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Gentleman's Magazine 1761 p.501
worthy of notice, such as Eleborough, near
Maryport, where may be seen several pieces of
Roman antiquities: And Wigton, near which
place appear the Vestigia of that famous Roman
station, which has for many years gone by the name of Old
Carlisle, where have been found a great number of very
valuable antiquities, as votive altars, inscriptions,
&c.
When our traveller has visited Carlisle, no doubt but
he will have a desire to see what remains of the
Picts wall, in this county. Many pieces of antiquity
are to be seen at Netherby, Scaleby Castle, Brampton,
Lanercost, and Irthington.
Corby is remarkable for the pleasantness of its
situation; and, opposite to it, on the other side of the
Eden, Wetherall, where are some rooms dug out of the
solid rock, in a place very difficult of ascent, supposed to
have been the habitation of some hermit; or, perhaps, places
of security for the Monks † to retire to in
time of danger. Near Penrith, a little below the
confluence of Eimot and Eden, is also a large
grotto dug out of the rock, said to have been once a place
of some strength, known by the name of Isis Parlish.
And at Little Salkeld, not very far from thence, may
be seen that great curiosity called Long Meg and her
Daughters *, not perhaps well accounted for by
any of our antiquarians.
When speaking of prospects, I ought to have mentioned that
vastly extensive and much admired one from Warnal,
which takes in all the low country, and bounded on the north
by Solway Frith, and a fine chain of Scottish
mountains. Not far from hence, near --- Denton's,
Esquire, is a petrifying spring. There is also another in
the estate of Sir Wm Dalston, at Uldale, out
of which have been taken several large and extremely curious
petrifactions of moss, leaves, roots, &c. but it does
appear that this mutation would be produced in any substance
put therein, but in a rotation of a prodigious number of
years. In some parts of the county are some mineral
waters, much resorted to at the season, and several rich
mines of lead, some copper, &c.
Though I have been a little more particular than your
correspondent, yet a traveller, who makes it his business to
enquire, will find many more things well worth his
observation. However, from what I have said, it may appear
that Cumberland is as well worth visiting, on several
accounts, as most other counties in England.
Yours, &c.
A.B.
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