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Rydal Hall, Rydal
Rydal Hall
locality:-   Rydal
civil parish:-   Lakes (formerly Westmorland)
county:-   Cumbria
locality type:-   buildings
locality type:-   garden
coordinates:-   NY36550635
1Km square:-   NY3606
10Km square:-   NY30

photograph
BPU14.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BRR87.jpg (taken 7.10.2009)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
evidence:-   old map:- OS County Series (Wmd 26 2) 
placename:-  Rydal 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:-   old map:- Ogilby 1675 (plate 96) 
placename:-  Ridale Hall
source data:-   Road strip map, hand coloured engraving, the Road from Kendal to Cockermouth, and the Road from Egremond to Carlisle, scale about 1 inch to 1 mile, by John Ogilby, London, 1675.
image
OG96m010.jpg
In mile 14, Westmerland.  "Ridale hall"
house up a turning right of the road. 
item:-  JandMN : 22
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old map:- Bowen 1720 (plate 260) 
placename:-  Ridal Hall
source data:-   Road strip map, uncoloured engraving, pl.260, The Road from Kendal to Cockermouth, scale about 2 miles to 1 inch, with sections in Westmorland and Cumberland, published by Emanuel Bowen, St Katherines, London, 1720.
image
B260m10.jpg
At mile 14-15. 
item:-  private collection : 1.260
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old map:- Bowen and Kitchin 1760
placename:-  Rydal Hall
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.
image
BO18SD29.jpg
"Rydal Hall and Park"
circle, tower, outline of fence palings, trees 
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.10
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old map:- Jefferys 1770 (Wmd) 
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
J5NY30NE.jpg
"Sr. Michael Fleming"
house and outline with fence palings; park, wooded 
item:-  National Library of Scotland : EME.s.47
Image © National Library of Scotland
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.
image WS21P079, button  goto source
Page 79:-  "..."
"Rydal-hall [2] has a grand situation, at the feet of stupendous mountains (opening to"
"[2] Sir Michael le Fleming lately made a new front to Rydal-hall, in good style, which gives it a very interesting appearance."
image WS21P080, button  goto source
Page 80:-  "the south, at the entrance of the vale, over a noble fore-ground), and commands a charming view of Windermere-water [1]. The river Rothay winds through the vale, amidst lofty rocks and hanging woods, to join the lake. ..."
"[1] The style of this landscape will be seen in No.15, of Mr. Farrington's views."
image WS21P211, button  goto source
Addendum; Mr Gray's Journal, 1769 
Page 211:-  "..."
"... just to the left of our way, stands Rydal-hall, the family seat of Sir Michael le Fleming, a large old-fashioned fabric, rounded with wood. Sir Michael is now on his travels, and all this timber, far and wide, belongs to him. Near the house rises a huge crag, called Rydal-head,"
image WS21P232, button  goto source
Rev Plumtre's Night Piece on Windermere, 1797 
Page 232:-  "[the Rothay] ... / You, murmuring, in the valley gleam; / And, at the neighbouring water's fall, / Pass your Fleming's stately hall; / ..."
evidence:-   probably old map:- Crosthwaite 1783-94 (Win/Ble) 
placename:-  Rydal Old Hall
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
CT09Vgn1.jpg
"Rydal old hall Sir Michael le Fleming Bart. / Situate 2 Miles North of Waterhead."
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.102
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old map:- West 1784 map
placename:-  Rydal Hall
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
Ws02NY30.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : A1221.1
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old text:- Clarke 1787
placename:-  Rydale Hall
item:-  oak; Civil War; elections; park charter; tree; echoes
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 CL13P125, button  goto source
Page 125:-  "..."
"Rydale ... the hall, with the manor, belongs to Sir Michael le Fleming, Baronet, member of parliament for the county of Westmorland. The hall stands upon a rising ground above the village, and is a beautiful retreat, situated in a pleasant country, and sheltered from the North and East by tall oaks of many hundred years growth; it commands an extensive view of Winandermere, and on a still evening is made yet more delightful by the softened noises of distant water-falls, which the echoes reverberate in an infinite variety of tones. Mr Gray passed this place, like many others, in silence; perhaps he might think that the large old-fashioned fabric, as he calls it, could afford nothing entertaining."
"... Rydale-water, ... runs from Rydale-head through Rydale-park, forming two noble cascades, (one of which is near the hall.) ... the hanging gardens of Rydale-Hall add not a little to the view."
"..."
image CL13P127, button  goto source
Page 127 (numbered 126):-  "In the 29th year of the reign of Henry the VIII. Lancelot Lowther of Sewborwens was married to Jane, daughter of Hugh Fleming of Rydale. The marriage articles were, that each of the parties should pay for their own wedding cloathes; that the meat, drink, and licence should be at the expence of the said Hugh; and that he, the said Hugh, should give to the new-married couple bedding and inseyghe, as shall stand with his Worship to give; and that the portion should be 66l. 13s. 4d., to be paid at the parish church of Lowther. These articles bear date 30th May, the 29th of Henry VIII."
"This family suffered much by Oliver Cromwell's party, every thing valuable being taken from Rydale-Hall, and the building almost torn to pieces in searching for hidden treasure; the estate also confiscated, as they were Roman Catholics till the reign of James the II. At that time Sir Daniel Fleming became a Protestant, and was elected member of parliament for Cockermouth; where, as he himself says, was a strong contest, yet his expences only amounted to twenty pounds. Elections are surely very different now, for I question but a contest there in the year 1769 cost each of the contending parties at least L.50,000."
"There was a charter obtained of Edward the I. for a park here, but there are now no deer in it, they having been destroyed during the time the estate was confiscated, and since not stocked."
evidence:-   old map:- Clarke 1787 map (Ambleside to Keswick) 
placename:-  Rydale Hall
source data:-   Map, A Map of the Roads Lakes etc between Keswick and Ambleside, scale about 2.5 ins to 1 mile, by James Clarke, engraved by S J Neele, 352 Strand, published by James Clarke, Penrith, Cumberland and in London etc, 1787.
image
CL9NY30T.jpg
"Rydale hall / Sir Michael le Fleming Bart."
item:-  private collection : 10.9
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old text:- Camden 1789 (Gough Additions) 
placename:-  Ridal Hall
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 CAM2P155, button  goto source
Page 155:-  "..."
"A mile north of Ambleside, in Gresmere parish, is Ridal hall, a large antient seat of the Flemings, to whom this manor descended from the Lancasters t. Henry IV. The late sir Daniel Fleming communicated many particulars relating to this and the preceding county to bishop Gibson."
"The Flemings were originally of Furness in Lancashire, from a younger branch of whom the present family here descended. Sir Daniel was created a baronet about 4 Anne. His 5th son George was bishop of Carlisle, to whom the title descended, but is now enjoyed by his next brother's grandson sir Michael, whose father restored the original orthography of the name le Fleming. Rydal hall is a large old building, erected at different times, and intended to be rebuilt by the present owner. ..."
evidence:-   road book:- Cary 1798 (2nd edn 1802) 
placename:-  Rydal Hall
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  "At Rydal is Rydal Hall, Sir Michael le Fleming, Bart."
item:-  JandMN : 228.1
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   descriptive text:- Otley 1823 (5th edn 1834) 
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.
image OT01P109, button  goto source
Page 109:-  "... among ancient oaks, stands Rydal Hall, the patrimonial residence of Lady le Fleming, who has built and endowed a neat Chapel in the village. ..."
evidence:-   descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
placename:-  Rydal Hall
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 FD01P040, button  goto source
Page 40:-  "..."
"The road from Ambleside is adorned with beautiful trees, amongst which the Lord's Oak is conspicuous. On the right is Rydal Hall, the large mansion of Lady le Fleming, embosomed in a shady park, on a gently rising eminence at the junction of two vales; behind it, rise the steep and lofty Fairfield, and the ravine of Rydal Head. The Rydal Waterfalls are shown by a domestic; ..."
image FD01P163, button  goto source
Page 163:-  "..."
"Rydal Hall has been converted into a large staring mansion, from the interesting and picturesque form of the old Westmorland hall. In the grounds are two beautiful cascades, extremely pretty as garden scenes. ..."
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.
image
FD02NY30.jpg
"Hall"
Building and park. 
item:-  JandMN : 100.1
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old photograph:- Bell 1880s-1940s
source data:-   Photograph, sepia, Rydal, Westmorland, by Herbert Bell, photographer, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1890s.
image  click to enlarge
HB0864.jpg
internegative at lower left:-  "H. Bell"
item:-  Armitt Library : ALPS535
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   old photograph:- Bell 1880s-1940s
source data:-   Photograph, b/w, Rydal from Brow Head, Westmorland, by Herbert Bell, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1890s?
image  click to enlarge
HB0278.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : ALPS635
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   site plan:- Historical Monuments 1936
placename:-  Rydal Hall
source data:-   Site plan, uncoloured lithograph, Rydal Hall, Rydal, Westmorland, scale about 1 to 290, published by Royal Commission on Historical Monuments England, London, 1936.
image  click to enlarge
HMW120.jpg
On p.201 of the Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Westmorland. 
printed, lower right  "RYDAL HALL"
RCHME no. Wmd, Rydal and Loughrigg 4 
item:-  Armitt Library : A745.121
Image © see bottom of page
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
placename:-  Rydal Hall
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452647 / NY3655306354"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"C16 core, the east end of north east wing late C17, the rest C18 and with early C19 main front. 2 storeys. Cement-rendered, with stone quoins, moulded architraves, cornice, balustraded parapet, panelled chimneys. Main (garden) front is 3 storeys, with a large centre bow the full height, the ground floor windows having cornices on scroll brackets. For group notes see General group description under Rydal."
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"BRIDGE OVER RYDAL BECK IN GROUNDS OF RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452650 / NY3665706319"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"Below the terraces, at the east end of the front garden. Stone rubble, single segmental arch, late C17."
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"SUMMER HOUSE IN GROUNDS OF RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452651 / NY3664206334"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"Beside the bridge, on west bank of the beck. Small square building, late C17, former panelling removed."
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"BARNS, STABLES ETC TO NORTH AND EAST OF RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452649 / NY3662606377"
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"GAME LARDER IN GROUNDS OF RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452652 / NY3658506422"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"On west bank of Rydal Beck above the barns. Small square stone substructure with external stairs up to wooden superstructure with gable."
evidence:-   database:- Listed Buildings 2010
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"TERRACES TO SOUTH OF RYDAL HALL / / / LAKES / SOUTH LAKELAND / CUMBRIA / II[star] / 452648 / NY3656106317"
source data:-  
courtesy of English Heritage
"Include balustraded terrace, steps down to lower terrace, and surrounding balustrade."
evidence:-   old print:- Rose 1832-35
source data:-   Print, engraving, Grasmere from Loughrigg Fell, by George Pickering, engraved by le Petit, 1835.
image  click to enlarge
R314.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 66.10
Image © see bottom of page

photograph
BNE29.jpg (taken 17.2.2007)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU26.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU27.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU29.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU30.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU25.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU31.jpg  Coat of arms in the garden.
(taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU32.jpg  Croquet lawn.
(taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU18.jpg  Inscribed by Mary Rose leFleming Leversedge, New Zealand, descendant of the Fleming Family, 1987.
(taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU34.jpg (taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
photograph
BPU38.jpg  Game larder,
(taken 31.10.2008)  courtesy of Rydal Hall
notes:-  
 Gardens were designed by Thomas H Mawson about 1909, for Stanley H le Fleming. Balustrades and urn etc were cast on site using Portland cement with sand and gravel dredged from Windermere. The moulds still exist at the house. The castings have not lasted well.
The gardens were restored and reopened 2007.

Waymark, Janet: 2009: Thomas Mawson, Life, Gardens and Landscapes: Lincoln, Francis (London)
Longville, Tim &Corbett, Val (photr): 2007: Gardens of the Lake District: Lincoln, Frances (London)
: 2012: Cumbria Gardens 2012: National Gardens Scheme
notes:-  
 The le Fleming Family came here in 1575.
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