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Page 99:-
time of popery,) the churches in these parts (or most of
them) were built in the remotest and most obscure part of
the parishes: this was done, to the end that their enemies
might not so easily find them, as they were often most
sought for, being generally the richest prizes, containing
the reliques and plate; and at this day, when we have a war
with a Popish kingdom, our sailors make no objection to
landing upon their coasts, and piously visiting a few of
their churches. The church is dedicated to St Bridget, and
the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle are appropriators and
patrons.
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Mirehouse
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We now approach Mire-House, so called, I apprehend,
from its being situated behind a bog or mire. This
bog, along with other lands at the division of the common,
was allotted to Thomas Storey, Esq; who hath drained and
planted it with oak, ash, fir, &c. The trees in general
thrive very well, and will in a short time take away the
gloomy view of the barren mountain Ullock, (to use Mr
Gray's word,) one of Skiddow's cubs, from the house, and
Skiddow will be seen over their lofty tops piercing the
clouds.
Mr West called Armathwaite, (Mr Spedding's,) the
Queen of the vale; but never saw the king, or names
him, (viz. Mire-House.) Mr Pennant passed it unnoticed; Mr
Gray and Mr Hutchinson the same; how then dare I recommend
its situation? By telling the reader, that behind the house,
and towards the water, it has the richest pastures, and most
fertile ground; that it is near the head of the Lake, and
fronts downwards, and has the best view of the vale of
Bassenthwaite, on account of its elevated situation; that it
is a modern built house with two wings, and from a
bow-window in one of them is the best perspective view in
all this part; indeed not so fine a sheet of water before it
as Armathwaite, but a far better view of the bays and
peninsulas of the Lake, Wythop-Brows, &c. I cannot paint
to the reader all the advantages of view Mire-House
has, unless I were determined to dedicate a whole volume to
that purpose. Let the traveller, however, be witness to the
beauties of the place, and the hospitality of its worthy
owner.
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Brownholme
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Crossing a rivulet that runs past Mire_house, and
falls down Heysom-Gill, we leave
Bassenthwaite, and enter the parish of
Crossthwaite and manor of Brundum, commonly
here called Under-Skiddow, the manor of Edward Hassell,
Esquire. It here follows a little hollow up Ullock,
(but not Heysom-Gill,) to the top of Skiddow, and from
thence runs to Glenderatera before named, (which divides it
from Threlkeld,) and so down to the Greeta to
Derwent. This manor was mostly customary, till lately, when
many have purchased their estates to freehold, the lord
reserving the royalties; and the whole have now an offer of
enfranchising, which they are likely to accept.
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Lyzzick Hall
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Travelling along a very pleasant road under the mountains on
the left, and entering Dancing-Gate we come to
Lisick-Hall, the estate of John Fisher, Esq; part of
the manor of Brundum, but lately purchased free. It is most
delightfully situated for a Summer's view of the vale of
Keswick on both sides of the Derwent, but stands very bleak,
and much exposed to the South winds; but the owner hath
planted several Scots and other firs to make it a
comfortable Winter's habitation. Passing along this road,
towards Keswick, are many pleasant villages, (see plate
VIII.) where several gentlemen take up lodgings in the
Summer time, and pitch Marquees to enjoy the beauties of
this place.
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Mr Gray
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Nothing now remains, but to account for the silence of Mr
Gray concerning this beautiful spot, which is easily done.
When Mr Gray was at Keswick, he was desirous of seeing the
back of Skiddow, and accordingly took chaise to Ouzebridge,
thinking to have a view of the precipices by the way.
Timidity, however, prevailed over curiosity, so far, that he
no sooner came within sight of those awful rocks than he put
up the blinds of his carriage: In this dark situation,
trembling every moment lest the mountains should "fall and
cover him," he travelled to Ouzebridge: he thus avoided see-
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ing,
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gazetteer links
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-- "Lisick Hall" -- Lyzzick Hall
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-- "Mire House" -- Mirehouse
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-- "Skiddow" -- Skiddaw
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-- St Bega's Church
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-- "Brundrum" -- Underskiddaw
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