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Eden Hall, Edenhall
C19 buildings on old site
Eden Hall
locality:-   Edenhall
civil parish:-   Langwathby (formerly Cumberland)
county:-   Cumbria
locality type:-   buildings
coordinates:-   NY56463226
1Km square:-   NY5632
10Km square:-   NY53


photograph
BQM27.jpg  An entrance.
(taken 8.5.2009)  
photograph
BQM26.jpg  A door; shut.
(taken 8.5.2009)  

evidence:-   old map:- OS County Series (Cmd 50 14) 
placename:-  Eden Hall
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:-   descriptive text:- Simpson 1746
placename:-  Eden Hall
source data:-   Atlas, three volumes of maps and descriptive text published as 'The Agreeable Historian, or the Compleat English Traveller ...', by Samuel Simpson, 1746.
image SMP4P197, button  goto source
"... Eden Hall, the Seat of Sir Philip Musgrave, Bart. and Knight of the Shire for the County of Westmorland. ..."

evidence:-   old text:- Pennant 1773
placename:-  Eden Hall
item:-  portraitCivil WarRestoration, TheDutch WarGlorious Revolutionlock, APPembroke, Anne, LadyfairyLuck of Eden Hall
source data:-   Book, A Tour from Downing to Alston Moor, 1773, by Thomas Pennant, published by Edward Harding, 98 Pall Mall, London, 1801.
image PEN6p160, button  goto source
Pennant's Tour 1773, page 160  "... and reached Eden-hall, a very plain large house seated on the river Eden, amidst beautiful grounds well planted. The Stapletons held this estate during five generations. At length, Joan, daughter and one of the coheirs of Sir William Stapleton, knight, transferred it to Thomas de Musgrave, who died in the reign of Edward IV. It remains in the possession of his descendant, Sir Philip"
image PEN6p161, button  goto source
Pennant's Tour 1773, page 161  "Musgrave, who makes the place one of his residences. I have before had occasion to speak of that respectable family."
"The hall is a handsome well-proportioned room, forty-two feet by twenty-four, and richly stucco'd. In the apartments I observed a Head of Sir Christopher Musgrave; the dress, a great wig, cravat, and armour. He was early initiated in war by his heroic father Sir Philip, who bore so large a share in the transactions of the North during the Civil Wars of the last century: engaged deeply in Sir George Booth's effort to restore the Royal Family; and after the Restoration, received, during the three Stuart reigns, rewards suitable to his loyalty. In that of Charles II. he was made Lieut. General of the Ordnance; in that of Queen Anne, one of the Tellers of the Exchequer. He died, in an advanced age, in 1704."
"A Head of George Legge lord Dartmouth, a gallant sea-officer, who had distinguished himself in many of the desperate actions in the Dutch war. He was entrusted with the fleet which was to oppose the invasion of the Prince of Orange, but the winds frustrated his zeal to serve his fated Sovereign. He disapproved of his measures, yet, through excess of friendship, adhered to him at all hazards. On"
image PEN6p162, button  goto source
Pennant's Tour 1773, page 162  "the Revolution, he was deprived of all his great offices: he continued his attachment to his late master, and offered to take command of the French fleet, which was to assist in the new Revolution set on foot by Churchill and other unprincipled promoters of the merited deposal of the late King. On the discovery of the conspiracy, Dartmouth was committed to the Tower, where, after three months imprisonment, he died, at the age of forty-four, on October 25, 1691. William with true heroism, directed that the same respect should be paid to the remains of his generous enemy, as if he died in possession of every honour he enjoyed in the reign of the exiled Prince."
"A Head of Sir Richard Hutton, on wood. This excellent man was father-in-law to Sir Philip Musgrave, and one of the Judges of the Common Pleas in the reign of Charles I. He and Sir George Croke were the only Judges who decided against the Crown in the great cause of ship-money. He was a man of inflexible integrity; so that Charles, notwithstanding his high notions of prerogative, used to call him "his honest Judge." He was designed for holy orders; but, by the persuasion of George earl of Cumberland, applied himself to the law. In respect to the thoughts he"
image PEN6p163, button  goto source
Pennant's Tour 1773, page 163  "once entertained of entering into the Church, he never would take a fee of a clergyman. He died in 1638."
"James earl of Derby, a Head; another of his gallant Countess. These noble personages had so high an opinion of Sir Philip Musgrave, as to intrust to him the defence of the Isle of Man, which he did to the last extremity, under the Countess: at length surrendered on honourable terms, and obtained leave to retire where he pleased into any part of England."
"A Head of Anne Clifford at the age of eighty, and another when she was young. I was informed that it was customary with her to present a great house-lock and her picture to all her friends in the neighbourhood."
"A pint glass, enamelled with colours, called the Luck (Palladium) of Eden-hall, is carefully preserved here. The Family Legend says, that it was left on the margin of a fountain by a Fairy, and was to be the safeguard of the house. On the top are the letters I. H. S. which shew the sacred use from which it had been perverted. In later times it was consecrated to Bacchus."

evidence:-   old map:- Donald 1774 (Cmd) 
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, 3x2 sheets, The County of Cumberland, scale about 1 inch to 1 mile, by Thomas Donald, engraved and published by Joseph Hodskinson, 29 Arundel Street, Strand, London, 1774.
image
D4NY53SE.jpg
"Hall / Sir Philip Musgrave Bart."
house at Edenhall 
item:-  Carlisle Library : Map 2
Image © Carlisle Library

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.
image G7910995, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1791 p.995 
Errata, a long list supplied by a reader, including:-  "... ..."
"P.721. From the letters with which the Luck of Edenhall is charged, may it not be conjectured that it was originally designed for a sacramental chalice?"
"... ..."
"Yours, &c."
"ANTIQUARIUS."

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1791
source data:-   image G7911079, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1791 p.1079  "Dec. 12."
"Mr. URBAN,"
"YOUR correspondent Antiquarius, P.995, asks, whether, "from the letters with which the (case of the) Luck of Edenhall is charged," it may not "be conjectured that it was originally designed for a sacramental chalice?" This, you may tell him, the canons of the church, which he will find in Lyndewode's Provinciale, render impossible. But I have no objection to think that it has been used as a drinking-glass by the superior of some religious house. My inability to procure drawings of this hall and glass (both which I have seen) alone prevents me from giving a new and handsome edition, with curious notes, of the doleful drinking bout, which, I have good authority to say, was not written by the Duke of Wharton."
"To the information given by W.M."
"(p.991)"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
item:-  Luck of EdenhallfairiesballadEarl's Defeat, The
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 G7910721, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1791 p.721  "Bottesford, July 29."
"Mr. URBAN,"
"IN an excursion to the North of England, I was easily prevailed upon to see the Luck of Edenhall *, celebrated in a ballad in Ritson's Select Collection of English Songs. The only description I can give you of it is, a very thin, bell-mouthed, beaker glass, deep and narrow, ornamented on the outside with fancy work of coloured glass, and may hold something more than a pint."
"Antient superstition may have contributed not a little to its preservation; but that it should not, in a more enlightened age, or in moments of conviviality, (see the Ballad), meet with one gentle rap (and a gentle one would be quite sufficient for an ordinary glass of the same substance), is to me somewhat wonderful. Superstition, however, cannot be entirely eradicated from the mind at once. The late agent of the family had such a reverential regard for this glass, that he would not suffer any person to touch it, and but a few to see it. When the family, or other curious people had a desire to drink out of it, a napkin was held underneath, lest any accident should befal it; and it is still carefully preserved, in a case made on purpose. The case is said to be the second, yet bears the marks of antiquity, and is charged with"
image  click to enlarge
G791E01.jpg
"Tradition, our only guide here, says, that a party of Fairies were drinking and making merry round a well near the Hall, called St. Cuthbert's well; but, being interrupted by some curious people, they were frightened, and made a hasty retreat, and left the cup in question: one of the last screaming out,"
"If this cup should break or fall,
Farewell the Luck of Edenhall."
"The Ballad above alluded to is here inserted. It was written by the Duke of Wharton; and is called, "The Earl's Defeat." - To the tune of Chevy Chace."
""On both sides slaughter and gigantic deeds."
MILTON."
"GOD prosper long from being broke
The Luck *of Edenhall;
A dolefull drinking-bout I sing,
There lately did befall."
"To chase the spleen with cup and can,
Duke Philip took his way;
Babes yet unborn shall never see
The like of such a day."
"The stout and ever-thirsty Duke
A vow to God did make,
His pleasure within Cumberland
Three live-long nights to take."
"Sir Musgrave, too, of Martindale,
A true and worthy knight,
Eftsoon with him a bargain made,
In drinking to delight."
"The bumpers swiftly pass about,
Six in a hand went round;
And with their calling for more wine,
They made the Hall resound."
"Now when these merry tidings reach'd
The Earl of Harold's ears,
And am I (quoth he, with an oath)
Thus slighted by my Peers?"
"Saddle my steed, bring forth my boots,
I'll be with them right quick;
And, Master Sheriff, come you too;
We'll know this scurvey trick."
""Lo, yonder doth Earl Harold come!"
Did one at table say:
"'Tis well," replied the mettled Duke;
"How will he get away?""
"When thus the Earl began: "Great Duke,
I'll know how this did chance,
Without inviting me; sure this
You did not learn in France:"
""One of us two, for this offence,
Under the board shall lie:
I know thee well, a Duke thou art;
So some years hence shall I."
""But trust me, Wharton, pity 't were
So much good wine to spill,"
"*Edenhall, - the antient seat of Sir Philip Musgrave, near Penrith, Cumberland."
"*A pint bumper at Sir Christophener Musgrave's. (N.B. Ancestor of the present Baronet.)"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1791
source data:-   image G7910722, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1791 p.722  "As these companions here may drink
Ere they have had their fill."
""Let thou and I, in bumpers full,
This grand affair decide," -
"Accurs'd be he," Duke Wharton said,
"By whom it is denied!""
"To Andrews, and to Hotham fair,
Many a pint went round;
And many a gallant Gentleman
Lay sick upon the ground."
"When at the last the Duke espied
He had the Earl secure,
He plied with a full pint glass,
Which laid him on the floor:"
""Who never spoke more words than these,
After he downward sunk:
"My worthy friends, revenge my fall;
Duke Wharton sees me drunk.""
"Then with a groan, Duke Philip took
The sick man by the joint,
And said, "Earl Harold, 'stead of thee,
Would I have drunk the pint!"
""Alack! my very heart doth bleed,
And doth within me sink;
For surely a more sober Earl
Did never swallow drink!""
"With that the Sheriff, in a rage
To see the Earl so smit,
Vow'd to revenge the dead-drunk Peer
Upon renown'd Sir Kit."
"Then stepp'd a gallant 'Squire forth,
Of visage thin and pale;
Lloyd was his name, and of Gang-hall,
Fast by the river Swale:"
"Who said, he would not have it told,
Where Eden river ran,
That unconcern'd he should sit by, -
"So, Sheriff, I'm your man!""
"Now when these tidings reach'd the room,
Where the Duke lay in bed,
How that the 'Squire suddenly
Upon the floor was laid;"
""O heavy tidings!" quoth the Duke,
"Cumberland witness be,
I have not any toper more
Of such account as he.""
"Like tidings to Earl Thanet came,
Within as short a space,
How that the Under-sheriff too
Was fallen from his place;"
""Now God be with him," said the Earl,
"Sith 't will no better be;
I trust I have, within my towns,
As drunken Knights as he.""
"Of all the number that were there,
Sir Bains he scorn'd to yield;
But, within a bumper in his hand,
He stagger'd o'er the field."
"Thus did the dire contention end,
And each man of the slain
Were quickly carried off to bed,
Their senses to regain."
"God bless the King! the Duchess sat!
And keep the land in peace!
And grant that drunkenness henceforth
'Mong noblemen may cease!"
"And likewise bless our Royal Prince
The nation's other hope!
And give us grace for to defy
The Devil and the Pope!"
"Yours, &c."
"W.M."

evidence:-   road book:- Cary 1798 (2nd edn 1802) 
placename:-  Edenhall Hall
source data:-   Road book, itineraries, Cary's New Itinerary, by John Cary, 181 Strand, London, 2nd edn 1802.
image CY38p319, button  goto source
image  click to enlarge
C38319.jpg
page 319-320  "Within a Mile of Longwathby, on r. Edenhall Hall, Sir J. Chardin Musgrave, Bart."
item:-  JandMN : 228.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
placename:-  Edenhall
item:-  Luck of Edenhall
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.
image FD01P130, button  goto source
Page 130:-  "..."
"Edenhall is the beautiful mansion of the Musgraves, lately rebuilt of white stone in a style of classic elegance. The grounds around it slope gently towards the river, and are highly adorned with wood variously disposed. In the hall is preserved a very curious and beautifully painted drinking-glass, in an ornamented case: this is the 'Luck of Edenhall.' ..."

evidence:-   old photograph:- Ullswater Steamers 1900s (edn 1903) 
source data:-   Photograph, bw halftone, Eden Hall, Edenhall, Langwathby, Cumberland, published in a guide book by the Ullswater Steam Navigation Co, Penrith, Cumberland, 1903.
image  click to enlarge
UN114.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 1023.14
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
placename:-  Court Yard, The
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"THE COURT YARD / 40360 / / LANGWATHBY / EDEN / CUMBRIA / II / 74292 / NY5646032268"

evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"WALLS AND GATEWAYS IN FRONT OF THE COURTYARD / / / LANGWATHBY / EDEN / CUMBRIA / II / 74294 / NY5645632345"

evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"BARN AND STABLES IN FRONT OF THE COURT YARD / 40360 / / LANGWATHBY / EDEN / CUMBRIA / II / 74293 / NY5643332298"

evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"GATEWAY PIERS AND WALLS FOR EDEN HALL / / / LANGWATHBY / EDEN / CUMBRIA / II / 74297 / NY5572831575"

evidence:-   old print:- Morris 1866-80 (vol.2 no.32) 
placename:-  Eden Hall
source data:-   Print, coloured lithograph, Eden Hall, Langwathby, Cumberland, about 1880?
image  click to enlarge
PR0099.jpg
printed at bottom centre:-  "EDEN HALL."
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2008.107.99
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old painting:- 
placename:-  Eden Hall
item:-  deer
source data:-   Painting, watercolour, Eden Hall, Home of the Musgrave Family, Edenhall, Langwathby, Cumberland, by E J Dodgson, 1844.
image  click to enlarge
PR1108.jpg
Panoramic view of Eden Hall and the parkland surrounding it. A herd of deer is scattered across the park which gives way to thick woodland behind the hall. Beyond lie distant hills. 
inscribed & signed &dated at reverse:-  "Eden Hall E J Dodgson Jul 4/44"
item:-  Tullie House Museum : 1971.1.2
Image © Tullie House Museum

story:-  
The Luck of Edenhall is a medieval glass chalice probably brought back from The Crusades. BUT the story is that the butler went to draw water from St Cuthbert's Well one night, and saw the fairies and their queen. When disturbed they left the goblet saying:-
"If the cup should break or fall, farewell to the luck of Edenhall"
The chalice is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.


Robertson, Dawn & Koronka, Peter: 1992: Secrets and Legends of Old Westmorland: Pagan Press (Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria) &Cumbria CC (library service)

notes:-  
a 14th century tower and hall, etc were demolished in 1797

Perriam, D R &Robinson, J: 1998: Medieval Fortified Buildings of Cumbria: CWAAS:: ISBN 1 873124 23 6; plan

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