswick, will row either R Greenip or J Hodgson, of Keswick, a race in skiffs on Derwentwater - any course
Challenge (2) William Barron of Keswick is open to make a match at High Pole Leaping with any man in England.
Above Derwent Horticultural Society's exhibition. The annual show of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, in connection with the above society, was held at the school room, Braithwaite, on Thursday, and, as is the custom, the picturesque little village was gay with holidaymakers. The friendly emulation, which is really the society's main object, is yearly looked forward to with increasing interest, and the result of its labours on this occasion cannot be otherwise than most eminently satisfactory, for the produce in all classes, except in a few isolated instances, was marked with improvement.
Death. Stanley – Found drowned in Bassenthwaite Lake, on the 14th Inst, Esther eldest daughter of Mr John Stanley, farmer, Burns, near Keswick, aged 25 years - Very greatly respected.
Money. The Lakes District Working Men's Mutual Benefit Building Society is now prepared to receive money on loan and deposit, in sums of £1 and upwards.
Keswick work in London. Mr J W Grisdale, of Keswick, silver and bronze medallist for carving in wood, was recently honoured with an engagement to design and make a wedding present for an English lady who was married at the commencement of last month to the Comte de Lasreyrie, a French nobleman, and has given entire satisfaction
Bazaar in aid of the Keswick Museum and School of Art When funds are required for a special object's the orthodox method nowadays is to get up a bazaar, for in works of this kind the ladies generally come forward with their effective generous and zealous help and in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, by the magic of their aid, lead on to success where brave men would fall into the mire of failure. Ahead of many towns of greater pretensions, Keswick possesses an Museum of the Local Natural history and also a government school of art. The former by the addition of the model of the Lake District which was purchased at the sale of the late Mr Flintoft's effects has now a slender prospective income while unfortunately the latter is entirely without. these are awkward circumstances in the present practical days when rent is certain and expenses in one form or another crop up with the dogged regularity of a tax gatherer.
Important protest against the claims of a Lord of the Manor. A meeting of the owners and occupiers of old enclosed lands within the manors of Braithwaite and Coledale, Newlands, and Portinscale, was held to make a joint protest against the sole right of shooting by Lord Leconfield. An advertisement had appeared to the effect that the sole right of shooting had been granted by Lord Leconfield to Mr George Blackall Short of Thronthwaite.
Roman fortress on Castle Crag
On the summit of this hill stood formerly a fortress, supposed to be of Roman
origin, intended to guard this avenue into the country. After it had been relinquished
by the Romans it was occupied by the Saxons, and, after that day, it was given,
with all the lands about Borrowdale, by one of the lords of Derwentwater to
the monks of Furness. By these religious persons it was still maintained in
its military capacity, which is perhaps an irregular instance of the kind. But
as the Scots in those days made frequent irruptions even thus far into the country,
and as the monks had great possessions to defend in the valley of Borrowdale,
where one of their principal magazines was established, the holy fathers thought
it proper to adopt this uncommon measure. Besides their tithe corn they amassed
here the valuable minerals of the country, among which salt, produced from a
spring in the valley, was no inconsiderable article. – submitted by Wm
Gilpin
month index
Phrenology. Prof. M Moores commenced a course of lectures on September 13th at the Oddfellows Hall. They were very well received. Mr Moores is very apt at reading character from the cranial development of his clients.
Wanted. Position as butler and valet, experienced in shaving, haircutting and brewing; has had considerable experience with invalids
Extraordinary Longevity During the past four months Mr T G Newby, cabinet maker, etc., has made, among others, five coffins for persons whose united ages amount to 396 years. Such circumstances can hardly be paralleled, and goes far to prove the healthy character claimed for the district.
Game Difficulty Several of the owners of the old enclosed lands within the manors of Braithwaite and Coledale, Newlands, and Portinscale, were out with guns, on Monday, to show they meant to claim their right of game. Mr Short’s gamekeeper came up to them on Mr Jackson’s land at Uzzicar, and it is probable there will be a summons issued against him for trespass.
Street Danger. On Thursday a child, the daughter of Mr Forsyth, draper, had a narrow escape from being run over by a bicycle in St John’s Street. The child was crossing the street when the rider of the machine was coming down the hill, and had she not stopped suddenly she would have been knocked down and run over. The bicycle which had india rubber tyre was almost noiseless, and the child neither saw nor heard it until it passed within a few inches of her. If the practice of riding in the streets cannot be stopped, at least the riders should be compelled to have a bell attached to their machines so as to minimise the danger.
Sale by Auction. By Mr J Bowe, under instructions from Mr Mark Cockbain, in the Market Place of Keswick at eleven am, about 25 sides of bacon fed principally by Mr Thos Barrow, High Hill, and all of prime quality.
Marriage. The marriage of Miss Frances Wycliffe Goodwin, third daughter of the Bishop of Carlisle with Rev William Archibald Spooner was celebrated in the chapel of Rose Castle on Thursday. [Mr Spooner is immortalised in the figure of speech “spoonerism”]
From Derwentwater to the Sea in Canoes One day last week Messrs W Glover and J L Knubley, of Keswick, succeeded in making passage in canoes from Derwentwater to the sea at Workington. They proceeded down the river Derwent to Cockermouth, where a goodly number of inhabitants came forth to gaze at the unusual sight of “laal boats gaan doon t’beck”.
A Local Triumph in Photography. We have had the pleasure of inspecting several enlarged photographs of some of the chief views in this district, the work of Mr G P Abraham, of the Lake Road Studio. The pictures, which are 20in X 16in are technically known as “permanent autotypes”, printed in carbon, and the series of views includes the famed Pillar Rock, Buttermere, Derwentwater from Ashness Bridge, River Scene in Borrowdale, Styhead Pass, and Friar’s Crag and Head of Derwentwater.
Keswick Brewster Sessions The general annual licensing meeting for this division was held on Saturday. There are 35 full-licensed houses, 5 beerhouses, and 4 grocers’ licenses in the division, and as no complaint was registered against any of them, the renewal of the certificates was granted.
Keswick and Lake District Agricultural Show. The agricultural show for this district was held in Fitz Park, Station Road, on Wednesday, in circumstances of the most favourable character, for there was beautiful weather, a show ground unexcelled, and a large concourse of visitors. Though we do not pretend to a knowledge of the nice discrimination which judges have to make, we can safely say that the animals forward for exhibition were all round first class, and highly creditable to the district.
The Original Pepper’s Ghost and Spectral Opera Company called special attention of the public to the production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Oddfellows Hall. The entertainment will conclude with a New Spectral Farce entitled “Muddlehead in a Fix” or the adventures of a policeman on special duty!
Mountain Climbing Extraordinary
Messrs (self-styled) Darkness and Midnight, of Keswick, started from this town
at 12-10 am on 21st of July, and taking the Borrowdale road walked by way of
Rosthwaite, Seathwaite and Styhead Pass to Scwafell and ascended the Pike by
4-30 where a view of the sunrise was obtained. They crossed by Langdale Pikes
and Easdale Tarn to Grasmere, where the arrived about 8-45. After breakfast,
which took about thirty minutes, the pedestrians commenced the ascent of Helvellyn
and mounted the summit at about 1 pm. Descending, Thirlspot was reached at 2-30,
and an hour’s halt made for tea. The road was then taken for Saddleback,
and that mountain scaled by 5-30. Skiddaw was next assayed and the highest point
reached at 8-40. Then, striking the homeward route, the “peds” arrived
in Keswick about 10 pm, after walking a distance of about 62 miles, with the
thermometer at 82 deg. In the shade during the greater part of the day, while
at night, after a very severe hailstorm which occurred in the afternoon, they
encountered a cold chill from the ice which congealed on the sides of Skiddaw.
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Keswick Government School of Art. There will be an Exhibition of the Pupils’ Works in the School, High Street, on Wednesday & Thursday next.
Market Tolls. In 1832 Mr George Robins, the auctioneer, entrusted by the Trustees for the Royal Hospital with the sale of the Derwentwater Estate, stated in his particulars that “the Tolls of the market and fairs consist of the tolls on corn, potatoes, and one penny each for cattle sold at the fair held three times every year in the town of Keswick, payable by all, save only the tenants of the Manor. It is at present let to Mr Ivison at £5. A little good management will ensure at least £20 a year
Court House In the same particulars the following unique description is given to that monument to architectural genius in the Market-square. “The Court House consists of a substantial building, erected in the year 1813, at the sole cost and expense of the Trustees of the Royal Hospital. The outlay approached to £1200. It is a handsome, uniform building. The ground floor is (by courtesy only) appropriated for the market, and the large room over is used as the Court Room of the Manor. It hath a tower with a famous clock and bell. This has not been turned to pecuniary gain: it must be estimated as worth £30 a year.”
An Irreclaimable Thomas Sowerby, a pencil maker by trade, but chiefly, a street lounger, was summoned before Keswick Petty Sessions for being drunk and riotous. Defendant pleaded guilty. PC Gunn deposed that at about three o’clock in the afternoon the defendant was drunk in Main Street, cursing and swearing, and making a great noise. Witness requested him to leave several times but he would not. The defendant, who had been convicted three times within the past twelvemonth, was committed to Carlisle jail for one month, with hard labour.
Opeing Hunt of the Blencathra Hounds. The opening hunt of this justly celebrated pack took place on Wednesday, in the most favourable circumstances. The weather was fine, game was plentiful and the sport excellent. Members and friends assembled at Threlkeld in the morning in the vicinity of the kennels, and they were highly gratified to find the huntsman and his dogs looking so smart and in such good trim.
Penrith and Cockermouth Turnpike. The tolls in connection with this trust were let by auction on Saturday last, by Mr R Mumberson, auctioneer. The trust having been continued under the “Turnpikes Act Continuance Act”, for a further space of five years, viz: to November 1st 1883, the tolls were let for the twelve months ending November 1st 1879 at the following rates: Castlegate and Skirsgill Lane Gates, Penrith, £478, Messrs Winn and Foster; High Hill and side bar at Crosthwaite, Keswick, $483, Mrs Bell, Derwentwater Hotel; Brigham and Brow Top, Keswick, £272, Mr George Johnston; Kirkgate, Cockermouth, £281, Messrs Winn and Foster; St Helen’s, Cockermouth, £86, Mrs Blair; Wood End, Thornthwaite, £35, Mr William Nicholson; Scales, Threlkeld, £29, Mr John Robinson; Wythburn, £162, Mr J Rigg, Windermere; Brackenrigg, £107, Mr Varty, Newcastle; Whinlatter, £26, Mr Vickers.
Distinguished Lake Visitors. Mr J Fisher Crosthwaite in a paper read before the Keswick Literary and Scientific Society reported that on August 14th 1816, Von Oppel, from Dresden, in Saxony, a celebrated mineralogist, in his rambles on the Caldbeck Fells, discovered, in a vein of quartz, running down the side of Carrock, in a rivulet named Brandy Gill, a mineral not before known to be in Britain, named molebydena. The mineral marks like black lead on paper, and upon china it gives a green colour. Those quartz veins on Carrock have in them some of the rarest of English minerals.
Well worthy a visit Keswick Museum of Local Natural History (situated at the centre of the Market Place)
Fashions. A Cockbain, St
John’s Street, begs to inform her friends and the public that she is now
showing a Fashionable Assortment of Millinery Bonnets; also Straw, Chip, and
Felt Hats. Feathers and trimmings in great variety. Gloves, Ties, and a variety
of other articles. Mourning Bonnets kept in stock.
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Lake Road Studio. G P Abraham (as well as advertising his photographs) was offering pianos, harmoniums and sheet music
To be sold. Five shares in the Keswick Gas-Light and Coke Company. These may be had at £7 2s 6d (£7-12.5) each
Reduction is Price of Coal Mark Cockbain respectively announces that in consequence of the depression in the coal trade he has been enabled to make a very important reduction in the price of coal. Best coal 8.5d per cwt (1.75p per 25 kilos)
Insufficiently ardent spirits John Bailiff, the “Black Lion”, Dinah Pearson, “Shoulder of Mutton” and Jane Lowden “Pack Horse” were severally summoned under the “Food and Drugs Act” for selling adulterated sprits. Supt Taylor purchased from Bailiff a pint of gin for which he paid 1s 10d, from Mrs pearson a pint of whiskey for 2s, and from Mrs Lowden a pint of rum. He divided each into three portions, one of which he returned to the seller, the second he sent to the analyst, and the third he kept in case of dispute. The analyst reported the gin to be 43.5 under proof and contained 25 percent added water. The whiskey contained 29 percent added water – a very excessive amount. The rum contained 27.5 percent added water. Mr I Lowthian appearing for the defendants said that these were the first cases brought before the Keswick Bench for selling spirits adulterated with water. Similar case had been brought in Whitehaven and Wigton and he suggested an adjournment until the cases he had referred to had been settled. The Chairman said it was all very well for a Bench to wait and see what their neighbours were doing. As they were very much below, it was quite clear the magistrates must convict – each was fined 10s and 9s 6d.
Proposal for a Musical Society. In a letter Jos. Wales said “We have reason to be proud of the Keswick Harmonic Society and the Volunteer Band and there are other amateurs who study various musical instruments quietly at home.. Is it not possible for them to combine like the members of the Vocal Society and practice Haydn’s Symphonies etc? I have been told that our Vicar of Crosthwaite Church is an able amateur musician, and I would suggest that a meeting be convened with the view of forming a class of instrumentalists, to enjoy the many long wintry nights, and shall be glad to receive confirmation of my views from those who think similarly.”
Lake District Association. The first annual general meeting of the Lake District Association held at Grasmere was not marked with any great enthusiasm. The idea in forming the association was principally to bring more people into the district, and to secure for tourists greater facilities and comfort in travelling. When this leading object was thrown over, began the first cause of public coldness, and to it may be attributed, solely in our opinion, the lack of subscriptions and the falling off of members. Among the road improvements proposed was a road from Watendlath to Rosthwaite.
Manchester Corporation Waterworks. Notice was given that an application was to be made to Parliament for an Act to empower the Corporation to make and maintain the new waterworks starting with an embankment for the purpose of raising the level of the water of Lake Thirlmere.
An extraordinarily prolific dog A retriever bitch belonging to Mr Reay, stationmaster, gave birth to no less than seventeen puppies a day or two ago, and all were born alive. She has previously had two litters of thirteen each.
Otters on Derwentwater. Several otters have lately been seen on Lord’s Island and Mr Allison, jun, with a cur dog succeeded in catching one the other day.
Rent Audit The Martinmas rent audit of the Manor of Castlerigg and Derwentwater was held on Saturday at the Queen’s Hotel. As usual the tenants were entertained to a sumptuous dinner at which Mr R D Marshall, the lord, presided. When ample justice had been done to the store of good things, of which there was more than abundance, the Chairman called upon his guests to drink the health of the “Queen”.
Seasonable Benevolence Thomas Hewitson, Esq., a native of Keswick, but now of Ware, South Devon, has sent an order to Mr John Keenliside, coal merchant, to supply a ton of best coal each to fourteen of the aged respectable poor of Keswick who were known to him in his younger days before he left the place.
Keswick Scientific and Literary
Society Dr T F I’Anson, of Whitehaven, delivered the first of a series
of physiological lectures, the subject of which was “Bones and Muscles”
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Lost. On Saturday evening, about half-past four, a MEERSCHAUM PIPE. If brought to the office of this journal uninjured, a reward will be given.
Death of Mr Robert Gibson. On Monday evening last, Mr Robt. Gibson, the proprietor of “Ann Banks’s” Pencil Mill, died at Whitehaven, at the ripe old age of 88. At one time he conducted the Cumberland Pacquet and was noted for his somewhat trenchant style of writing.
Keswick Local Board – Road Repairs Mr Harrison moved that Chestnut Hill be improved according to the recommendation of the Street Committee in their report presented to the last meeting and which met with general approval. The work would not cost more than £15. The road was very narrow and there were many ugly corners.
Keswick Local Board – Lake Road Mr Marshall sought to confine the traffic on the road to foot-passengers only, but the Board had said that there had been a public carriage road to the Lake from time immemorial and it was the wish of the Board that it should continue to be so. Mr Marshall’s solicitor, Mr Edward Waugh, replied reminding the Board of his interview with them that was sought “not to raise but to prevent contention, and with a view to act cordially with the Board in making the lake and other parts of Mr Marshall’s property, under proper regulations, as attractive as possible to tourists and others believing as he does that the interests of the town and his own are in this respect identical…. The use of the narrow road to the lake by omnibuses, cabs and carriages, except under special circumstances, is a growing nuisance to foot-passengers, which, in the opinion of Mr Marshall, ought to be stopped beyond the corner where Mr Hodgson is building his new house… Subject to this restriction, and to proper regulations for preventing other nuisances, Mr Marshall had no intention of depriving those who desire to enjoy the beauties and pleasures of the lake and other points of attraction from free access, so long as the privilege is not abused….” The Board had a lengthy discussion, many stating that they had used the road for walking driving and riding many a time. Also the people of Borrowdale and Portinscale had brought their produce to market over the lake to the landings and along the road – long before there was a road at all through Great Wood. They were concerned also that if they consented to Mr Marshall’s wish it would be a precedent for other owners. The Keswick people had the right to land also at Nickel End. The Greenwich Hospital trustees never made the claim, and it had never been made before. Mr Marshall should enjoy the rights of his predecessors, but no more. The Board agreed to reply that that the Board could not think for a moment of assisting Mt Marshall to close the road and further that they claim the road to be public for vehicular traffic.
Terrirfic Explosion at Elterwater Gunpowder Works. A most disastrous explosion occurred at the Gunpowder Works Elterwater on Friday afternoon, by which three men lost their lives, George Gillbanks Clark, John Greenop and James Lee Barrow
The Frost. Winter seems to have fairly set in, for with the exception of Thursday, the thermometer has shown freezing to have been the order since the latter part of last week. Skating and curling have been vigorously enjoyed on Derwentwater during the past few days, but the fall of snow during Wednesday and Thursday nights has somewhat circumscribed the limits of enjoyment afforded by the ice. The moon has been favourable for evening skating and every night during the week the lake has been thronged with a merry crowd. A ladder and rope were provided to render assistance in case of emergency.
A letter received by a Keswick gentleman from an old Cumbrian in Tasmania. I enclose one pound in response to your circular for the enlargement of the schoolhouse at Threlkeld. You have double claim on me. The assistance kindly rendered by so many persons in your neighbourhood when we were building a new church at Swansea was certainly more than I could expect after so long an absence. The home of my childhood constitutes another and a very strong claim indeed. Threlkeld School was the one I attended until, about eleven years of age, when I transferred to Keswick. The earliest days I spent there, seemingly lengthened into weeks and months, resemble in their contrast with after life a dreamy, weird-like period, a former existence a Pythagorean epoch, too bright too happy to last.
Parish Room Crosthwaite Contractors willing to tender for erection of this Room in Keswick are requested to send their names to C J Ferguson, architect
Keswick Library. The adjourned meeting of the committee voted for sixty new volumes and one additional early morning paper to be added. The experiment is about to be tried of opening the reading rooms on Sunday afternoons free to all. Newspapers will be removed from the table and it will not be permitted to take out or exchange books on that day.
Seasonable Charity During the past week Mr Thomas Atkinson, barber, has given to eleven people (who have been thrown out of work through the frost) tickets for a stone of best flour each, which Mr T Barrow kindly reduced to 2s per stone. (1.6p per kilo)
Benefice Augmentation Fund
As part of the Carlisle Diocesan Church Extension Society’s work to augment
by grant benefices whose yearly value is under £120, provided a suitable
sum is raised by private benefactions, donations to increase the endowment of
St John’s in the Vale church were listed totalling over £350. An
attempt to do so some years ago had failed owing to the sudden death of the
late Abraham Fisher, Esq., who promised a very liberal donation towards this
object.
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14 July
2006