Gents Mag 1902 part 2 p.417

---

	introduction, lists
	list, 1st qtr 20th century
	Gentleman's Magazine 1902 part 2 p.417
Three Fell Sketches   The Fighting Schoolmaster
	Fell Sketches THREE FELLS SKETCHES. BY WILLIAM T. PALMER. I. - THE FIGHTING SCHOOLMASTER. THE schoolhouse is situate some five miles from the rock-fringed bay into which the tiny stream descending the valley empties its waters. It is a grey-walled, mouldy, low building; from the plenteous smoke-marks, from the stones into which the tethering rings are still fastened, it may possibly at some time have been the blacksmith's shop of the dale. This is grand, primitive, peat-burning, superstition-reeking countryside. High, rocky mountains gather round its head, coppices hang among the scaurs and slacks, and deep beds of bracken and heather occupy the hillsides. I had been told that the place was worthy a visit, and after a long, rough tramp over screes and rocks, and by storm-rent ghylls, on an almost imperceptible path, I reached the valley-head. From the upper hillsides hardly a dwelling was visible, and for a time I wondered whether, in that sea of mountains, my route had brought me correctly. Then a farmhouse appeared amid a cluster of sycamores, and, as I came near, my inquiry was answered in the affirmative. "Yes, this was Mirdale." Among the trees, as I passed down the dale, appeared the tiny belfry of an ancient church, and close to it was the school. The buildings were bounded on three sides by a bend in the river, though they stood thirty feet above the water, commanding a grand view to seaward. "Where will I find Schoolmaster John?" I demanded from my host (for I had been advised to seek this man out to hear a strange story)
	next page

Lakes Guides menu.

---