button to main menu   Ford's Description of the Lakes, 1839/1843

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Page 43:-
The approach from the old Ambleside road extends the prospect into Easedale. The views on the descent from the Raise Gap, which are in the opposite direction, were much admired and most charmingly described by the poet Gray. There is a most extensive view in the approach from Patterdale, in which this Lake forms the foreground, and Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary gleam in the distance. The church and the rectory stand near it, nearly in the centre of the dale, the former being dedicated to Saint Oswald, and consisting of a nave, with aisles, south porch, and a chancel. The tower is square and embattled. The doors are ornamented with old iron scroll-work. The interior is dark and gloomy, occupied by oaken benches, and the floor strewed with rushes, which are renewed amid much rejoicing every summer, when a queen of the sports is appointed. The painter, Green - indefatigable and praise-worthy artist! - lies buried in this church-yard, towards which he seems to have had some kindly predisposition. 'The church-yard of Grasmere, shaded by aged pines and sycamores, is interesting to those who court silence and solitude. Some charitable stranger has lately added the mournful yew, a tree sacred to such situations.'
The Red Lion, which stands about one hundred yards from the church, is a good situation for those who wish to make tours into

  Easedale
EASEDALE.
Coldale Fell separates the Easedales. Passing
gazetteer links
button -- "Easedale" -- Easedale
button -- "Grasmere" -- Grasmere
button -- "Red Lion" -- Red Lion
button -- Ambleside to Keswick
button -- St Oswald's Church
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