Kirkby Lonsdale
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KIRKBY LONSDALE, a market-town and parish in Lonsdale ward, Westmoreland, 12 miles from Kendal, and 251 from London, pleasantly seated in a valley; and containing 254 houses and 1283 inhabitants, of whom 781 were returned as employed in various trades. It is supposed to have been named from Kirby or Kirkby, bishop of Carlisle, who routed the Scots here in their incursions, and was a native of the town. It is a neat place, and next to Kendal, the largest in the county. The houses are covered with slate. The church is a noble structure, 120 feet long, and 102 broad; it has a square tower 61 feet high, and a peal of six bells. In the library of the church is the following inscription: "This library, pulpit, and new loft, with the school-house, were founded by Henry Wilson of Underby, who gave 1000
l. to the college, besides 35
l. yearly to seven poor scholars going to Queen's college, Oxford; to this church and school 240
l. and to the poor of Kirkdale Lonsdale lordship 500
l. beside many other gifts to pious uses in other places, by all which he being dead, yet speaks." Here is a bridge of freestone of three arches founded on a rock over the river Lune, and along its banks are many pleasant walks and arbours commanding a very picturesque view. The river abounds with excellent salmon and trout. The market is on Thursday, and is well supplied with all kinds of provisions. Fairs 9th and 30th of May for cattle, and 21st December chiefly for cloth. The living is a vicarage, value 20
l. 15
s. 2
d. in the patronage of Trinity college, Cambridge. -
Housman's Tour.
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