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Belle Isle, Windermere lake
Belle Isle
Longholm
Long Holme
Holme House
site name:-   Windermere lake
civil parish:-   Windermere (formerly Westmorland)
county:-   Cumbria
locality type:-   island
locality type:-   buildings
coordinates:-   SD39399669 (etc) 
1Km square:-   SD3996
10Km square:-   SD39
SummaryText:-   The island and house are treated as one.


photograph
BOR64.jpg (taken 15.2.2008)  
photograph
BPD49.jpg  Jetty.
(taken 12.5.2008)  

evidence:-   old map:- OS County Series (Lan 5 7) 
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Maps, County Series maps of Great Britain, scales 6 and 25 inches to 1 mile, published by the Ordnance Survey, Southampton, Hampshire, from about 1863 to 1948.
OS County Series (Wmd 32 11) 

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Fiennes 1698
source data:-   Travel book, manuscript record of Journeys through England including parts of the Lake District, by Celia Fiennes, 1698.
"... it [Windermere] has many little hills or isles in it, one of a great bigness is 30 acres of ground on which is a house, the Gentleman that is Lord of the Manour lives in it Sir Christopher Phillips; he has a great command of the water, and of the villages thereabout and many privileges, he makes a Major or Bailiff of the place during life; its but a small mean place, ... the Isle did not looke to be so bigg at the shore but takeing boate I went on it and found it as large and very good barley and oates and grass; ..."

evidence:-   probably old map:- Simpson 1746 map (Wmd) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Westmorland, scale about 8 miles to 1 inch, printed by R Walker, Fleet Lane, London, 1746.
image
SMP2SDJ.jpg
Island in Windermere. 
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2007.38.59
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Jefferys 1770 (Wmd) 
placename:-  Great Island
source data:-   Map, 4 sheets, The County of Westmoreland, scale 1 inch to 1 mile, surveyed 1768, and engraved and published by Thomas Jefferys, London, 1770.
image
J5SD39NE.jpg
"G. Island"
island 
item:-  National Library of Scotland : EME.s.47
Image © National Library of Scotland

evidence:-   descriptive text:- West 1778 (11th edn 1821) 
placename:-  Holme Island
placename:-  Great Island
source data:-   Guide book, A Guide to the Lakes, by Thomas West, published by William Pennington, Kendal, Cumbria once Westmorland, and in London, 1778 to 1821.
image WS21P058, button  goto source
Page 58:-  "[Windermere] ... spotted with islands. Amongst them, the Holme, or Great Island, an oblong tract of thirty acres, traverses the lake in an oblique line, surrounded by a number of inferior isles, finely formed and dressed in wood. ..."
"..."
image WS21P060, button  goto source
Page 60:-  "... [from Harrow Farm] The island, from this stand, appears with much variety of shore; indented and embayed; almost surrounded with islets; adorned with ancient oaks and scattered trees [1]. ... A sweeter picture than this, the lake does not [furnish]"
"[1] In the collection of Views of the Lakes, engraved by Messrs. Byrne &c. Mr. Farrington's view from the hill above the ferry-house, represents this scene."
"..."
image WS21P061, button  goto source
Page 61:-  "... Great Island, ..."
"The island was long the property of the Philipsons, once a family of consequence in these parts [1]."
"[1] This island is now the property of Mr. Curwen, who finished the large mansion-house begun by Mr. English, laid the whole out in pleasure-grounds, in the modern style, suitable to the place, and made it one of the sweetest places that can be imagined."

evidence:-   old map:- Crosthwaite 1783-94 (Win/Ble) 
placename:-  Windermere Island House
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, An Accurate Map of the Grand Lake of Windermere, scale about 2 inches to 1 mile, by Peter Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumberland, 1783, version published 1819.
image
CT09Vgn2.jpg
"Windermere Island House. / John Christian Curwen Esqr."
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.102
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Crosthwaite 1783-94 (Win/Ble) 
placename:-  Bella Island
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, An Accurate Map of the Grand Lake of Windermere, scale about 2 inches to 1 mile, by Peter Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumberland, 1783, version published 1819.
image
CT9SD39Y.jpg
"Bella Island / Jno. C. Curwen's Esqr."
text panel:-  "..., His [Thomas West's] 2d. Station is the South Side of Bella Island. His 3d. the North Side of do. ... ..."
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.102
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- West 1784 map
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, A Map of the Lakes in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, engraved by Paas, 53 Holborn, London, about 1784.
image
Ws02SD39.jpg
In Windermere Water. 
item:-  Armitt Library : A1221.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Middiman 1784-92
placename:-  Belle Isle ???
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, Winandermere Lake, Westmorland, painted by G Barrett, engraved and published by Samuel Middiman, 3 Grafton Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, 1784.
image  click to enlarge
MM0101.jpg
"Painted by G. Barrett R.A. / Engrav'd by S. Middiman. / WINNANDERMERE LAKE. / Publish'd as the Act directs, Jany. 1. 1784, by S. Middiman, London."
Accompanying text:-  "PLATE I."
"WINANDERMERE - LAKE,"
"WESTMORELAND."
"... The great Island, seen in the Center of this View, traverses the Lake in an oblique Direction. The sweet secreted Cottage, once embosomed in a Sycamore Grove, is now fled; the present Owner* has erected a mansion on the Bosom of the Island, which may add an Elegance to the rural Scenes that environ it; yet, by a rigid Conception of the true Sublime, it perhaps may not form a natural Contrast to the romantic Aspect of the surrounding Scenery. This Island was, for a Series of Years, the Property of the Philipsons, once a Family of Eminence in these Parts; and Sir Christopher Philipson resided upon it in the beginning of this century."
"..."
"* Mr. Christian, who has raised a Structure on the Site where Mr. English's House and Garden's stood, a few Years since."
item:-  Armitt Library : A6858.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Gilpin 1786
item:-  boatfishcharcoal
source data:-   Book, Observations, Relative Chiefly to Picturesque Beauty, Made in the Year 1772, on Several Parts of England, Particularly the Mountains, and Lakes of Cumberland Westmoreland, by Rev William Gilpin, 1772-74; published 1786-1808.
image GLP4p135, button  goto source
vol.1 p.135  "... we embarked [from Bowness], and standing out to sea; made for the great island; which we were informed was a very interesting scene."
"We soon arrived at it; and landing at the south end, we ordered our boat to meet us at the north point; meaning to traverse it's little boundaries."
"A more sequestered spot cannot easily be conceived. Nothing can be more excluded from the noise, and interruption of life; or abound with a greater variety of those circumstances, which make retirement pleasing."
"The whole island contains about thirty acres. Its form is oblong; its shores irregular; retiring into bays, and broken into creeks."
image GLP4p136, button  goto source
vol.1 p.136  "The surface too is uneven; and a sort of little Appenine ridge runs through the middle of it; falling down, in all shapes into the water.- Like it's great mother-island, the southern part wears a smoother aspect, than the northern, which is broken, and rocky."
"Formerly the whole island was one entire grove. At present, it is rather bare of wood; though there are some large oaks upon it."
"One of it's greatest beauties arises from that irregular little Appenine, just mentioned, which extends from one end to the other. This circumstance hides it's insularity, by connecting it with the continent. In every part, except on the high grounds, you stand in an amphitheatre composed of the noblest objects; and the lake performing the office of a sunk fence, the grandeur of each part of the continent is called in, by turns, to aid the insignificance of the island."
"The oblong form also of the lake gives the island another great advantage. On both it's sides, the opposite shore of the continent is little more than half a mile distant: but at the northern and southern points there is a large sheet of water. The views therefore, as you walk round, are continually changing"
image GLP4p137, button  goto source
vol.1 p.137  "through all the varieties of distance; which are still farther improved by a little degree of obliquity, in the position of the island."
"He who should take upon him to ornament such a scene as this, would have only to conduct his walk and plantations, so as to take advantage of the grand parts of the continent around him;- to hide what is offensive - and, amidst a choice of great and picturesque scenes, to avoid shewing too much. As he would have, at all times, an exuberance of water, he should not be ostentatious in displaying it. It would be a relief to the eye sometimes to exclude it wholly; and to introduce a more sylvan scene, with distant mountains rising above it. A transient glance of the water, with some well-chosen objects beyond it, would often also have a good effect; and sometimes a grand expansion of the whole.- Thus the objects around, tho unmanageable in themselves, might be brought under command by the assistance of an insular situation."
"With regard to the ornamenting of such a scene, an elegant neatness is all the improver"
image GLP4p138, button  goto source
vol.1 p.138  "should aim at. Amidst these grand objects of nature, it would be absurd to catch the eye with the affected decorations of art. The simple idea he would desire to preserve, is, what the place itself suggests, a sequestered retreat. The boundaries should in a great measure be thicket - on the eastern coast especially, which is opposed to the only cultivated part of the country: and if there be any thing in that part worth giving to the eye, it might be given through some unaffected opening."
"For thickets, the wild wood of the country would abundantly suffice. It grows luxuriantly, and would soon produce it's effect."
"The middle parts of the island, with a few clumps properly disposed, might be neat pasturage, with flocks, and herds; which would contrast agreeably with the rough scenery around."
"The house, at present, stands too formally in the middle of the island. It might stand better near the southern promontory. The air of this sweet retreat is said to be very pure. *"
"[*] Since this view of Windermere island was taken, it hath been under the hands of improvement. The proprietor, I have been told, spent six thousand pounds upon it; with which sum he contrived to do almost every thing, that one should wish had been left undone. It is now in other hands, which may probably restore it's beauty."

evidence:-   old text:- Clarke 1787
item:-  gardendevelopmentfirsycamorepicturesque
source data:-   Guide book, A Survey of the Lakes of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire, written and published by James Clarke, Penrith, Cumberland, and in London etc, 1787; published 1787-93.
image CL13P138, button  goto source
Page 138:-  "..."
"... a part of the Lake resembling the Archipelago, to the great island, and there land. This island belongs to John Christian, Esq; member of parliament for the city of Carlisle, who had it with his wife, a miss Curwen of Workington-Hall ..."
"... Mrs Christian ... purchased the island of Mr English, who had bought it of a Mr Barlow, and laid out a considerable sum of money on the house and gardens. These, however, Mr Hutchinson found great fault with in his Guide to the Lakes, published in 1770. I shall give his own words, and let the reader judge himself:- "The few natural beauties of this island are wounded and distorted by some ugly rows of firs set in right lines, and by the works now carrying on by Mr English the proprietor; who is laying out gardens on a square plan, building fruit-walls, and planning to erect a mansion-house there. The want of taste is a misfortune too often attending the opulent, (a pretty compliment paid to the opulent!) The romantic seite of this place, on so noble a lake, and surrounded with such scenes, asked for the plan of an edifice and pleasure grounds: But instead of that, to see a Dutch burgomaster's palace arise on this place; to see a cabbage-garth extend its bosom to the East, squared and cut out at right angles, is so offensive to the eye of the traveller, that he turns away with disgust. For pleasure, or for ornament, a narrow footpath is cut round the margin of the island, and laid with white sand; resembling the dusty paths of foot passengers over Stepney fields, or the way along which the owner often has heyed to Hackney.""
"Mr West says, "Of this sequestered spot Mr Young speaks in rapture; and Mr Pennant has done it much honour by his description: But, alas! it is no more to be seen in that beautiful unaffected state in which those gentlemen saw it. The sweet secreted"
source data:-   Page 139:-  ""cottage is no more, and the sycamore grove is fled. The present owner has modernized a fine slope in the bosom of the island into a formal garden. (An unpleasing contrast to the natural simplicity and insular beauty of the place.) What reason he had for adopting such a plan I shall not enquire; much less shall I treat him with abuse for executing it to his own fancy. The want of choice might justify his having a garden on this island; but since it is now in his power to have it elsewhere, I hope it will be his pleasure, when he re-visits the place, to restore the island to its native state of pastoral simplicity and rural elegance, by its removal.""
"The whole of this outcry against regularity seems to me to have arisen from that cant style of painting which Gilpin and some others have introduced into writing.Not a tree, a shrub, or an old wall, but these gentlemen take measure of by the painter's scale: A poor harmless cow can hardly go to drink, but they find fault with a want of grace in her attitude; or an horse drive away the flies with his tail, but these critics immediately find fault with the too-great quickness of his motions. Whoever examines those "abortive nothings," which Mr Gilpin calls Landscapes, will hardly be able to trace one view, how well soever he may by acquainted with it: for my own part, they put me in mind of nothing so much a those landscapes and figures which boys fancy they see in the sky at sun-set, or in the fire on a frosty evening."
"With all that can be said against regular buildings, we must consider their advantages: convenience is surely a material one, and if we consider them in a picturesque light, I cannot help thinking that an elegant mansion, just peeping through the surrounding trees, is as beautiful an object as any in a landscape. Besides, beauty is of many kinds, and one of them consists expressly in regularity; for though a street of houses, every one of which resembles another, is no very striking scene; yet houses, some old, some new, some lofty, and some low, all standing together, give us an idea of nothing but the most unpleasing confusion. Mr English might wish for both pleasure and kitchen-gardens on this hermitage, whither he meant, when he first purchased it, to retire from the bustling croud of the metropolis. Was he to take boat and sail for a walk in his garden when he had ten minutes to spare? Was he, when he wanted to read a few pages in his garden, to travel two miles to do it? Was his cook to fetch every handful of parsley, or other things of that kind, cross the Lake, perhaps in a high wind? I have with pleasure fed upon delicious fruit pulled upon that island, the very spot where two years before grew nothing but briers and thorns."
"It is naturally a bad soil, being little else than sand; except a small spot in the middle, which is an entire peat moss, and used to have gale growing upon it. I was at my last visit so very much disgusted, (to use Mr Hutchinson's words) at not finding the fruit trees here, that I heartily wish his pen, (which had been the sole reason of their being destroyed) in the fire."
"Had Mr Smith or any other painter who visited this place before Mr English's improvements, seen it afterwards, he would have found these alterations no detriment to the landscape: the bird's eye-view was certainly much improved by the variety thus introduced, as any one might at once perceive who viewed it from the eminence behind, or South-East of Bowness. Here the garden and house full in front of the view made an agreeable contrast to the woody and uncultivated scenes, where were every where else displayed. All the other islands, and the whole shore on both sides, are covered with wood, (Harrow Slack alone excepted,) which is partly hidden by the great island. Can there be any impropriety in varying this uniformity with one single spot of cultivation? Surely not: beauty is of too general a nature to be always confined within rules. Give me leave to borrow a description of this delightful place: "If one could conjure a city upon it, I should persuade myself (however it might vary the character or deviate from certain limited and rigid conceptions of rural elegance,)"
source data:-   Guide book, A Survey of the Lakes of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire, written and published by James Clarke, Penrith, Cumberland, and in London etc, 1787; published 1787-93.
image CL13P140, button  goto source
Page 140:-  ""that, beautiful as the prospects of this Lake certainly are, there is no eye but would dwell upon them with more pleasure than it possibly can at present." From that station, how beautiful would this place have looked, where the boats seem to be plying on every side to gain the el dorado; but the gardens are no more. Mr Christian, the present owner, hath made many alterations, which I shall neither applaud nor condemn, as no one can be judge of half done work. I like his marginal bank exceeding well, but what his designs are I cannot tell: he has an ample fortune to put the best designs in execution, and I believe him a gentleman of taste. This island, which contains above thirty acres, belonged to the Philipsons of Cawgarth; but in the time of Edward the III. was common, and belonged to the barony of Kendale: amongst the escheats at that time, viz. Edward the III. according to Burn, there was "an order, that the wood in the island of Winandermere called Brendwood, (that is, fire-wood, from the Saxon word Brenne, to burn,) shall not be several, but common to all the free tenants of Kirkby in Kendale, and of Strickland, Crosthwaite, Crooke, and others, as well to depasture their cattle, as to take house-boot and hey-boot at their will, without the view of the forester." ..."

evidence:-   old map:- Clarke 1787 map (Windermere N) 
source data:-   Map, A Map of the Northern Part of the Lake Winandermere and its Environs, scale about 6.5 ins to 1 mile, by James Clarke, engraved by Samuel John Neele, 352 Strand, published by James Clarke, Penrith, Cumberland and in London etc, 1787.
image
CLASD39Y.jpg
"J. CHRISTIAN Esqr."
Various buildings, and perhaps a boat house, are shown. 
item:-  private collection : 10.10
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Camden 1789 (Gough Additions) 
source data:-   Book, Britannia, or A Chorographical Description of the Flourishing Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by William Camden, 1586, translated from the 1607 Latin edition by Richard Gough, published London, 1789.
image CAM2P144, button  goto source
Page 144:-  "... The holm or island in it [Windermere lake] reckoned to Westmorland contains above 30 acres, and has a good house on it, where sir Christopher Philipson lived 1705 secreted from creditors. Mr. English began a house there which was finished by Miss Curwen, since married to John Christian, esq. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Camden 1789 (Gough Additions) 
placename:-  Long Holme
placename:-  Wynandermere Island
item:-  echoesfirewoodHolme House
source data:-   Book, Britannia, or A Chorographical Description of the Flourishing Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by William Camden, 1586, translated from the 1607 Latin edition by Richard Gough, published London, 1789.
image CAM2P154, button  goto source
Page 154:-  "..."
"In this lake are several islands; the largest of which is now called Long-holme, but antiently it was called Wynandermere island."
"Among the escheats in 21 Edward III. there is an order, that the wood in the island of Wynandermere called Brendwood (that is fire-wood, from the Saxon brennan, to burn), shall not be several but common to all the free tenants of Kirkby in Kendale, and of Strikland, Crosthwaite, Croke, and others, as well to depasture with all their cattle, as to take house-bote and key-bote at their will without the view of the foresters."
"Unto whom this island was first granted in fee by the crown we have not found. It belonged in after-times to the Philipsons of Crooke; and was sold by Frances daughter and sole heir of sir Christopher Philipson, son of Huddleston Philipson, to Mr. Thomas Brathwaite of Crooke, who sold the same to one Mr. Floyer, who sold to Mr. Thomas Barlow, whose brother and heir Mr. Robert Barlow sold the same to Thomas English, esq."
"This island contains about 30 acres of ground, most of it arable; and had an handsome neat house in the middle of it called the Holme-house; which in the civil wars was besieged by colonel Briggs for eight or ten days, until, the seige of Carlisle being raised, Mr. Huddleston Philipson of Crooke, to whom it belonged, hastened from Carlisle, and relieved his brother Robert in Holme-house. The next day being Sunday Mr. Robert Philipson, with three or four more, rode to Kendal to take revenge of some of the adverse party there, passed the watch, and rode into the church up one aile and down another, in expectation to find one particular person there whom they were very desirous to have met with. Our author, Mr. Machel, who was a royalist, out of delicacy, did not chuse to name him as he was then living, but probably it was colonel Briggs. But, not finding him, Robert was unhorsed by the guards in his return, and his girths broken; but his companions relieved him by a desperate charge; and, clapping his saddle on without any girth, he vaulted into the saddle, killed a centinel, and galloped away, and returned to the island by two of the clock. Upon the occasion of this and other like adventures he obtained the appellation of Robin the devil. He was killed at last in the Irish wars at the battle of Washford."
"Upon this island there is a remarkable echo; and, for hearing the same in perfection, Mr. Barlow provided two small cannon; on the explosion whereof towards the rock on the west side of the water, there is first a burst of the sound upon the rock, exactly similar to the first explosion by lightning, then, after an intermission of about three seconds, a sudden rattling of thunder to the left. And after another intermission, when one imagines all to be over, a sudden rumbling to the right, which passes along the rock, and dies away not distinguishable from distant thunder."

evidence:-   old map:- Cary 1789 (edn 1805) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Westmoreland, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, by John Cary, London, 1789; edition 1805.
image
CY24SD39.jpg
island in Windermere 
item:-  JandMN : 129
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evidence:-   old print with text:- Farington 1789
placename:-  Great Island
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, West View across Windermere from the Hill above Ferry House, Lancashire, drawn by Joseph Farington, engraved by W Byrne and J Landseer, published by W Byrne, 69 Titchfield Street, London, 1785.
image  click to enlarge
FA0117.jpg
printed, bottom, left, right and centre  "Drawn by Josh. Farington, R.A. / Engraved by W. Byrne &J. Landseer. / West view across WINDERMERE, looking over the GREAT ISLAND. / From the Hill above Ferry House. / London: Published as the Act directs, 1 April 1789, by W. Byrne, No.79, Titchfield Street."
Descriptive text, probably by William Cookson 
VIEW across WINDERMERE, looking over the GREAT ISLAND. 
... The Islands on Windermere (if they may be so called, many of them being rather wooded Rocks), are ten in number, composing a Kind of Archipelago, and in some Views appearing to separate the upper from the lower Reach of the Lake. In this View, which was taken on the Western Side, nearly opposite the Village of Bowness, the Great-Island, which contains about thirty Acres, forms a principal Object. It is of an oblong Shape, traversing the Lake in an oblique Line, and is the only one on which a Building is erected. From the Ferry-House beneath to Bowness, is the great Pass of Communication from the Western to the Eastern Shore. 
item:-  Armitt Library : A6669.17
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Smith 1795
placename:-  Belleisle
source data:-   Print uncoloured engraving, with some aquatint, Belleisle Lodge, Belle Isle, Windermere, Westmorland, drawn by John 'Warwick' Smith, engraved by F Merigot, published by R Blamire, Strand, London, 1791.
image  click to enlarge
PR1850.jpg
printed, bottom left, right, centre  "Drawn by John Smith. / Engrav'd by F. Merigot. / BELLEISLE LODGE. / On the great Island in Windermere, belonging to John Christian Curwen, Esqr. to whom these Twenty Views of the Lakes in / Cumberland &c. are most humbly inscribed, by his most obedient and much obliged Humble Sert. John Smith. / Published as the Act directs, March, 1791, by R. Blamire, Strand, London."
item:-  Armitt Library : 2011.65
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   road book:- Cary 1798 (2nd edn 1802) 
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Road book, itineraries, Cary's New Itinerary, by John Cary, 181 Strand, London, 2nd edn 1802.
image CY38p317, button  goto source
image  click to enlarge
C38317.jpg
page 317-318  "Opposite Bowness, on Winander Mere is Belle Isle, John Christian Curwen, Esq."
item:-  JandMN : 228.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Housman 1800 map 4
placename:-  Curwins Island
source data:-   Maps, hand coloured engraving, Lakes in Lancashire and Westmorland, 7 lakes on one sheet, engraved by McIntyre, Edinburgh, published by F Jollie, Carlisle, Cumberland, and C Law, Ave Maria Lane, London, 1800.
image  click to enlarge
HM02Win.jpg
"Curwins Island"
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2007.38.97
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
source data:-   Magazine, The Gentleman's Magazine or Monthly Intelligencer or Historical Chronicle, published by Edward Cave under the pseudonym Sylvanus Urban, and by other publishers, London, monthly from 1731 to 1922.
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Gentleman's Magazine 1805 p.1010  "[Windermere by boat] ... From the poetical rhapsodies of the guides, in delineating the charms of these islands, the imagination revels in fairy bowers and Rosicrusian Sylphs. But, instead of these, what Mr. Gray would have expressly termed a Rus in Urbeish house, and a neglected garden, served rather to excite pity than to aggravate disappointment. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Capper 1808
placename:-  Great Island
source data:-   Gazetteer, A Topographical Dictionary of the United Kingdom, compiled by Benjamin Pitts Capper, published by Richard Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, 1808; published 1808-29.
image CAP109, button  goto source
"... Opposite to this place [Bowness-on-Windermere] is situated the Great Island, so called by way of pre-eminence, being the largest island in the lake, containing upwards of thirty acres, on which has been erected an elegant circular building, commanding a most beautiful prospect: the lake is about thirteen miles long. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Capper 1808
placename:-  
item:-  Holmes House
source data:-   Gazetteer, A Topographical Dictionary of the United Kingdom, compiled by Benjamin Pitts Capper, published by Richard Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, 1808; published 1808-29.
image CAP146, button  goto source
"[Windermere] ... There are several little islands in the lake, in the largest of which stood an old fabric, called Holmes house, now pulled down, and a curious edifice has been rebuilt in its place. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Green 1810
placename:-  Curwen Island
source data:-   Set of prints, soft ground etchings, Sixty Studies from Nature, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, drawn 1808-10, published 1810.
image GN14p016, button  goto source
page 16:-  "Station commands an extensive and enchanting view of Windermere, and Curwen Island is the grand leading feature to which the eye is involuntarily led. The house which has been built upon it, notwithstanding what some have said, will, in many unaffected people, appear well calculated as an ornament to the scene, and a suitable place of residence for the enjoyment of the local beauties of the island, the lake, and the surrounding scenery."
"..."
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page 18:-  "..."
"There is a walk round the Great Island, which, much to the credit of Mr. Curwen, is free to the public; the pictures are numerous from this walk, and they are fine, especially when combined with wood, of which there is a profusion."
"Some picturesque old oaks on the northern end of the island, give value to the Rydal, Ambleside, and Troutbeck distances, rendering them additionally aerial by the boldness of the contrast."
"..."

evidence:-   old text:- Wordsworth 1810
item:-  larch treesholly treesash treesplantations
source data:-   Guide book, A Description of the Scenery of the Lakes, later A Guide through the District of The Lakes, by William Wordsworth, 1810-35.
image WW01p063, button  goto source
page 63  "... It will be sufficient here to utter a regret for the changes that have been made upon the principal Island at Winandermere, and in its neighbourhood. What could be more unfortunate than the taste that suggested the paring of the shores, and surrounding with an embankment this spot of ground, the natural shape of which was so beautiful! An artificial appearance has thus been given to the whole, while infinite varieties of minute beauty have been destroyed. Could not the margin of this noble island be"
Wordsworth 1810
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page 64  "given back to nature? Winds and waves work with a careless and graceful hand: and, should they in some places carry away a portion of the soil, the trifling loss would be amply compensated by the additional spirit, dignity, and loveliness, which these agents and the other powers of nature would soon communicate to what was left behind. As to the larch-plantations upon the main shore, - they who remember the original appearance of the rocky steeps, scattered over with native hollies and ash-trees, will be prepared to agree with what I shall have to say hereafter upon plantations in general."

evidence:-   old print:- Green 1815
placename:-  Curwens Island
source data:-   Print, coloured aquatint, Curwens Island on Windermere from the Station, Claife, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1815.
image  click to enlarge
GN0509.jpg
Plate 10 in Lake Scenery. 
printed at upper right:-  "10"
printed at bottom:-  "CURWENS ISLAND on WINDERMERE from the STATION. / Published at Ambleside, June 1, 1815, by Wm. Green."
item:-  Armitt Library : A6646.9
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Otley 1818
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, The District of the Lakes, Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire, scale about 4 miles to 1 inch, by Jonathan Otley, 1818, engraved by J and G Menzies, Edinburgh, Scotland, published by Jonathan Otley, Keswick, Cumberland, et al, 1833.
image
OT02SD39.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 48.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Otley 1823 (5th edn 1834) 
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Guide book, A Concise Description of the English Lakes, the mountains in their vicinity, and the roads by which they may be visited, with remarks on the mineralogy and geology of the district, by Jonathan Otley, published by the author, Keswick, Cumberland now Cumbria, by J Richardson, London, and by Arthur Foster, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, 1823; published 1823-49, latterly as the Descriptive Guide to the English Lakes.
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Page 3:-  "... The numerous islands, with which it [Windermere] is enriched, are chiefly grouped near the middle of the lake; so as to admit greater scope for the exercise of sailing. The principal, called Belle-Isle - from the late Mrs. Curwen who purchased it into the family - is a beautiful plot of thirty acres, surmounted by a stately mansion, and encircled by a gravel walk of nearly two miles, which strangers are freely permitted to perambulate. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
item:-  Civil War
source data:-   Magazine, The Gentleman's Magazine or Monthly Intelligencer or Historical Chronicle, published by Edward Cave under the pseudonym Sylvanus Urban, and by other publishers, London, monthly from 1731 to 1922.
image G825A414, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1825 part 1 p.414 
From the Compendium of County History:-  "1645. In this year, probably, Colonel Briggs besieged Holme House, Winandermere, eight or ten days, until the raising of the seige of Carlisle brought Mr. H. Philipson of Crooke, to whom it belonged, to the relief of his brother Robert in Holme House. ..."

evidence:-   old print:- Westall 1830s
source data:-   Print, aquatint panorama, Lake Windermere, from the Summer House above the Ferry, Lancashire and Westmorland, drawn and engraved by William Westall, published by Ackermann and Co, 96 Strand, London, 1830s.
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WTL305.jpg
"Wansfell. Lilly of the Valley Islands. Kirkstone. Calgarth. Hill Bell. Curwen's, or Berkshire Island. Ellery. Bowness-bay. Bowness. Vicarage. Ferry. Ferney Green. Bellfield. / Lake Windermere, / from the Summer House above the ferry. / Drawn & Engraved by W. Westall A.R.A. / Published by Ackermann & Co, 96 Strand."
item:-  Armitt Library : A6658.5
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evidence:-   perhaps descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
placename:-  Monarch Isle
source data:-   Guide book, A Description of Scenery in the Lake District, by Rev William Ford, published by Charles Thurnam, Carlisle, by W Edwards, 12 Ave Maria Lane, Charles Tilt, Fleet Street, William Smith, 113 Fleet Street, London, by Currie and Bowman, Newcastle, by Bancks and Co, Manchester, by Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, and by Sinclair, Dumfries, 1839.
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Page 23:-  "... Down the lake, the eye rests upon the Monarch Isle, lying amid its dependents - the Ferry House and Station on the west - Bowness on the east, ..."

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
placename:-  Curwen's Island
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Guide book, A Description of Scenery in the Lake District, by Rev William Ford, published by Charles Thurnam, Carlisle, by W Edwards, 12 Ave Maria Lane, Charles Tilt, Fleet Street, William Smith, 113 Fleet Street, London, by Currie and Bowman, Newcastle, by Bancks and Co, Manchester, by Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, and by Sinclair, Dumfries, 1839.
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Page 26:-  "..."
"Of the numerous islands that crowd the narrow part of the Mere [Windermere], we shall only mention two: ... and Curwen's Island, or Belle Isle, a very sequestered spot, belonging to H. C. Curwen, Esq. of Workington Hall. It contains about thirty-six acres, is nearly two miles in circumference, and there is a gravel walk round its margin, on which strangers are allowed to walk. Its figure is oblong, the shores irregular, with tiny creeks and retiring bays, in which the weeping willow droops its elegant branches. Great variety of forest trees and other wood adorn the island - the massy Scotch fir, the noble chestnut, and the embowering plane, with ancient thorns aud (sic) yews. The house is of a circular form, and was built by Mr. English, a former proprietor of the island. ..."

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
placename:-  Curwen's Island
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Guide book, A Description of Scenery in the Lake District, by Rev William Ford, published by Charles Thurnam, Carlisle, by W Edwards, 12 Ave Maria Lane, Charles Tilt, Fleet Street, William Smith, 113 Fleet Street, London, by Currie and Bowman, Newcastle, by Bancks and Co, Manchester, by Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, and by Sinclair, Dumfries, 1839.
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Page 23:-  "... Down the lake, the eye rests upon the Monarch Isle, lying amid its dependents - the Ferry House and Station on the west - Bowness on the east, ..."
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Page 26:-  "..."
"Of the numerous islands that crowd the narrow part of the Mere [Windermere], we shall only mention two: ... and Curwen's Island, or Belle Isle, a very sequestered spot, belonging to H. C. Curwen, Esq. of Workington Hall. It contains about thirty-six acres, is nearly two miles in circumference, and there is a gravel walk round its margin, on which strangers are allowed to walk. Its figure is oblong, the shores irregular, with tiny creeks and retiring bays, in which the weeping willow droops its elegant branches. Great variety of forest trees and other wood adorn the island - the massy Scotch fir, the noble chestnut, and the embowering plane, with ancient thorns aud (sic) yews. The house is of a circular form, and was built by Mr. English, a former proprietor of the island. ..."

evidence:-   old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil, Windermere lake from Mitchell Knotts, Claife, Lancashire, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 2 October 1863.
image  click to enlarge
AS0402.jpg
"from Mitchel Knot / Oct 2. 1863"
page number  "2"
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.60.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil and ink wash, Ferry Nab, Windermere, Westmorland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 6 October 1849.
image  click to enlarge
AS0170.jpg
"Octr. 6th. 1849. / Ferry nab & Curwens Isd."
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.487.70
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil, outline sketch, the house on Belle Isle, Windermere, Westmorland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 6 October 1849.
image  click to enlarge
AS0171.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.487.71
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil and ink wash, Ferry Nab and Belle Isle, Windermere, Westmorland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 6 October 1849.
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AS0172.jpg
"Windermere Ferry Nab"
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.487.72
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
source data:-   Magazine, The Gentleman's Magazine or Monthly Intelligencer or Historical Chronicle, published by Edward Cave under the pseudonym Sylvanus Urban, and by other publishers, London, monthly from 1731 to 1922.
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Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 2 p.255  "..."
"In 1705 Sir Christopher Philipson, the last male-heir of the family of Crooke Hall, died, leaving a daughter and heiress named Frances (according to Dr. Burn, in page 155 of his History of Westmerland, though, in page 141, he mentions Elizabeth and Clara, two other daughters, as selling their joint estate to Major Pigeon, a natural son of Charles II.), who, in 1714, sold the heritage of her ancestors to various purchasers, and disposed of the island to a Mr. Braithwaite. After its possession by several subsequent owners, it was, in 1775, sold to a progenitor of the present inheritor, who changed its ancient name to that of Christian's Isle, afterwards altered to Belle Isle by which it is now known. Subsequently the ground, which, from a"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1849
source data:-   image G849B256, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 2 p.256  "description left by a writer in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1748, appeared "one of the loveliest and most sacred seats of simplicity, almost covered with noble trees, amidst which was the ancient mansion of the Philipsons," was, from the designs of a celebrated landscape gardener, laid out in its present style of park-like elegance; and the old fortified house of its early lords was made to give way to an edifice whose classic appearance has occasioned its being, with more harmony of versification than architectural descrimination, poetically noticed as -"
"A Grecian temple rising from the deep,"
"erected from the designs of the late eminent architect, Sir William Chambers. On sinking the foundations of this handsome building, many pieces of armour, weapons, and cannon-balls, indubitable memorials of the days of its hero Robin, were found embedded in the soil; and other curiosities, reminiscences of that more distant aera when Roman domination governed England, testifying the former existence on this insular paradise of a structure of that powerful people, were likewise disinterred from their long repose of ages."
"Like most of the other neighbouring families of ancient lineage and local prominence, the Philipsons are gone also. Their race has died out, and been forgotten in the very place which they once occupied with all the authority of feudal lords. Their mouldered dust lies beneath the pavement in Windermere church, and their homes, for the most part but grey and naked ruins, know them no more. Perishing, however, as these fabrics are, thay have outlived the power of their early possessors; and, though mute and motionless in their desolation, they yet stand to proclaim the instability of all earthly greatness. Now, save this shattered remnant of their antique hall, the monument which covers their last resting-place beside the altar in the neighbouring church, some scanty records of their genealogy gathered by the local historians, the literary relics in Cartmel church, and the vanishing traditions floating about the vicinage or preserved in a contemporary ballad - all vestiges have disappeared of a family who for ages exercised an important influence over the surrounding country."
"H.C.M."

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
source data:-   Magazine, The Gentleman's Magazine or Monthly Intelligencer or Historical Chronicle, published by Edward Cave under the pseudonym Sylvanus Urban, and by other publishers, London, monthly from 1731 to 1922.
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Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 2 p.251  "..."
"The Philipsons were lords also of the large island in the centre of the lake, opposite to Bowness; which, with its stately trees and splendid prospects, entrancing the eye with their exquisite loveliness, is such an earthly paradise. No fairer scene in truth can be met with throughout the broad realm of England than this lovely and elegant retirement. In looking on it one feels it scarcely possible to suppose that the aspect of so much bright tranquillity could ever have been disturbed by the clangor of war and sounds of deadly"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1849
item:-  Civil War
source data:-   image G849B252, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 2 p.252  "strife - but so nevertheless it was; and the island is not more attractive by its beauty than for the memory of one of the most gallant actions performed by the Royalists in the troublous epoch of the civil war. The olden name of this sweet spot was Wynandermere Isle, afterwards changed to Lang Holme; the latter word signifying in the provincial dialect an island or plain by the waterside. In the middle the Philipsons had a plain country house of the old fashioned Westmerland kind, strongly secured and fortified, called Holme House; and , like the gallant Wyndhams of Somersetshire, whose uncompromising principle of loyalty it was "to stand by the Crown, though it should hang on but a bush," the owners of the island were not more distinguished for their steady support of the King than for the resolute bravery and romantic spirit of heroism with which they fought and suffered in the royal cause. With them, as with a poet of the period -"
"Loyalty was still the same,
Whether it win or lose the game;
True as the dial to the sun,
Altho' it be not shone upon."
"..."

evidence:-   old map:- Garnett 1850s-60s H
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Map of the English Lakes, in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1850s-60s.
image
GAR2SD39.jpg
"Belle Isle"
island 
item:-  JandMN : 82.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Prior 1874 map 1
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving or lithograph? Winander Mere, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1874.
image  click to enlarge
PI03M1.jpg
"Belle Isle"
island 
item:-  private collection : 133.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old photograph:- Bell 1880s-1940s
source data:-   Photograph, black and white, Belle Isle, Windermere lake, Westmorland, by Herbert Bell, photographer, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1890s.
image  click to enlarge
HB0805.jpg
internegative at lower left:-  "H. Bell"
item:-  Armitt Library : ALPS468
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old photograph:- Bell 1880s-1940s
source data:-   Photograph, b/w, Belle Isle from Furness Fell, Windermere lake, Westmorland, by Herbert Bell, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1890s?
image  click to enlarge
HB0265.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : ALPS619
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Philip/Wilson 1890s
source data:-   Print, engraving, Bowness from Belle Isle, published by George Philip and Son, London, Philip, Son and Nephew, Liverpool, Lancashire, and Titus Wilson, Kendal, Westmorland, about 1895.
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PW1E01.jpg
"BOWNESS, FROM BELLE ISLE."
item:-  JandMN : 58.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old photograph:- Photochrom 1930s
source data:-   Photograph, black and white halftone print, Bowness From Furness Fell, including Belle Isle in Windermere lake, Westmorland, published by Photochrom Co, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 1930s?
image  click to enlarge
PCH102.jpg
printed,  "Bowness From Furness Fell. / ..."
item:-  JandMN : 1015.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
placename:-  Belle Isle
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"BELLE ISLE / / / WINDERMERE TOWN / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / I / 351655 / SD3928496478"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"Built 1774, designed by John Plaw, it was the first house in the Lake District to be built for picturesque reasons. Unique in having a circular plan. Crowned by a dome with a lantern. Ionic entrance portico of 4 unfluted columns, and Venetian windows in the other cardinal sides. The basement is square, with 3 storeys and attics above in a cylinder. The island was landscaped by Thomas White in the 1780's. See Country Life article."

evidence:-   old print:- Martineau 1855
source data:-   Print, engraving, Windermere from near Storrs, drawn by L Aspland, engraved by W Banks, Edinburgh, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855.
image  click to enlarge
MNU103.jpg
Opposite p.13 in A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau. 
printed at bottom left, right, centre:-  "L Aspland Delt. / W Banks Sc Edinr. / WINDERMERE / from near Storrs."
item:-  Armitt Library : A1159.3
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- 
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, Winandermere, Westmorland, published 1815.
image  click to enlarge
PR0289.jpg
printed at bottom:-  "Winandermere"
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2008.107.289
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Green 1809
placename:-  Curwen Island
source data:-   Print, soft ground etching, Islands of Windermere, Westmorland, by William Green, published by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, and Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme, Paternoster Row, London, 1809.
image  click to enlarge
GN0349.jpg
Plate 49 in Seventy Eight Studies from Nature. 
printed in introductory pages to set of prints:-  "Number 49. Curwen Island, the property of John Christian Curwen, Esq. and the largest Island on Windermere, apparently uniting with the promontories, seems to cut the lake in two; ... This view is from the Fellside, above Beech Hill."
printed at bottom:-  "THE ISLANDS OF WINDERMERE. / Published Ambleside, Augst. 1st. 1809, by W. Green."
item:-  Armitt Library : A6637.49
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print with text:- Farington 1789 (plate 17) 
placename:-  Great Island
source data:-   Print, engraving, West view across Windermere from the Hill above Ferry House, Cumbria, painted by Joseph Farington, engraved by W Byrne and J Landseer, published by W Byrne, 69 Titchfield Street, London, 1785.
image  click to enlarge
BMZ11.jpg
The lake with a fine background of mountains, Belle Isle clear; a group of travellers in the foreground. 
Plate 17 from Views of the Lakes, &c, in Cumberland and Westmorland, published 1789; with descriptive text:-  "VIEW across WINDERMERE, looking over the GREAT ISLAND."
"... The Islands on Windermere (if they may be so called, many of them being rather wooded Rocks), are ten in number, composing a Kind of Archipelago, and in some Views appearing to separate the upper from the lower Reach of the Lake. In this View, which was taken on the Western Side, nearly opposite the Village of Bowness, the Great-Island, which contains about thirty Acres, forms a principal Object. It is of an oblong Shape, traversing the Lake in an oblique Line, and is the only one on which a Building is erected. ..."
item:-  Dove Cottage : Lowther.12
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print with text:- Farington 1789 (plate 14) 
source data:-   Print, engraving, View of Windermere from Gill Head, Cumbria, painted by Joseph Farington, engraved by T Medland, published by W Byrne, 69 Titchfield Street, London, 1788.
image  click to enlarge
BMZ10.jpg
View down the lake, Belle Isle clear in the distance. Plate 14 from Views of the Lakes, &c, in Cumberland and Westmorland, published 1789; with descriptive text:-  "VIEW of WINDERMERE from GILL-HEAD. ... the Lake is divided into two Parts by a Cluster of Islands, one of which, being much larger than the rest is usually called the Great-Island. ..."
item:-  Dove Cottage : Lowther.11
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print with text:- Farington 1789 (plate 19) 
source data:-   Print, engraving, View looking down Windermere, taken above Rarig ie Rayrigg, Lakes, Cumbria, painted by Joseph Farington, engraved by W Byrne and T Medland, published by W Byrne, 69 Titchfield Street, London, 1789.
image  click to enlarge
BMZ09.jpg
A farmer on horseback drives cattle up Rayrigg Bank in the foreground, Belle Isle is clear in the lake. 
Plate 19 from Views of the Lakes, &c, in Cumberland and Westmorland, published 1789; with descriptive text:-  "VIEW looking down WINDERMERE from above RARIG. ..."
item:-  Dove Cottage : Lowther.10
Image © see bottom of page

notes:-  
The house was designed by John Plaw, 1774, for Thomas English, to exploit two of Thomas West's stations.
Ruskin's comment was:-
"... a non-descript, circular, putty-coloured habitation, with a leaden dome on the top of it ..."

Hyde, Matthew & Whittaker, Esme &Corbet, Val (photographer): 2014: Arts and Craft Houses in the Lake District: Lincoln, Francis (London):: ISBN 978 0 7112 3408 6

story:-  
A royalist, Robert Philipson, known as Robin the Devil, lived on the island. He was besieged here during the Civil War by Parliamentary Forces commanded by Colonel Briggs, the seige broken after eight days by Robert's brother Colonel Huddlestone Philipson. In revenge the brothers tried to kidnap Colonel Briggs while at prayer in Holy Trinity Church, Kendal. They were chased off by the congregation, Robert loosing his sword and helmet, which are displayed in the church.
The round house was built by John Plaw for Thomas English, just begun 1774; the local population thought it a nonsense and Thomas English lost heart in the project. In 1781, the island, then called Longholm, was purcased by the trustees of Isabella Curwen and it became known as Bella's Isle.
It is said that Fletcher Christian lived on the island in the 1780s.
The house is sometimes referred to as the Tea Caddy.

hearsay:-  
Referred to as Long Island by Arthur Ransome.

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