{title- Transcription of William Green's descriptions of Sixty Small
Prints, 1814}
{series- Lakes Guides}
{author- Norgate, Martin & MN: 15.2.2014}
{version- last edit: 15.2.2014}
{abstract- Transcription of the artist's descriptions of his Sixty Small
Prints, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.}
{page = intro 1}
{header- Transcription of William Green's descriptions of Sixty Small
Prints, 1814}
{text- Transcription of the artist's descriptions of his Sixty Small
Prints, soft ground etchings, drawn, engraved and published by William
Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814. The set of prints used is in the
Armitt Library, item A6656.}
{text- source type: LakesSrc & Green 1814}
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, title page}
{page = title page}
{text- Title page:-}
{image = GN09T.jpg}
{marginal = author}
A Description OF A SERIES OF SIXTY SMALL PRINTS, ETCHED BY WILLIAM GREEN,
OF AMBLESIDE, FROM DRAWINGS MADE BY HIMSELF.
{marginal = publisher}
LONDON PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY JOHN TYLER, RATHBONE PLACE; AND PUBLISHED
BY WILLIAM GREEN, AMBLESIDE. 1814.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 2}
IN giving Letter-press Descriptions with the Sixty Prints now intended
for publication, the Artist had designed originally likewise to have
presented a Short Guide to the Country from which his subjects have been
selected; but when finished, though brief, it was swelled to a bulk much
beyond his calculation, it was therefore abandoned, and a short description
of each particular scene adopted. In selecting and arranging these
descriptions from the body of the work, he has been tempted to say
something for the accommodation of travellers - Windermere and Derwent
Water were strong incentives; Wast Water has, of necessity, demanded a
short description of the various approaches to it; and Ulls Water and Haws
Water some account of beauties almost hitherto unknown.
72, Newman Street, London, August 15, 1814.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 3}
A DESCRIPTION OF A
SERIES OF SIXTY SMALL PRINTS,
ETCHED BY
WILLIAM GREEN, OF AMBLESIDE,
FROM DRAWINGS MADE BY HIMSELF.
AMBLESIDE and Keswick are the principal places from which the English
lakes, and mountains and vallies lying around them, are visited.
Keswick is generally first seen by tourists from Ireland, Scotland, and the
north and east of England; and Ambleside by those from the south.
When the south country tourist is at Lancaster, it becomes necessary that
he should there decide whether he shall first go to Ulverstone, or to
Bowness or Ambleside by way of Kendal.
A great majority of travellers take the latter line; and it is the best for
those who have not much time to spare, or who have not courage enough to
cross the sands. The ride across the sands, is, however, varied with many
beauties, and it will generally gratify those who apprehend no danger. This
line of tour has likewise the advantage of being at Ulverstone only seven
miles from Furness Abbey.
Mr. Housman commences his tour by conducting his visitors from Kendal
through Long Sleddale to Haws Water; and Mr. West, after describing the
ride across the sands from Lancaster to Ulverstone, leads his friends to
Furness Abbey, and from Furness Abbey back through Ulverstone to Coniston
Water.
From Ulverstone to Coniston Water it is eight miles, either by Penny Bridge
or by Lowick - both good roads.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 4}
No.1.
CONISTON WATER.
The Artist has commenced his Description at Coniston Water, and pursued a
line which he thinks will have less to be retraced than any other he could
have chosen.
Coniston Water is six miles in length, and the greatest breadth is
three-quarters of a mile; it is encircled by an excellent carriage road,
which is often on the margin of the water, and scarcely ever a mile from
it: the most interesting part of this road is that which lies on the
eastern side of the lake, and is part of that usually travelled by tourists
in their way to Coniston and Hawkshead from Ulverstone.
The views on this road are interesting, by their variety and beauty, all
the way from Nibthwaite, which lies at the foot, to the New Inn, which is
at the head of the lakes. The first view after leaving Nibthwaite is of
"the Man," a mountain somewhat conical, and of other summits scarcely
inferior in height.
The view here presented is a mile from the foot of the lake, and is of the
Man mountain, or, as it is more frequently called, the "Old Man," with the
pointed summit of Enfoot on the right, and Dove Crag on the left - a range
of line probably more picturesque than is exhibited by these mountains on
any other stand from or near the road before spoken of: the middle grounds
and foregrounds are, however, better on some stations north of the one here
chosen.
No.2
CONISTON WATERHEAD.
This view of the lake is about four miles and a half from the former, and
out of a field above the road, between the Inn and Tent Lodge, the property
and residence of Colonel Smith. The distant mountain is the Old Man,
assuming here an appearance much different from that in No.1: Thwaite
immediately under it, and apparently near the water's edge, was the
residence of the late David Kirby, Esq. the proprietor.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 5}
No.3.
SCENE NEAR CONISTON WATERHEAD.
The New Inn at Waterhead stands near the head of the lake; and this scene
is upon the road from the church and village of Coniston, by that inn, to
Ambleside: it is about two or three hundred yards from the inn, and that
distance from the mansion house called Waterhead, the property of Michael
Knott, Esq. and which is still nearer, and upon the road to, Ambleside.
No.4.
SHEPHERD'S BRIDGE, IN YEWDALE.
Shepherd's Bridge is situated in Yewdale, a valley sublimely environed by
high mountains. It is a short distance from the famous Yew Tree, and not
two miles from Coniston Waterhead. The mountain seen over the bridge is
Raven Crag.
No.5.
ESTHWAITE WATER.
From the inn at Coniston Waterhead it is three miles to Hawkshead, through
which pass to Esthwaite Water, half a mile more. Esthwaite Water is about
two miles in length, and half a mile across. The most striking object on
its borders is the promontory at Esthwaite Hall; it shoots boldly to the
lake, which is encompassed by gentle hills. There is an excellent road
round the lake; and the distant objects seen from and connected with it, if
not sublime, are at least pleasing.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 6}
From Hawkshead proceed down the western side of the Water, and pass
Esthwaite Hall: the road here divides; that on the right leads to
Ulverstone, and the left either to the Ferry House or round Esthwaite
Water.
Ascend the Ulverstone road about two hundred yards, to the common's
boundary on the left, and from the trees near that boundary see the
promontory before spoken of, and Esthwaite Hall between it and the eye.
Each side the lake, as seen from this place, is environed with meadow and
pasture ground pleasantly wooded; the lands at the head of the lake are of
the same character, only diversified by villages peeping from amongst
groves of trees: the scene is closed, though at a great distance, by the
lofty mountains of Grasmere, Rydal, and Ambleside.
No.6.
HEAD OF WINDERMERE, FROM LOW WOOD.
Ambleside is not a mile north of the head of Windermere.
Ambleside is 16 miles from Keswick, 40 from Whitehaven, 10 from Ulls Water,
25 from Penrith, 14 from Kendal, 6 from Bowness, 5 from Hawkshead, 8 from
Coniston Waterhead, and 21 miles from Ulverstone.
Windermere is the largest lake in England, being twelve miles long; about
the head it is considerably more than a mile in breadth, and between the
head and the islands, which are about half way down the Water, it is seldom
less than a mile; but it narrows gradually from the islands to Newby
Bridge, which lies at the foot of the lake.
The lands on the immediate borders of Winderemere are fertile and richly
decorated with a profusion of fine trees, many of which are of stately
growth, and so disposed, either by chance or intention, as to produce not
only the grandest assemblages of massy woods, but sprinklings in every
imaginable and tasteful variety.
Some of the highest mountains in Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire,
are seen from Windermere, but at such a distance from it, as to be objects
rather of beauty than sublimity. The mountains of Coniston, Langdale,
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 7}
Wastdale, Eskdale, and Borrowdale, possess much to interest the inquisitive
observer, from his first sight of them, about nine miles from Kendal, and
from thence all the way to Ambleside.
The mountains of Wyburn, Grasmere, Rydal, Ambleside, Troutbeck, and Kentmer
are fine objects, as observed from the Ferry House and the Station, and on
the road from those places by High Wray to Ambleside.
But the best general view of the mountains is from the lake, about a mile
from its head, and half way between side and side.
The Low Wood Inn is not two miles from Ambleside; and the field from which
this view is taken is that adjoining the Troutbeck road - the Low Wood Inn
appearing between the eye and the water. The Langdale Pikes are objects
from this station; Bow Fell is on their left, and between it and the Pikes
are other summits rising from Langdale, Borrowdale, and Wastdale: the
Brathay and Clappersgate houses are observable immediately beyond the head
of the lake.
No.7.
ISLANDS ON WINDERMERE, FROM SKELGILL.
This view of Windermere is from a field half way between Lower Skelgill and
Little Lowther, each of which places is about two miles from Ambleside; to
the former by High Skelgill, and to the latter by the Low Wood Inn; Little
Lowther adjoins the road from Low Wood to Troutbeck.
Bowness, Curwen Island, the Station, and Belle Grange are all seen from
this place: the distant mountain is Gummershow, which is near the foot of
the lake.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 8}
No.8.
WINDERMERE, FROM BELMAN GROUND.
Belman Ground is from one to two miles south of Bowness, and on the side of
the hill above Storrs, the beautiful seat of John Bolton, Esq. Curwen
Island, and nearly all the other islands, are seen from this stand, with
the Ferry House and its opposite ferry point. The relative situation of
Ambleside may here be observed, being near the meeting of the distant
shores of the lake. The hill above the Ferry House is called Furness Fell;
and the extreme distance is composed of the mountains of Grasmere, Rydal,
and Ambleside.
No.9.
WINDERMERE, FROM THE FERRY.
The Ferry House on Windermere is about eight miles from Ambleside, either
by Bowness or High Wray; it is something more than that distance from
Ambleside to Hawkshead and Esthwaite Water. This view is taken near the
place where the carriage-boat is moored: the high trees on the right rise
from the island called Crowholm, beyond which is a little peep at Curwen
Island; and between that island and the Lancashire shore, which is upon the
left, see one of the lily of the valley holms: the distance is Rydal
mountains.
No.10.
KENTMERE HALL.
The road from Kendal to Ambleside is through the village of Staveley; but
at Staveley the Ambleside and Kentmere roads separate. Staveley is five
miles from Kendal, and Kentmere Hall is nine.
Kentmere is a rocky dale of great magnificence; and Chapel Hill, which lies
at the head of Haws Water, is through Kentmere, about fifteen miles from
Kendal.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 9}
No.11.
SKELWITH FORCE.
From No.11 to No.17, inclusive, the views are in Great and Little Langdale;
and the vales of Langdale are considered by some people of taste as the
finest in the north of England.
Skelwith Force is about three miles from Ambleside; and the way to it is by
passing through Clappersgate, leaving Brathay Bridge on the left, to
Skelwith Bridge, which is scarcely a quarter of a mile below the Force.
Langdale Pikes are seen in the distance.
No.12.
LITTLE LANGDALE TARN.
Pass Skelwith Bridge into Lancashire, and over high and pleasant ground to
Colwith Bridge, which cross, and enter again into Westmorland, a little
beyond which, on the left is Colwith Force. Little Langdale Tarn is about a
mile and a half from Colwith Bridge, and five miles from Ambleside. This
lake divides Lancashire and Westmorland; and the view, being taken from the
latter county, is of the Coniston and Seathwaite mountains, which are in
Lancashire.
No.13.
BLEA TARN.
From Little Langdale Tarn proceed to within about a quarter of a mile of
Fell Foot, and ascend the road on the right to the gate at the top of the
hill; turn on the left diagonally towards the lake to the place from which
this view is taken: the road connecting the two vallies is here observable;
and the Langdale Pikes, as seen from this place, are sublime objects. -
Blea Tarn is about eight miles from Ambleside.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 10}
No.14.
LANGDALE PIKES, FROM OAK HOW.
From Blea Tarn by the farm-house called Wall End, it is about four miles to
Oak How; but to Oak How by Langdale Chapel is about six miles, making the
Langdale tour about eighteen miles.
Pavey Ark, in the last range of distance in this subject, is over the
fore-ground rock upon the right.
No.15.
ROW HEAD.
Row Head is upon the opposite side of the Langdale valley to Oak How; and
in the distance are the Pikes.
No.16.
SCENE NEAR LANGDALE CHAPEL.
Langdale Chapel is about five miles from Ambleside; and this view of the
Pikes is from the river, not half a mile from the chapel.
No.17.
LOUGHRIGG TARN.
Is taken a little beyond the common gate, upon the road from Ambleside over
Loughrigg Fell to Loughrigg Tarn.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 11}
No.18.
ELTER WATER.
This view of Elter Water is scarcely a quarter of a mile from Skelwith
Force (No.11), and taken from an enclosure on the south of Little
Loughrigg, which is common land.
No.19.
RYDAL WATER.
From Pelter Bridge, which is near the first mile-stone on the road from
Ambleside to Keswick, there is a horse road, under Loughrigg Fell, by the
farm-house called Coat How, and the lakes of Rydal and Grasmere, to
Grasmere church; and this representation is from a field between the
farm-house and the lake, about a mile and a quarter from Ambleside.
The beautiful islands which adorn Rydal Water are here given; over which is
seen the road to Keswick, as it crosses the common called the White Moss.
Silver How, a mountain rising above Grasmere, is surmounted by Langdale
Pikes.
No.20.
GRASMERE, FROM LOUGHRIGG FELL.
This view of Grasmere lake and island is from the side of the hill, not far
from the craggy summit called Round Knott, and about half a mile west of
Pelter Bridge.
The Fells of Grasmere, and those bounding the two branches of Easedale, are
the distant objects.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 12}
No.21.
GRASMERE, FROM TOWN END.
Town End is somewhat more than three miles from Ambleside, on the Keswick
road.
The church and village of Grasmere are here in middle distance, above which
is seen Allan Bank, the seat of George Crump, Esq.; Helm Crag is the rocky
summit in the extreme distance, on which are two points, of different
sizes, called the Lion and the Lamb.
This view is from a field near the first house in Grasmere, which from its
situation is, with propriety, called Town End.
No.22.
GRASMERE, FROM TAIL END.
It has been before observed that there is a horse road from Pelter Bridge
to Grasmere Church, by passing, on the right, Rydal and Grasmere Waters. On
this road, Tail End is about three miles and three quarters from Ambleside,
and one mile from Grasmere Church.
This interesting view of the lake and vale of Grasmere is from the room
built by Francis Dukinfield Astley, Esq. in addition to the farm-house, and
exhibits nearly the same middle-ground and distant materials as the
preceding, only under a different arrangement. Helm Crag is here upon the
left, and between it and the village Allan Bank. The mountain called Seat
Sandal is in the middle of the extreme distance, between which and Helm
Crag, at the intersection of the sweeping lines, is Dunmail Raise, a
considerable heap of stones, dividing Westmorland and Cumberland; under
which see the zig-zag road from Ambleside to Keswick: a process of
Fairfield on the right, and Seat Sandal on the left, rise above the road
from Grasmere by Grizedale Tarn to Patterdale.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 13}
No.23.
GOODY BRIDGE.
The buildings in this scene are called by the name of a stone bridge which
is down the river, and on the way to Easedale from Grasmere Church. To
improve the composition, the stepping stones have been brought nearer the
houses than they actually are. The distance is Helm Crag.
No.24.
EASEDALE, FROM BUTTERLIP HOW.
Easedale is a romantic and secluded valley branching out of Grasmere; and
Easedale Tarn, which will be found by following the frothy stream, is
engulphed in precipitous mountains, with large rocks projecting from their
sides.
No.26.
LEATH'S WATER, FROM ARMBATH.
Leath's Water, Thirl Mere, or, as it is most commonly called, Wyburn Water,
is seen only to advantage from the western side; and had the elegant Mrs.
Radcliffe traversed that beautiful side, she would not have had occasion to
say, "this is a long and unadorned lake, having little else than walls of
rocky fells starting from its margin." This almost unparalleld line, of
four miles in length, is not accessible to carriages; horses may travel it,
and persons on foot without any considerable impediment.
This view of Leath's Water is from a field near the house called Armbath.
The Great How, which is on the
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 14}
Dalehead side of the water, is here a principal feature, and is finely
diversified with rock and wood: Naddle Fell, and behind it Wanthwaite
Crags, are seen in the distance.
Who would neglect to trace the western side of Wyburn Water for the
contemplation of scenes like the one before him, and for others equally
deserving his attention?
Armbath is more than ten miles from Ambleside, and about six and a half
from Keswick.
No.26.
FOOT OF LEATH'S WATER.
Leath's Water takes this name from the family of Leath, who have long
resided at Dalehead, a venerable edifice on the banks of the lake.
This view is from a part of the road immediately west of the foot of the
lake; and Helvellyn, as seen from it, is of a more interesting figure than
is displayed by it from other situations; its neighbouring summits being
high, leave generally but little of the mountain to the view of the
spectator, particularly from Coniston Water, Windermere, and Ulls Water.
The woods on the opposite banks of the lake are the property of John
Stanger Leath, Esq. and his house is seen amongst them. Between these woods
and the high mountains winds the high road from Ambleside to Keswick; and
the mile-stone six and ten is not far distant from the house, and
immediately beyond it from the eye.
No.27.
SOSKELD BRIDGE.
Under Saddleback there is a pretty and pleasantly situated village, called
Threlkeld, four miles upon the Penrith road from Keswick. The road from
Threlkeld to Ambleside leaves that to Keswick about the eleventh
mile-stone; and
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 15}
though there is nothing equal to the first sight of St. John's Vale, on the
way from that first sight to Threlkeld, yet the whole of this line (which
from its leaving the Keswick road is between four and five miles) has very
much of that sort of scenery that will not fail to please the tourist.
Saddleback is always fine as a distance; and the prcipitous side screens
occasionally close it in in every desired quantity. The vale, though rocky,
is occasionally fertile and rich in wood, with a variety of picturesque
farm-houses and cottages. The river Greta (which rises in Wyburn Water,
after passing Keswick empties itself into the river Derwent near the lake,)
waters this charming valley, which occasionally reposing, doubles its
neighbouring beauties by reflection.
Soskeld Bridge is upon the Greta, about a mile below the Keswick road.
Saddleback is in distance.
No.28.
COTTAGE IN ST. JOHN'S VALE.
This building is a little lower down the valley than Soskeld Bridge.
No.29.
DERWENT WATER, FROM CASTLERIGG.
From the fifteenth mile-stone, on the road from Ambleside to Keswick, to
the bottom of the hill, there are three roads; the original is bounded by
the enclosures, the middle is less steep, and the eastern road makes a
large bow, by which the ascent for carriages is rendered easier. This view
of Derwent Water is from the old road. Castle Hill and Brow Top are seen
between the eye and the lake, and just over it Derwent Bank, with the woods
above Silver Hill, the property of Lord William Gordon; Swinside, on the
left, is succeeded by Barrow; Grizedale Pike is the high distant summit;
Grasmere and Whinlatter, which are still more distant close the scene.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 16}
KESWICK.
Keswick, though a small town, is the largest among the lakes; it is
compactly built, consisting principally of one street, which runs from
north to south; two smaller ones branch from it, one towards Penrith, and
the other towards Borrowdale.
Keswick is situated upon the river Greta, and about half a mile from
Derwent Water.
Keswick is 16 miles fom Ambleside, 24 from Whitehaven, 18 from Penrith, and
21 from the Inn at Patterdale.
Derwent Water is about three miles long, and its greatest breadth not more
than a mile and a half; its promontories, which stretch far into the water,
are sometimes bold and rugged: a give-and-take line would make this lake
nearly elliptical.
More than one half of the immediate boundary of the lake is rich meadow and
pasture ground, profusely decorated with massy groups and scatterings of
trees.
The Fells above Barrow common rise with magnificent grandeur from the
water. Falcon Crag and Eve Crag are prodigious masses of rock, and reach
nearly the summit of the mountain.
From this place, all the way to Grange, which lies at the head of the lake,
the scenery is chiefly of that bold character already described at Barrow.
Castle Crag and Grange Fell not being high, the stately summits of the
Borrowdale and Wastdale mountains are fortunately seen beyond them.
Catt Bells, on the opposite side of the lake, advance boldly from it; but
their surfaces being of green turf and loose shiver, are tamer in
appearance than the rugged rocks of Barrow.
The top of Skiddaw in a straight line from Derwent Water is between three
and four miles. Skiddaw at a dis-
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 17}
[dis]tance appears smooth and verdant; and several variously-elevated
eminences, being all united by Hogarthian curves, give it an easy, elegant
and uncommon appearance, as seen from every part of the valley.
Skiddaw has been called a generous Lord, and the Fells of Borrowdale
frowning and haughty Tyrants. Are frowning and haughty tyrants to be
preferred to generous lords? Man in his feelings towards man has now pretty
well made up his mind on that head; but in his choice of mountains probably
he may like the tyrant best.
No.30.
HEAD OF DERWENT WATER.
This view of the Borrowdale mountains is near the entrance upon Barrow
common. A fine feature is the waterfall at Lowdore. Grange Crag, Castle
Crag, and Goat Crag are succeeded, though at a great distance, by the lofty
mountain Schofell, which stands at the head of Wast Water.
No.31.
DERWENT WATER AND BASSENTHWAITE.
From the last place walk up the side of the hill, on the skirts of the
wood, so far as to see the lake of Bassenthwaite appear in an agreeable
quantity over Derwent Water.
Beyond the first bay of the lake are seen in succession the lands of Stable
Hills, Lord's Island, Friar Crag, Vicar's Island (late Pocklington's
Island), and the promontory (but why, not known to the writer) called
isthmus: several seats and the church of Crosthwaite (Keswick church) are
seen upon the enclosed land connecting the two lakes: Dodd, a hill
resembling Latrigg, and which is a part of Skiddaw, rises from the head of
Bassenthwaite Water: the mountains of Braithwaite and Thornthwaite are seen
upon the other side; the gentle elevations stretching beyond the foot of
Bassenthwaite close this long line of perspective.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 18}
No.32.
DERWENT WATER, FROM LOWDORE.
Those who wish to see Derwent Water with Skiddaw for its back-ground,
through a magnificent vista of rocks, will ascend to the top of Lowdore
Waterfall; and the safest way is to proceed from the public-house at
Lowdore to the foot-road leading to Watenlath, which leaves the Grange road
a little short of the farm-house called High Lowdore; the road zig-zags the
mountain's side, which pursue, till Skiddaw from it is seen through the
chasm, and afterwards Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite; descend from this
part of the road to the angle of the river, and follow its course a short
distance, and the view here given will present itself in nature. Vicar's
Island and Crosthwaite Church are seen from this place.
No.33.
LOWDORE WATERFALL.
Lowdore is three miles from Keswick. The waterfall of Lowdore is not seen
in perfection by one in a hundred of those who visit the lakes; for it is
rarely so full as to exhibit one unbroken sheet of water; but when so, it
is, with its accompaniments, sublimely picturesque from many points of
view. The rocks are fine, and worth studying in any season; some are almost
lost in wood, whilst others tower their grisly heads to an enormous height:
one of them rises from the margin of the waterfall, and is the grandest
object of the kind in the whole circumference of the valley; and few,
unless led to expect water, would be disappointed with the scene before
them.
The bridge here given is over the river below the waterfall.
Proceed by the Mill to a grassy bank skirted with wood, and see this
stupendous chasm, through which, even in
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 19}
dry weather, is issued a considerable quantity of water; but the stones
engorged by it, being enormous in magnitude, divide the stream, and obscure
it from the eye: were its course diverted and conducted on the western side
of the gulf, to that side of the rock which is nearest the mill, it would
tumble in one unbroken sheet down to the channel below, and thereby be
rendered the most splendid waterfall among the lakes.
No.34.
BOWDER STONE.
Bowder Stone is a mile from Grange, and five miles from Keswick: the road
from the Bridge to the Stone is under Grange Fell on the left, and the
river Derwent on the right; and displays, in rugged grandeur, every variety
of composition capable of being produced from rocks and mountains.
Mr. Pocklington, who is now the proprietor of Bowder Stone, has pulled down
the walls with which it was heretofore encumbered, and thereby rendered it
an excellent painter's study.
No.35.
EAGLE CRAG, NEAR STONETHWAITE.
By Bowder Stone it is six miles from Keswick to Rosthwaite, and seven to
Stonethwaite; and that part of the river from which this view is taken is
about a mile more - making the distance from Keswick eight miles.
Langstre is the name of the valley on the right of Eagle Crag, and Greenup
of that upon the left.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 20}
No.36.
LANGTHWAITE BRIDGE.
The source of the stream passing under this bridge is in Sprinkling Tarn,
which descending the mountain Sprinkling, unites itself with Sty Head Tarn,
and having reached the valley, winds between the village of Seathwaite and
the black lead mines to Langthwaite Bridge, which is a quarter of a mile
from Rosthwaite.
No.37.
STOCKLEY BRIDGE.
This is the last bridge in Borrowdale, on the road from Rosthwaite to
Wasdale Head, and it is over a gill tumbling down the southern side of the
mountain Sprinkling, which mountain is the back-ground of this scene.
No.38.
HONISTER CRAG.
A morning's ride from Keswick, presenting many extraordinary changes, is by
passing Lowdore and Bowder Stone to Rosthwaite, and from Rosthwaite by Seat
Oller, under Honister Crag in Gatesgarthdale, to Buttermere, and from
Buttermere returning through the vale of Newlands to Keswick - a round of
about 22 miles.
This view of Honister Crag is from the stream which passes from the head of
Gatesgarthdale to Buttermere, and below the road a little after its having
left the summit of the pass. Honister Crag, almost perpendicular, seems,
from the bottom of the valley, to overhang its base, and is a precipice of
extraordinary magnificence: but from this rugged front is derived a slate
as smooth and valuable as any other in the island.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 21}
No.39.
CRUMMOCK WATER AND BUTTERMERE.
The horse-road to the Inn at Buttermere is eight miles and a half from
Keswick, through the vale of Newlands; but the carriage-road is part of the
way on the Cockermouth road, over Whinlatter, and through a part of the
vale of Lorton, by Crummock Water to the Inn at Buttermere, which is
somewhat more than fourteen miles. The Inn at Scale Hill (which is about
half a mile from the outlet of Crummock Water and eleven miles from
Keswick), and the Inn at Buttermere, are both of them excellent stationary
places from which to see Buttermere, Crummock Water, Lows Water, and
Ennerdale Water. The Inn at Buttermere lies at about an equal distance from
the two lakes of Buttermere and Crummock; and the lofty mountains round the
valley rise in sublime grandeur. Honister Crag, at the Borrowdale end of
the valley, is a steep high rock. The four conical-topped mountains, High
Pike, High Steel, High Crag, and Red Pike, are on the western side of the
lake of Buttermere, and Robinson on the eastern. The river connecting
Buttermere and Crummock Waters runs at the feet of the western mountains,
and is about half a mile long: the Inn is at the bottom of the Keswick
road, on the eastern side of the vale; and the intermediate grounds are of
sweet pasturage, with woods elegantly distributed over it. Melbreak skirts
the western, and Rannerdale Knott, Grasmire, and Whiteside, the eastern
side of Crummock Water.
This view of the two lakes is taken on the side of Melbreak, about two or
three hundred yards above a little rocky promontory called Ling Crag. The
fertile bottom separating Crummock Water and Buttermere is here a charming
feature, and is finely contrasted by the mountains: the castle-like
elevation in the distance is Honister Crag.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 22}
No.40.
CRUMMOCK WATER.
Red Pike here towers its conical summit proudly above its neighbours, and
still more distant Buttermere mountains.
Rannerdale is seen upon the left from this place, which is in the
enclosures near Lingthwaite, and not a mile from the foot of the lake.
No.41.
LOW'S WATER.
Low's Water is the smallest of the three lakes of Buttermere, Crummock and
Low's Water.
The hills on the east, west, and north sides of Low's Water rise gently
from it. The low grounds are pleasantly ornamented with meadows, out of
which groupes (sic) of woods and single trees, alone and in the hedge-rows.
Melbreak, Whiteside, Grasmire, Rannerdale Knott, and Honister Crag are fine
objects when seen from the head of Low's Water. The foot of Low's Water is
about half a mile from the foot of Crummock Water, and not a mile from the
Inn at Scale Hill.
This view of Low's Water is from the western side of the lake, and close by
a little stream, which not half a mile from this place passed between the
rocks, producing thereby a beautiful waterfall: the enclosures appearing
over the water lie between this lake and Crummock Water; behind which are
seen the mountains Grasmire and Whiteside.
No.42.
ENNERDALE WATER.
Ennerdale Water may be visited by foot or horsemen from the Inn at
Buttermere, by keeping the road down the
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 23}
meadows, and passing Scale Force on the left, to a little lake called
Fluttering Tarn, which must likewise be kept on the left. This road, though
of considerable ascent, is not over the highest part of the mountain. After
having gained the Tarn, the traveller will, from the north-east, presently
see Ennerdale Water, which is by many thought to be an interesting lake.
From the Inn at Scale Hill the carriage-road lies on the eastern side of
Low's Water through Lampleugh; but the horse and foot-road is between
Crummock Water and Low's Water; afterwards skirt Melbreak, which keep on
the left for some time; then on the right turn up the side of the hill to
Fluttering Tarn, before spoken of.
The best views of this lake are about one mile east of the foot; this is
enclosed ground, and the grouped and single trees are picturesque, and
associate well in composition with the distances; the present view is taken
out of these grounds. Bonus Knott, a mountain mass of rugged rock, is the
side screen on the left; but this is contrasted by the western boundary,
which, excepting at Angling Stone, is rather smooth and uniform in its
height all the way to the head of the lake. Amongst the distant mountains
are the Pillar and the Steeple.
No.43.
WAST WATER.
Wast Water is seen to the greatest advantage by travelling first to the
foot, and then up the eastern side to the head.
The head of the lake, in a straight line, is about fourteen miles
north-west of Ambleside; but its approach from Ambleside to Keswick is
either difficult or circuitous.
The best pedestrian road from Ambleside to the foot of Wast Water is over
Hardknott and Wrynose, and through the vale of Esk, by Santon Bridge to
Nether Wasdale, which is about 22 miles; or leaving Eskdale earlier, cross
Matterdale, the Screes end, and Latterbarrow, at half a mile from the foot
of the lake, either by the public-house, or to the nearest part of the road
leading to the lake: by this route the distance from Ambleside is about 20
miles.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 24}
From Nether Wasdale travel the side of the lake, and by Wastdale Head up
the side of Gable to the Sty; and leaving Sty Head Tarn, Sprinkling Tarn,
and Angle Tarn, all on the left hand, drop down through the vale of
Langdale to Ambleside. Or from Sty Head, leaving Sty Head Tarn upon the
right, pass through Seathwaite, Rosthwaite (where there is an ale-house),
and Stonethwaite; and keeping Eagle Crag upon the right ascend a steep
hill, (the ascent is called Greenup,) from the top of which, by proceeding
some time south-east, come to the head of Easedale, descend into the
valley, and passing Grasmere Church return to Ambleside.
For those who wish to return to Keswick from Wast Water, the way is from
Rosthwaite, by Bowder Stone and Lowdore, to Keswick.
The horse-road from Ambleside is over Hardknott and Wrynose to Santon
Bridge, as before, and by the above described pedestrian route to
Rosthwaite; from which proceed, as before, to Keswick, and back to
Ambleside.Or when at Rosthwaite, pass through Stonethwaite, and up the
valley called Langstre to the Stake, which cross, to Langdale Head, and
from Langdale Head to Ambleside.
The carriage-road from Ambleside is through Coniston, eight miles,
Broughton, nine more, and over Birker Fell (a road somewhat rugged), by
Santon Bridge to Nether Wastdale, which is this way from Ambleside about
thirty-five miles; or from Broughton to Nether Wastdale, (enquire at
Broughton about the tides,) by Bootle, Ravenglass, or by Muncaster. As such
who take this tour in a carriage must not only approach but return from the
lake through Nether Wastdale, they will proceed up its side only as far as
they find pleasant: this last line from Ambleside is about forty miles.
From Nether Wastdale pass through Gosforth to Calder Bridge, Egermont,
Lampleugh, and by Scale Hill to Keswick - distance thirty-four miles. Or
from Nether Wastdale to Whitehaven by Calder Bridge and Egermont, and from
Whitehaven to Keswick: the distance from Nether Wastdale by Whitehaven to
Keswick is forty-one miles.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 25}
The most extended circuit for a carriage from Ambleside or Keswick to see
Wast Water is about eighty miles; the shortest, over Birker Fell and by
Scale Hill, about seventy; and that by Bootle and Scale Hill, seventy-five
miles.
The road on foot or on horseback from Keswick to Wast Water is by the Inn
at Buttermere, Scale Force (which leave on the left), and over the
mountains by Fluttering Tarn to Ennerdale Water, Ennerdale Bridge, Calder
Bridge and Abbey, Gosforth, Nether Wastdale, Wastdale Head, Sty Head Tarn,
Seathwaite, Rosthwaite, and Bowder Stone to Keswick; this round is about
fifty miles: the resting place is at Calder Bridge, where there are two
good inns, and near them a beautiful abbey.
Should the Scale Force road be objected to for horses, the tour may be made
by Scale Hill, Low's Water, and Lampleugh, meeting the road first spoken of
at Ennerdale Bridge.
As this excursion will cost two days, the writer here takes liberty to
advise the traveller to see Wast Water on the second day rather than the
first, by which he will have the advantage of passing from the foot to the
head of the lake, and see in succession some of the grandest scenes in
England, all which he will have upon his back should he commence his tour
by Borrowdale rather than by Buttermere or Scale Hill.
Wast Water is three miles long, and about three-quarters of a mile over in
the broadest part; on the Screes, or eastern side, it is of a tolerably
straight line; but the opposite shores are irregular, and appear
beautifully embayed when seen from the higher grounds: the road is up the
western side of the lake, often on its margin, and seldom more than one
hundred yards from it.
This view shews the junction of the lake and the Screes about the shivering
part of the mountain; the enclosures at the foot of the water at Crook, and
those at Wastdale Head, vary the scene, by their contrast to the rest of
the rude materials which compose it. Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, and Gable (the
last of which is the most remote object) are all seen in distance.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 26}
No.44.
WAST WATER, FROM THE ROAD.
The views on the travelled side of the lake certainly deserve great
attention; and the one here given is about a mile from its foot.
The road, which is of a fine elevation above the water, is seen meandering
among the rocks to a good distance. Yewbarrow lies on the left; part of the
Screes are on the right; Wastdale head, at the end of the lake, by its
enclosures serves as a scale whereby to judge the vastness of the
mountains; and over them is Great Gable, so called from its resemblance to
the roof of a house. Between Gable and Yewbarrow is seen a part of Kirk
Fell, and between Gable and the Screes, Lingmell.
No.45.
SCHOFELL, ON WAST WATER.
Schofell, with its adjoining part of the Screes, is thus viewed from a
point between the road and the lake, about half way between its foot and
head.
No.46.
GOLDRILL CRAG.
Goldrill Crag is upon the river Dudden. The river Dudden crosses the horse
and foot road to Wast Water at Cockley Beck, which is ten miles from
Ambleside over Wrynose. Goldrill Crag is two miles down the river, being 12
miles from Ambleside and about 14 miles from the foot of Wast Water.
The river Dudden divides Lancashire and Cumberland, from the county stones
on Wrynose to its junction with the Irish Sea; consequently the scene
before us is in both counties.
This view is up the river: the trees are in Lancashire, and Goldrill Crag,
which is on the left, is in Cumberland.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 27}
No.47.
WALLOWBARROW CRAG.
Wallowbarrow Crag is upon the river Dudden, not far from Seathwaite Chapel,
and about two miles below Goldrill Crag.
Either by Cockley Beck or over Walna Scar, the distance from Seathwaite
Chapel to Ambleside is fourteen miles.
No.48.
BROTHER WATER.
The road to Ulls Water from Ambleside, which is by Brother Water, is wild
and mountainous; the ascent from Ambleside is steep, with little variation
to the top of Kirkstone. One way from Low Wood to Ulls Water is by
Ambleside, the other is by Troutbeck, both roads meeting on the summit of
the hill; near which, on the left, is a cubical sort of stone, called
Kirkstone, which gives name to the pass.
The views round Brother Water are sublime; the vale is fertile, and
cloathed in wood, which diminishes in quantity as its ascends the
mountains, and is generally in excellent distribution.
This view of Brother Water, which is between six and seven miles from
Ambleside, is from the enclosures on the right, after having descended from
Kirkstone, and not half a mile short of the lake. Place Fell is in the
distance.
No.49.
WOODEN BRIDGE IN HARTSOPE.
Under Dove Crag, a stupendous rock three miles west of Brother Water, runs
a stream, which after a steep descent
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 28}
serpentines sweetly down the vale, amidst rich assemblage of beautiful
trees, by Hartsope Hall (a picturesque old farm-house) to Brother Water.
The road from Ambleside to Ulls Water runs close to Brother Water, and the
mountains rise from it on the right in a very bold style, as may be seen
from the last subject. At Brother Water the valley is scarcely half a mile
across; and the western side of the lake is bounded by a hill, which rises
steeply from it.
There is a road from Hartsope Hall to Ulls Water, which on the banks of
Brother Water is through a wood of fine oaks, out of which the magnificent
mountains of Hartsope rise in a style of superior grandeur.
This bridge is over the little river just mentioned, and on the footway
from the Hall to the travelled side of the valley. In this representation
Dove Crag is the distance, and appears just over the bridge.
No.40.
GRIZEDALE BRIDGE.
From Brother Water to the Inn at Patterdale the road is good, and winds
pleasantly amongst trees, affording now and then a glimpse of the
surrounding country.
The inn at Patterdale is ten miles from Ambleside, twenty-one from Keswick,
fourteen from Penrith, and half a mile from Ulls Water.
Grizedale Bridge is over the brook which runs out of Grizedale by
Patterdale Hall, and is distant from the Inn about half a mile upon the
Penrith road. The distance is Place Fell.
The head of Ulls Water lies south-west of its foot; the lake is of an
irregular figure, and composed of three unequal reaches, the middle of
which is somewhat larger than the northern one; the shortest is seen from
the Inn at Patterdale, and not half the length of either of the others.
Ulls Water is less unequal in its breadth than the other
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 29}
lakes; it is in many places not more than half a mile across, but seldom
exceeds three quarters; it is less than Windermere, but larger than the
rest of the English lakes.
Ulls Water lies engulphed at the feet of majestic mountains, which rise
sublimely from the valley: Place Fell descends shivering into the lake,
almost perpendicularly, from a vast height; its skirts the lake from
Birkfell Force higher than its head. The opposite mountains are less
uniform, their summits being removed to various and greater distances from
the water, and the rocks project from their surfaces in a bold and imposing
manner.
Were these mountains divested of wood, they would exhibit a vastness and
sublimity rivalled only by those of Wast Water.
Nothing can exceed the dresses and decorations of this sublimity; the whole
space from Gowbarrow to the Inn at Patterdale is one rich scene of
vegetation; oak, ash, birch, alder, and other trees of stately growth, and
in the wildest luxuriance, undulating and impending over the rocky
protuberances every where starting from the mountains, render this the
loveliest ride among the lakes.
The mountains on the immediate head of Ulls Water are not so steep as those
which border it half way down, but they are rich in wood: St. Sunday, or
St. Sundian Crag, swells sublimely above them, and is a fine object from
many parts of the valley. From Gowbarrow on one side, and Place Fell on the
other side of the lake, the mountains gradually diminish into little hills,
and from a gigantic ruggedness into a soft and verdant meadow and
pasturage.
Though there is something good in every part of Ulls Water, yet the finest
scenes lie between Lyulph's Tower and the Inn at Patterdale; and the best
method of seeing this desirable part is to take a boat at the head of the
lake, and passing the islands called Cherry-holm and Wall-holm, come within
sight of Stybarrow Crag, which is a fine object in various distances; land
near the Crag, and walk about half a mile to the farm-house called Glen
Coin, occasionally turning round to admire the local beauties of the
scenery.
Having got upon that pleasant craggy summit, from which the road winds
suddenly and steeply down to the lake, turn to the left by an oak, out of
which springs a birch tree, and pass the nearest way to Glen Coin.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 30}
No.51.
GLEN COIN.
Glen Coin is a farm-house belonging to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk. It is
two or three hundred yards out of the road from the Inn at Patterdale to
Lyulph's Tower, and between two and three miles from the former place.
Should the party have no partiality for rude buildings, he may proceed,
without landing at Stybarrow, to the island called House Holm, or from Glen
Coin to House Holm: the view from House Holm is exquisite. The splendid
display of wood which feathers from the tops of the mountains on the right
hand to the margin of the lake, is no where equalled in the north of
England. Proceed from the island to the Tower.
Lyulph's Tower, which is the property of the Duke of Norfolk, stands a
little above the road, and in that part of Gowbarrow which exhibits one of
the finest views of the lake. Lyulph's Tower is an excellent object from
all parts where it can be seen, and situate upon that nice degree of
elevation from which the lines of the lake appear in a most painter-like
arrangement. St. Sunday Crag, in the extreme distance, rears his head high
above his neighbours; from which, both ways, see a visible horizon, the
most correctly picturesque. Place Fell is rocky, and unadorned with wood,
unless about that part of the water seen beyond Silvery Point; but the
opposite shores are in high contrast to Place Fell: their swelling sides
are richly ornamented with trees, which standing on the water's brink in
close array, gradually soften as they rise and melt into the mountain. The
fore-ground, or rather the middle-ground, is likewise agreeably diversified
with wood.
The park is well stocked with deer, whose elegant forms and wild gestures
are in unison with the surrounding scenes.
No.52.
ULLS WATER, FROM GOWBARROW.
The road from Lyulph's Tower to Keswick, through Matterdale and the
Patterdale road, separate in the
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 31}
old park, near the gate which divides those parks; and this view is from
the Matterdale road - that also to Patterdale appears.
Return to the boat, and cross the lake at right angles; and having landed
and gained the horse-road to Patterdale, look to the opposite side of the
lake on that grand display of scenery arising from Glen Coin and
Glenridden. Silvery Point, which is a part of Place Fell, stretches far
into the lake, and wonderfully relieves this charming distance by the
boldness of the contrast.
The finest views on Ulls Water are upon this road, and from several places
between it and the water; and the tutored eye will discover, in a variety
of distances, when combined with the rocky fore-grounds, a series of
pictures perhaps more perfect in their kind than can be found on any other
line of the same length in the north of England.
No.53.
ULLS WATER HEAD.
When the spectator is opposite to House Holm, and in such a situation that
a line drawn from his eye to the summit of St. Sunday Crag will leave the
island called Ling Holm something on the left of that line, he has then, in
the opinion of the writer, the best view upon the lake. The beautiful line
of shore is enlivened by a few buildings, which though of themselves large,
are in comparison with other objects small. The house not long ago erected
by the Rev. Henry Askew is on the right, and nearly on the extremity of the
northern side of the picture. The wooded promontory which stands on the
north side of Purse Bay, is seen about half a mile from the eye on the
other side; at the head of the lake observe Patterdale Hall, the seat of
John Mouncey, Esq.; above the hall, in swelling majesty, stands St. Sunday
Crag, which, with the mountains of Grizedale and Glenridden, close this
admirable scene.
From this place keep the edge of the bank about half a mile, or till the
island called Wall Holm appears a little to the right of Mr. Askew's house,
and that point is
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 32}
No.54.
ULLS WATER, LOOKING INTO GLENRIDDEN.
Mr. Askew's house, which borders the lake, is in Glenridden, a valley
charmingly spread over with wooded enclosures. Black Crag and Glenridden
Dodd, upon the right, shew their shivery and precipitous fronts; and parts
of Helvellyn, called Nab End and Blea Cove, appear in the last distance.
From this station proceed till within about two hundred yards of the Purse
Bay to
No.55.
PURSE BAY, ON ULLS WATER.
This exquisite combination of materials is another fine subject, not only
for the exercise and gratification of the eye, but for the pencil. - Having
bestowed on this extraordinary scene a due portion of attention, re-ascend
the hill, and by keeping the semicircular wall, pass by the house called
Blea Wyke to the Purse Bay, and from the eastern side of it look again upon
the Grizedale mountains, rendered additionally valuable by the bold
promontory on the right, and those charming middle-grounds stretching each
way from the Hall: here take the boat to its mooring place, and return to
the Inn, or on foot by the head of the lake over Goldrill Bridge, after
having passed
No.56.
ULLS WATER, LOOKING TOWARDS GRIZEDALE.
This view is taken within the enclosures, and near a ruined building,
which, with the lands about it, were some time ago purchased by a
celebrated artist, as commanding some of the finest views upon the lake.
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 33}
From the Inn at Patterdale, which is at the head of Ulls Water, to the Inn
at Powley Bridge at its foot, it is ten miles; Powley Bridge is five miles
from Penrith, and seven miles north of the foot of Haws Water.
No.57.
BROUGHAM CASTLE.
Is finely situated upon the river Eamont, about one mile from Penrith on
the new road, and two miles upon the old road; it is a ruin deservedly
admired for its beauty, and worthy an artist's attention.
No.58.
ASKHAM CHURCH.
Askham Church is delightfully situated on the western banks of the river
Lowther; and the bridge over that river, at the end of the village of
Askham, is seen beyond the church: the vicarage, which commands a fine view
of the river, adjoins the churchyard. Lowther rectory appears on the left
of the church.
On the high wooded bank which runs on the western side of the Lowther, is a
fine walk among the trees, called the Rash, which is one of the beautiful
appendages of the domains at Lowther.
No.59.
HAWS WATER.
Haws Water is three miles long, and generally about half a mile across; a
richly wooded promontory, which from the lower grounds appears to cut the
lake in two, shoots boldly towards the opposite shores, and here it is
scarcely more
{title- William Green's Sixty Small Prints, page 34}
than two or three hundred yards in breadth. Mesand with its school stands
near this promontory; on the side of which rushes, in wild impetuosity,
Fordingdale Beck, a stream abounding in picturesque waterfalls.
Branstree, Harter Fell, Riggendale, High Street, Kidstay, and Whelter, are
all grand mountains lying at the head of the lake: but this grandeur is
diminished towards its foot; and the country below the outlet of the lake
is composed of modest and easy eminences, which are pleasantly covered with
wood all the way to Lowther and Askham.
Haws Water, either as a Salvator or a Claude, has great attractions; its
magnificence may be appreciated by passing from the foot to the head of the
lake, and its delicate beauties by looking down it.
Haws Water is fine from the carriage-road, but infinitely less so than from
a horse-road upon the common, somewhat above the carriage-road; it is
likewise good from many stands in the enclosures between the higher road
and the water.
This view of the lake is from the fields between its outlet and Fordingdale
Beck, and includes the upper and the lower lakes.
No.60.
HAWS WATER, FROM FORDINGDALE BECK.
Harter Fell is a principal object in the scene before us, under which is
the lower end of Riggendale, and at its foot Chapel Hill, with all the
pleasant accompaniments of wood. This view is taken from the upper road,
just after its having passed Fordingdale Beck, on the way to the head of
the lake.
The river feeding the lake at its head is bounded by flat lands; but the
undulating surfaces between this flat and the summits of the circumjacent
mountains being sprinkled in a luxuriant wildness with various sorts of
trees, is on all hands a splendid treat for the lover and the artist.
{marginal = colophon}
J. Tyler, Printed, Rathbone Place.
{text- In the volume used for the transcription this introductory
description is followed by the series of 60 prints. In another example of
the work, the prints are bound in with the text in their approximately
relevant position. }