Old Cumbria Gazetteer - Coniston Water

Coniston Water

civil parish:-

Coniston (formerly Lancashire)

civil parish:-

Blawith and Subberthwaite (formerly Lancashire)

civil parish:-

Colton (formerly Lancashire)

civil parish:-

Satterthwaite (formerly Lancashire)

civil parish:-

Torver (formerly Lancashire)

county:-

Cumbria

locality type:-

lake

coordinates:-

SD302943

1Km square:-

SD3094

10Km square:-

SD39

10Km square:-

SD29

BLZ54.jpg From the road side on High Hollin Bank.
(taken 28.4.2006)
photograph

BSJ78.jpg From the head of the lake.
(taken 30.3.2010)

evidence:-

old map:- OS County Series (Lan 7 3)
placename:- Coniston Water

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.

evidence:-

old map:- Saxton 1579

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorlandiae et Cumberlandiae Comitatus ie Westmorland and Cumberland, scale about 5 miles to 1 inch, by Christopher Saxton, London, engraved by Augustinus Ryther, 1576, published 1579-1645.

Sax9SD29.jpg
Lake.
item:- private collection : 2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Mercator 1595 (edn?)
placename:-

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorlandia, Lancastria, Cestria etc, ie Westmorland, Lancashire, Cheshire etc, scale about 10.5 miles to 1 inch, by Gerard Mercator, Duisberg, Germany, 1595, edition 1613-16.

MER5LanA.jpg
""
outline, coast shaded, tinted blue; lake
item:- Armitt Library : 2008.14.3
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Keer 1605

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorland and Cumberland, scale about 16 miles to 1 inch, probably by Pieter van den Keere, or Peter Keer, about 1605 edition perhaps 1676.

click to enlarge
KER8.jpg
""
outline, shaded; lake
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.110
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Speed 1611 (Cmd)

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Cumberland and the Ancient Citie Carlile Described, scale about 4 miles to 1 inch, by John Speed, 1610, published by J Sudbury and George Humble, Popes Head Alley, London, 1611-12.

SP11SD29.jpg
outline, shaded; Lancashire
item:- private collection : 16
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Speed 1611 (Wmd)

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, The Countie Westmorland and Kendale the Cheif Towne, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, by John Speed, 1610, published by George Humble, Popes Head Alley, London, 1611-12.

SP14SD29.jpg
outline, shore shaded, interior pecked
item:- Armitt Library : 2008.14.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

poem:- Drayton 1612/1622 text
placename:- Thurstan mere

source data:-

Poem, Poly Olbion, by Michael Drayton, published by published by John Marriott, John Grismand and Thomas Dewe, and others? London, part 1 1612, part 2 1622.

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page 136:- "...
Where those two mightie Meres, out-stretcht in length do wander,
The lesser Thurstan nam'd, the famouser Wynander,
..."

evidence:-

table of distances:- Simons 1635

source data:-

Table of distances, uncoloured engraving, Lancashire, with a thumbnail map, by Mathew Simons, published in A Direction for the English Traviller, 1635.

click to enlarge
SIM522.jpg
outline on thumbnail map?
item:- private collection : 50.22
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Jansson 1646

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Cumbria and Westmoria, ie Cumberland and Westmorland, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, by John Jansson, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1646.

JAN3SD29.jpg
Outline with shore shaded, dotted area.
item:- JandMN : 88
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Sanson 1679

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Ancien Royaume de Northumberland aujourdhuy Provinces de Nort, ie the Ancient Kingdom of Northumberland or the Northern Provinces, scale about 9.5 miles to 1 inch, by Nicholas Sanson, Paris, France, 1679.

click to enlarge
SAN2Cm.jpg
outline, shore shaded; lake
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.15
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Seller 1694 (Wmd)

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorland, scale about 8 miles to 1 inch, by John Seller, 1694.

click to enlarge
SEL7.jpg
outline with shaded shore; lake
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.87
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Morden 1695 (Cmd)

source data:-

Map, uncoloured engraving, Cumberland, scale about 4 miles to 1 inch, by Robert Morden, 1695, published by Abel Swale, the Unicorn, St Paul's Churchyard, Awnsham, and John Churchill, the Black Swan, Paternoster Row, London, 1695-1715.

MD12SD29.jpg
Outline with shore shading.
item:- JandMN : 90
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Morden 1695 (Wmd)

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorland, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, by Robert Morden, published by Abel Swale, the Unicorn, St Paul's Churchyard, Awnsham, and John Churchill, the Black Swan, Paternoster Row, London, 1695.

MD10SD29.jpg
Outline with shore shading, tinted blue.
item:- JandMN : 24
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

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.

SMP2SDJ.jpg
Outline with form lines.
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.59
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Gents Mag
placename:- Keningston Mere
item:- char

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 1748 p.563
"[LETTER from Carlisle, June 9, 1746.]"
"... [char] are caught also in Keningston mere, which is about five miles long, and one broad, lying at the foot of Keningston fells, about five miles distant, tho' not in such plenty, but 'tis said, that the charr caught there are fairer and more serviceable than those of Winander mere," ..."

evidence:-

old map:- Bowen and Kitchin 1760
placename:- Coniston Mere

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, A New Map of the Counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland Divided into their Respective Wards, scale about 4 miles to 1 inch, by Emanuel Bowen and Thomas Kitchin et al, published by T Bowles, Robert Sayer, and John Bowles, London, 1760.

BO18SD18.jpg
"Coniston Mere"
outline with form lines

BO18SD28.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : 2008.14.10
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

descriptive text:-
placename:- Coningston Mere
item:- fish; char

source data:-

The Lancashire sheet in the map series has descriptive text:- "... This Fish [Charr] is not peculiar to this Mere [Winander Mere] for 'tis also found in Coningston Mere about 5 Miles from it."

evidence:-

old map:- Pennant 1777
placename:- Congleton Mere

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, A Map of Scotland, Hebrides and Part of England, drawn for Thomas Pennant, engraved by J Bayly, published by Benjamin White, London, 1777.

click to enlarge
PEN1Cm.jpg
"Congleton Mere"
lake
item:- private collection : 66
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

descriptive text:- West 1778 (11th edn 1821)
item:- char

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.

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Page 46:- "CONISTON."
"..."

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Page 47:- "..."
"Reach the south end of the lake. Here it is narrowed by the rocky prominences from both, sides, forming between their curvatures a variety of pretty bays. The whole length of the lake is about six measured miles; and the greatest breadth about three quarters of a mile. The greatest depth, by report, exceeds not forty fathoms. A little higher the broadest part commences, and stretches, with small curvatures, to Water-head. The shores are frequently indented; and one pretty bay opens after another in a variety of forms."
"..."

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Page 53:- "..."
"It will be allowed, that the views on this lake are beautiful and picturesque, yet they please more than surprise. The hills that immediately inclose the lake, are ornamental, but humble. The mountains at the head of the lake are great, noble, and sublime, without any thing that is horrid or terrible. They are bold and steep, without the projecting precipice, the overhanging rock, or pendant cliff. The hanging woods, waving inclosures, and airy sites, are elegant, beautiful, and picturesque; and the whole may be seen with ease and pleasure. In a fine morning, there is not a more plea-"

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Page 54:- "pleasant rural ride; and then the beauties of the lake are seen to the most advantage. In the afternoon, if the sun shines, much of the effect is lost by the change of light; and such as visit it from the north, lose all the charm arising from the swell of the mountains, by turning their backs upon them."
"The feeder of this lake, besides the Black-beck of Torver, is Coniston-beck. It decends (sic) from the mountains, or rather is precipitated, in a short course to the lake, which it enters on the western canton in a clear stream, concealed by its banks. The lake bends away to the east, and its intermediate shore is a beach of pebble and sand. This beach is adorned with a cot, set under a full topt tree."
"The char here are said to be the finest in England. They are taken later than on Windermere-water, and continue longer in the spring."

evidence:-

old map:- Crosthwaite 1783-94 (Con)
placename:- Coniston Lake

source data:-

Map, uncoloured engraving, An Accurate Map of Coniston Lake, scale about 3 inches to 1 mile, by Peter Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumberland, 1788, version published 1809.

click to enlarge
CT14.jpg
"... CONISTON LAKE ..."
item:- JandMN : 182.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- West 1784 map
placename:- Thurston Water
placename:- Coniston Water

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.

Ws02SD29.jpg
"THURSTON OR CONISTON WATER"
item:- Armitt Library : A1221.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Middiman 1784-92
placename:- Coniston Water ???

source data:-

Print, uncoloured engraving, Coniston Lake, Lancashire, drawn by F Wheatly, engraved and published by Samuel Middiman, 3 Grafton Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, 1785.

click to enlarge
MM0302.jpg
"Drawn by F. Wheatly. / Engrav'd by S. Middiman. / CONISTON LAKE. / Publish'd as the Act directs, Jany. 21st. 1785, by S. Middiman, London."
Accompanying text:- "PLATE X."
"CONISTON LAKE,"
"LANCASHIRE."
"CONISTON WATER lies nearly parallel with Winandermere, about seven Miles to the westward; the South End of the Lake is narrow, and its Shores are indented with a Variety of Promontories; afterwards expanding itself at Peel Island, it extends in a Reach of five Miles to Water Head."
"From the North End of Coniston, a Cataract is seen descending the Sides of the Mountains, which, after a short Course, joins the Lake; the Summits of these Hills being frequently involved in Clouds, exhibit a deep Contrast to the natural Transparency of the Lake, and throw a Gloom on the fertile Meadows at their Feet."
"Coniston Hall stands on the western Banks of the Lake; it was for many Ages the Seat of the Flemings, and, though now abandoned, has an Air of Grandeur even in its Ruins."
"The Village of Coniston consists of a few Houses, scattered in a picturesque Manner over a steep, cultivated Slope. Many considerable Improvements have been made on the Estate of George Knott, Esq. who has a beautiful Seat in this Neighbourhood."
"The Copper Mines on Coniston Fells have produced great Quantities of Ore; but were shut up during the Rage of the civil Wars."
"The River of Torver, which, with Lever Water and Yellow Beck, feed Coniston, abound with excellent Trout; the Lake itself contains Char, Trout, Pike, &c."
item:- Armitt Library : A6860.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Middiman 1784-92
placename:- Coniston Lake

source data:-

Print, uncoloured engraving, Coniston Lake, Lancashire, published by Samuel Middiman, 3 Grafton Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, 1785.
Accompanying text:- "PLATE XIV."
"CONISTON LAKE,"
"LANCASHIRE."
"IN a former Plate a Representation of Coniston Water is given, with the high Mountains towards the North: the View here represented is taken from an Eminence, at a little Distance, looking immediately down the Lake: the Hills that range along its Borders have a rather mild Aspect compared with those that surround Ulleswater, or the Lake of Keswick: to a Traveller who hath made himself familiar with the Scenes there exhibited, a View of the Features of Coniston may perhaps please, but not surprise the Eye. The ruder Objects, for the most Part, lie at the Head of the Lake, and in a fine Morning are seen to the best Advantage; in the Evening much of the Effect is lost by the Change of Light: those that begin their Route at Ulleswater or Keswick, in Preference to Coniston, will, in a great Measure, lose Sight of these Mountains, which arise in fine Inequalities, and beautifully contrast the milder Scenes."
"The Char found in Coniston Lake are said to be the finest in England; they are taken later than on Winandermere, and continue longer in the Spring."
item:- Armitt Library : A6861.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Clarke 1787
placename:-  Coniston Lake
placename:-  Thurston Water
item:-  fish, Coniston Water; char

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.

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Page 145:- "..."
"... take a turn towards Hawk's-head, and see Coniston Lake. I have not surveyed it with any instrument, so will not pretend to say much about its dimensions: I shall, therefore, only observe, that it is not without its beauties; and that it is about six miles long, less than half a mile in breadth, but is surrounded with woods, meadows, and mountains. It is no ways remarkably beautiful, but affords, like the others, a great variety of landscape scenes; the house of Mr Knott, in a grove of tall wood near the high-end of it, affords the artist several views, which are heightened by the white cottages in the neighbourhood; none, however, are very striking. Mr West, p.52, says, "It will be allowed, that the views on this Lake are beautiful and picturesque, yet they please more than surprise. The hills that immediately inclose the Lake are ornamental, but humble; the mountains at the head of the Lake are great, noble, and sublime, without any thing that is horrid or terrible. They are bold and steep, without the projecting precipices, the over-hanging rock, or perpendicular cliff. The hanging woods, waving inclosures, and airy scites, are elegant, beautiful, and picturesque; and the whole may be seen with ease and pleasure. In a fine morning, there is not a more pleasant rural ride; and then the beauties of the Lake are seen to the most advantage: in the afternoon, if the sun shines, much of the effect is lost by the change of light; and such as visit it from the north lose all the charms arising from the swell of the mountains, by turning their backs upon them.""

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Page 146:- "..."
"Coniston Lake, by some called Thurston Water, is in the county of Lancashire; it abounds with the several kinds of fish found in Winandermere, and the fishermen account the charr more valuable in this Lake than the other, but I think they are much the same."
"..."

evidence:-

old text:- Gents Mag

source data:-

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Gentleman's Magazine 1788 p.803 "... 'The Cumberland and Westmoreland lakes afford most soothing ideas and exquisite gratifications;' except when interrupted by a thick fog, which was this poor gentleman's case ar Corriston (sic) Lake; but when he did see it, he could not look down; i.e. pick his way for staring at it."

evidence:-

old text:- Camden 1789 (Gough Additions)
placename:-  Coningston Water
placename:-  Thurston Water
item:-  char

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.

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Page 143:- "..."
"... Coningston or Thurston water, a lake five miles long and near one broad, whose char are said to be the finest in England; they are fished later than on Windermere, and continue longer in the spring. ..."

evidence:-

old map:- Housman 1800 map 4
placename:- Coniston Water

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.

click to enlarge
HM02Con.jpg
"CONISTON WATER"
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.97
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

descriptive text:- Baker 1802
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Perspective road map with sections in Lancashire, Westmorland, and Cumberland, by J Baker, London 1802.
pp.25-26:- "... Coniston water, which is the first lake met with by this track; ..."
route from Cartmel/Ulverston etc.

evidence:-

old map:- Cooke 1802
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Map, The Lakes, Westmorland and Cumberland, scale about 8.5 miles to 1 inch, engravedby Neele and Son, published by Sherwood, Jones and Co, Paternoster Road, London, 1824.

click to enlarge
GRA1Lk.jpg
"Coniston W."
outline with form lines; lake or tarn
item:- Hampshire Museums : FA2000.62.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Cooke 1802
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Map, Lancashire, scale about 18 miles to 1 inch, by George Cooke, 1802, bound in Gray's New Book of Roads, 1824, published by Sherwood, Jones and Co, Paternoster Road, London, 1824.

click to enlarge
GRA1La.jpg
"Coniston Water"
outline with form lines; lake or tarn
item:- Hampshire Museums : FA2000.62.6
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Gents Mag

source data:-

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Gentleman's Magazine 1805 p.1010 "... The Lake is six miles long, and, like Windermere, the glory of its banks is concentrated in a single point of view. In a shrubbery on the Western edge stands Coniston Hall, the antient seat of the Flemings. This is a well-chosen situation. ..."

evidence:-

old map:- Laurie and Whittle 1806
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Road map, Completion of the Roads to the Lakes, scale about 10 miles to 1 inch, by Nathaniel Coltman? 1806, published by Robert H Laurie, 53 Fleet Street, London, 1834.

click to enlarge
Lw18.jpg
"Coniston Water"
lake
item:- private collection : 18.18
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Capper 1808
placename:- Conistone Water
item:- char

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.

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"[Coniston] ... stands near the lake called Conistone Water, being about 6 miles long, and nearly 1 in breadth; its greatest depth is about 40 fathoms: the shores are frequently indented, and the bays open in a variety of forms, producing the finest char in England."

evidence:-

old text:- Green 1810
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Set of prints, soft ground etchings, Sixty Studies from Nature, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, drawn 1808-10, published 1810.

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page 1:- "CONISTON water is six miles in length, and the greatest breadth three quarters of a mile; it is encircled by an excellent road, which is often on the margin of the water and scarcely ever a mile from it: ..."

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page 3:- "..."
"The shores on this side of the lake are varied with bold promontories and islands, and travelling northward the middle ground materials improve and become highly interesting, ..."

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1810 (plate 1)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, soft ground etching, Coniston Water, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1810.

click to enlarge
GN1201.jpg
Plate 1 in Sixty Studies from Nature, 1810.
printed at top right:- "1"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER. / Drawn and Engraved by William Green, and Published at Ambleside, June 24, 1810."
watermark:- "J WHATMAN / 1813"
item:- Armitt Library : A6641.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Wilkinson 1810 (plate 4)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, uncoloured soft ground etching, View on Coniston Water, Cumberland, by Joseph Wilkinson, engraved by William Frederick Wells, published by R Ackermann, Repository of Arts, 101 Strand, London, 1810.

click to enlarge
WKN104.jpg
Plate 4 in Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire.
printed at bottom left, right, centre:- "Revd. Jos: Wilkenson delt. / W. F. Wells Sc. / View on Coniston-water. / Published August 1. 1810. by R. Ackermann. 101. Strand. London."
item:- Fell and Rock Climbing Club : MN4.4
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Wilkinson 1810 (plate 7)
placename:- Coniston Water
item:- thatch

source data:-

Print, uncoloured soft ground etching, View on the Banks of Coniston Water, Cumberland, by Joseph Wilkinson, engraved by William Frederick Wells, published by R Ackermann, Repository of Arts, 101 Strand, London, 1810.

click to enlarge
WKN107.jpg
Plate 7 in Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire.
printed at bottom left, right, centre:- "Revd. Jos: Wilkenson delt. / W. F. Wells sc. / View on the banks of Coniston-water. / Published Octr. 1. 1810. by R. Ackermann. 101. Strand. London."
item:- Fell and Rock Climbing Club : MN4.7
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1814 (plate 2)
item:- cattle

source data:-

Print, tinted soft ground etching, Coniston Water Head, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.

click to enlarge
GN1002.jpg
Plate 2 in Sixty Small Prints.
printed at top right:- "2"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER HEAD. / Published at Ambleside Augst. 1, 1814, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6653.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1814 (plate 2)
item:- cattle

source data:-

Print, uncoloured soft ground etching, Coniston Water Head, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.

click to enlarge
GN0902.jpg
Plate 2 in Sixty Small Prints.
printed at top right:- "2"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER HEAD. / Published at Ambleside Augst. 1, 1814, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6656.2
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1814 (plate 1)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, tinted soft ground etching, Coniston Water, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.

click to enlarge
GN1001.jpg
Plate 1 in Sixty Small Prints.
printed at top right:- "1"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER. / Published at Ambleside Augst. 1, 1814, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6653.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1814 (plate 1)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, uncoloured soft ground etching, Coniston Water, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.

click to enlarge
GN0901.jpg
Plate 1 in Sixty Small Prints.
printed at top right:- "1"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER. / Published at Ambleside Augst. 1, 1814, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6656.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Green 1814
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Set of prints, soft ground etchings, Sixty Small Prints, with text, A Description of a Series of Sixty Small Prints, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.

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page 4:- "..."
"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, ..."

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1815
placename:- Coniston Water
item:- sheep

source data:-

Print, coloured aquatint, Coniston Water, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1815.

click to enlarge
GN0501.jpg
Plate 1 in Lake Scenery.
printed at upper right:- "1"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER. / Published at Ambleside, June 1, 1815, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6646.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Green 1815
placename:- Coniston Water
item:- cattle

source data:-

Print, coloured aquatint, Coniston Water, Coniston, Lancashire, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1815.

click to enlarge
GN0502.jpg
Plate 2 in Lake Scenery.
printed at upper right:- "2"
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON WATER. / Published at Ambleside, June 1, 1815, by Wm. Green."
item:- Armitt Library : A6646.2
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.

OT02SD39.jpg

OT02SD29.jpg
Some islands are shown.
item:- JandMN : 48.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Fielding and Walton 1821 (plate 5)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, coloured aquatint, Coniston Water, Lancashire, drawn by John Walton, published by R Ackermann, 101 Strand, London, 1821.

click to enlarge
FW0105.jpg
Tipped in opposite p.23 in A Picturesque Tour of the English Lakes.
item:- Dove Cottage : 1993.R566.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

outline view:- Otley 1823 (8th edn 1849)
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Engraving, outline view of mountains, Coniston Water from near Bank Ground, drawn by T Binns, engraved by O Jewitt, opposite p.8 of A Descriptive Guide of the English Lakes, by Jonathan Otley, 8th edition, 1849.

click to enlarge
O80E05.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : A1180.6
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

descriptive text:- Otley 1823 (5th edn 1834)
placename:- Thurston Water
item:- depth, Coniston Water; fishing; trout; char; geology

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 12:- "CONISTON WATER,"
"Called in some old books THURSTON WATER, is a lake of considerable magnitude, being six miles in length; but wanting in that agreeable flexure of shores so conducive to the beauty of a lake. Near its foot, however, are some finely wooded, rocky promontories; which from certain points add greatly to the prospect. It has two small islands, but they are placed too near the shore to contribute much to its importance."
"As the principal mountains lie on the western side and at its head, the best views are in consequence obtained in a progress from its foot, on the eastern side; or from a boat on its surface: but those who have leisure may be gratified by the variety afforded in an excursion quite round the lake."
"Its greatest depth is twenty-seven fathoms. It is well supplied with trout and char, the latter are said to be better here than in any other lake; they are taken by nets in winter, and it was formerly supposed they could not be tempted by any kind of bait; however, they are sometimes taken by angling, with a hook baited in a peculiar manner with a minnow."
"..."

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Page 159:- "A rock of fine-grained sienite is observed near the foot of Coniston Lake; and one containing a large portion of mica appears in Crosthwaite. ..."

evidence:-

probably old map:- Perrot 1823

source data:-

Map, hand coloured engraving, Cumberland and Westmoreland ie Westmorland, scale about 38 miles to 1 inch, by Aristide Michel Perrot, engraved by Migneret, 1823, published by Etienne Ledoux, 9 Rue Guenegaud, Paris, France, 1824-48.

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PER2.jpg
outline with form lines; lake
item:- Dove Cottage : 2007.38.45
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843)
placename:- Coniston Water
item:- depth, Coniston Water

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 8:- "..."
"CONISTON WATER"
"Is six miles in length, and about three quarters of a mile in breadth. The depth does not exceed thirty fathoms, and the waters abound with char and trout, the former being larger and finer than those found in any other lake. Its direction is from north to south, the head or northern part being engulphed in lofty mountains, whilst the extremity reaches into the vale below. The southern shores are beautifully indented by rocky promontories, stretching into the waters, which are mar-"

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Page 9:- "[mar]gined by meadows, intersected by hedge-rows. The views from the eastern side are the most interesting, excelling those from the opposite, by having as back-grounds the sublime mountains of Coniston."
"An excellent carriage-road surrounds the water, often on its margin, scarcely ever a mile from it. Passing along the western side, from its foot to Oxen Houses, the mountains compose agreeably with the water, from a variety of stands. Several rocky eminences present themselves on the left, from which both ends of the lake are visible; at the head, the Coniston, Yewdale, and Tilberthwaite fells, rise up out of the water; the lofty mountains about Rydal and Grasmere are seen above them; and Fairfield and Helvellyn finish the prospect. In advancing, the mountains are occasionally shut out by pastures and meadows, their pretty white farm-houses and cottages glistening amid ashes, oaks, and sycamores. Coniston Hall, the ancient seat of the Flemings of Rydal, is on the right hand on the edge of the lake, and although very much spoiled by alterations, is a pleasing object with the trees, the water, and the fells of Yewdale. The road passes the slate depôt, through low but pleasant pasture and meadow grounds, to the inn at Waterhead."
"The best time for traversing the eastern side is the morning. The Coniston fells from above Nibthwaite, are in full glory. Looking diagonally across the water in a north-west direction, the"

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Page 10:- "water here is embayed, Peel island stretches boldly to the western shore, beyond which, are green fields, scattered woods and rocks, fishermen's cottages and farm-steads, and the awful Man-mountain rising over them, and shutting in the scene. On this side, the middle portion of the road is the least interesting. Towards the head, Coniston Hall, with its aged sycamores and groves of trees, form a charming picture, amid the hedge-rows and dependent farm-steads. From Tent Lodge, once the residence of Miss Elizabeth Smith, (that excellent Hebrew scholar and poetess,) there is a beautiful view of the lake, with its church and village of Coniston on its opposite side, backed by an intermixture of the Coniston, Yewdale, and Tilberthwaite mountains."

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Page 177:- "A TABLE"
"OF THE LENGTH, BREADTH, &c. OF THE LAKES,"
"COLLECTED FROM DIFFERENT AUTHORITIES."


No.	Names of Lakes.	Height above sea in feet.	Length in miles.	Breadth in miles.	Depth in fathoms.

1	Coniston Water		6 -	- ¾	27 - 30

evidence:-

old map:- Ford 1839 map

source data:-

Map, uncoloured engraving, Map of the Lake District of Cumberland, Westmoreland and Lancashire, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, published by Charles Thurnam, Carlisle, and by R Groombridge, 5 Paternoster Row, London, 3rd edn 1843.

FD02SD39.jpg
"Conistone Water"

FD02SD38.jpg
item:- JandMN : 100.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Ford 1839 map

source data:-

FD02SD39.jpg
"Conistone Water"

FD02SD38.jpg
item:- JandMN : 100.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s

source data:-

Drawing, pencil, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 9 October 1849.

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AS0175.jpg
"Coniston / Octr. 9. 1849."
item:- Armitt Library : 1958.487.75
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s

source data:-

Drawing, pencil and ink wash, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 1849.

click to enlarge
AS0176.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : 1958.487.76
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s

source data:-

Drawing, pencil and ink wash, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 1849.

click to enlarge
AS0177.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : 1958.487.77
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Wyld 1847
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Map, uncoloured engraving, Windermere, Rydal, Grasmere, Esthwaite and Coniston Waters, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, by James Wyld, published by John Johnstone, Paternoster Row, London, et al, 1847.

click to enlarge
WLD3M1.jpg
printed at bottom:- "WINDERMERE, RYDAL, GRASMERE, / ESTHWAITE AND CONISTON WATERS."
item:- Armitt Library : A1201.64
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Garnett 1850s-60s H
placename:- Coniston Water

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.

GAR2SD29.jpg
"CONISTON WATER"
outline with shore form lines, lake or tarn

GAR2SD39.jpg
item:- JandMN : 82.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print with text:- Pyne 1853
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, tinted lithograph, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by James Baker Pyne, engraved by W Gauci, published by Thomas Agnew and Sons, Manchester, Lancashire, 1853.

click to enlarge
PYN219.jpg
"PAINTED BY J. B. PYNE. / W. GAUCI LITH. / MANCHESTER, PUBLISHED BY THOMAS AGNEW & SONS, 1853. / Coniston Water / M & N HANHART IMPT."
From the descriptive text:- "The spectator here is supposed to be looking across the head of the Lake towards Coniston Old Man, a mountain so entitled from its resemblance to a human figure. ..."
"... The geological character of the mountain is slate; for the excavation of which there are several large quarries, now for the most part abandoned. The produce of these quarries is usually conveyed down the Lake by means of boats, on their way to the port of Ulverston. Granite is to be found upon one part of the mountain, whilst around its sides and base, sienitic boulders are scattered in great numbers. A narrow bed of transition limestone strikes across the country at the foot of the mountain. The "Old Man" is rich in metal; several veins of copper intersecting its eastern side. The ore is drawn in pyrites from the mine, which is situated in a large cove half a mile up the hill, and extends for upwards of half a mile in a horizontal direction, the vertical shafts penetrating two hundred yards ini depth. ..."
item:- Armitt Library : A6678.20
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Pyne 1853
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Print, coloured lithograph, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by James Baker Pyne, engraved by W Gauci, published by Thomas Agnew and Sons, Manchester, Lancashire, 1853.

click to enlarge
PYN419.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : A6677.20
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Pyne 1853

source data:-

Print, coloured lithograph, Coniston Water, Cumberland, by James Baker Pyne, engraved by W Gauci, published by Thomas Agnew and Sons, Manchester, Lancashire, 1853.

click to enlarge
PYN419.jpg
item:- Armitt Library : A6677.20
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Martineau 1855

source data:-

Guide book, A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855; published 1855-76.

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Page 26:- "..."
"The lake of Coniston, which is his next object, is in the district between Windermere and the Duddon, which has already been mentioned as formerly belonging to Furness Abbey. From Ulverstone, his road commands the estuary of the Leven for a few miles, and then approaches the foot of Coniston Water, which it reaches at eight miles from Ulverstone. ... The lake, like Windermere, is flanked by low hills at the south end, and inclosed by magnificent mountains at the head, ..."

evidence:-

old print:- Martineau 1855

source data:-

Plate, opposite p.28 in A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau.

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click to enlarge
MNU105.jpg
Print, engraving, Coniston from the Wood above Bank Ground, drawn by L Aspland, engraved by W Banks, Edinburgh, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855. "L Aspland Delt. / W Banks Sc Edinr. / CONISTON / from the wood above Bank ground."
item:- Armitt Library : A1159.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old text:- Martineau 1855
item:- fish, Coniston; char

source data:-

Guide book, A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855; published 1855-76.

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Page 32:- "..."
"... The best char are in Coniston Water: but they are good every where; especially to hungry travellers, sitting at table within sight of the waters whence they have just been fished. The potted char of Coniston is sent, as every epicure knows, to all parts of the world where men know what is good. ..."

evidence:-

old text:- Martineau 1855
item:- depth, Coniston Water

source data:-

Guide book, A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855; published 1855-76.

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Page 180:- "A TABLE OF THE LENGTH, BREADTH, AND DEPTH OF THE LAKES."
"No. : Names of Lakes. : Counties : Length in Miles. : Extreme breadth in Miles : Extreme depth in Feet : Height above the Sea"
"7 : Coniston Water : Lancashire : 6 : ½: 160 : 105"

evidence:-

old photograph:- Payn 1867
placename:- Coniston Lake

source data:-

Photograph, sepia, Coniston Lake, from Mr Marshall's Grounds, Coniston, Lancashire, by Garnett and Sproat, published by J Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1867.

click to enlarge
PN0330.jpg
From Monk Coniston Hall?
Tipped in opposite p.61 of The Lakes in Sunshine, text by James Payn.
printed at bottom:- "CONISTON LAKE, FROM MR. MARSHALL'S GROUNDS."
item:- Fell and Rock Climbing Club : 184.30
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Payn 1867
placename:- Coniston Lake

source data:-

Print, uncoloured engraving, Coniston Lake, from the East, Coniston, Lancashire, by T L Aspland, engraved by J Cooper, published by J Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1867.

click to enlarge
PN0331.jpg
On p.64 of The Lakes in Sunshine, text by James Payn.
printed at lower right:- "J. COOPER SC"
item:- Fell and Rock Climbing Club : 184.31
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Barber 1873
placename:- Coniston Lake

source data:-

Print, ?colour lithograph, Coniston Lake, published by The Graphotyping Co, 7 Garrick Street and Simpkin, Marshall and Co, Stationers' Hall Court, London, and by J Atkinson, King Street, Ulverston, Cumberland, about 1873.

click to enlarge
BB1E09.jpg
Looking across the lake towards Coniston village. "CONISTON LAKE"
item:- JandMN : 69.10
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old map:- Jenkinson 1875 map1
placename:- Coniston Water

source data:-

Map, Coniston Section, Lancashire, ?colour lithograph, scale about 1 mile to 1 inch, by Stanford's Geographical Establishment, published by Edward Stanford, 55 Charing Cross, London, 1875.

evidence:-

old print:- Walton 1876

source data:-

Print, colour lithograph, The Old Man, Coniston, Lancashire, from a painting by Elijah Walton, published by W M Thompson, 20 Cockspur Street, Pall Mall, and Burlington Gallery, Piccadilly, London, 1876.

click to enlarge
WLT312.jpg
Plate 12 in English Lake Scenery, with a description by T G Bonney.
item:- JandMN : 469.12
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-

old print:- Walton 1876
placename:- Coniston Lake
item:- sunset; rowing boat; boat

source data:-

Print, colour lithograph, Coniston Lake, Sunset, Coniston, Lancashire, from a painting by Elijah Walton, published by W M Thompson, 20 Cockspur Street, Pall Mall, and Burlington Gallery, Piccadilly, London, 1876.

click to enlarge
WLT316.jpg
Plate 16 in English Lake Scenery, with a description by T G Bonney.
item:- JandMN : 469.16
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-