Old Cumbria Gazetteer

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	beacon, Skiddaw
site name:-	Skiddaw
civil parish:-	Underskiddaw (formerly Cumberland)
county:-	Cumbria
locality type:-	beacon (??)
1Km square:-	NY2528 (approx)
10Km square:-	NY22
evidence:-	descriptive text:- West 1778 (11th edn 1821)
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.   goto source Page 125:-  "... The garrison at Keswick, would have the care of the beacon on the top of Skiddaw, the mountain being of the easiest access on that side. ..."
evidence:-	perhaps outline view:- Matthew 1866 placename:-  Keswick Beacon
source data:-	Print, engraving, outline view, View from Watendlath Road of Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite, Cumberland, published by J Richardson, Highgate, Kendal, Westmorland, 1866.   click to enlarge MW1E05.jpg Tipped in before p.1 of The English Lakes, Peaks and Passes, from Kendal to Keswick, by George King Matthew.  printed at bottom:-  "VIEW FROM WATENDLATH ROAD OF / DERWENT WATER AND BASSENTHWAITE." printed at caption to mountains:-  "... Broad End / Keswick Be[ ] / Skiddow M[ ] ..." item:-  Armitt Library : A1168.5 Image © see bottom of page
hearsay:-	Skiddaw was one of the northern elements in a system of beacons used to warn of invaders, and to celebrate important events. The beacons of west Cumberland were on: Black Combe, Boothill, Moota Hill, Muncaster Fell, Skiddaw, St Bees Head, and Workington Hill. There are said to have been two beacons on Skiddaw. (This information is not safe.)
	Thomas Babington Macaulay in The Armada:-
	"Til Skiddaw saw the fire that burned on Gaunt's embattled pile And the red glare on Skiddaw roused the burghers of Carlisle"
	which is slightly wishful thinking, they call it poetic licence, as Skiddaw could hardly have seen a beacon at Lancaster, and Carlisle would have difficulty with Skiddaw.

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