Turning Back the Clock: The History of the Lake District
We're turning back the clock to reveal the history of the Lake District today. Every year, around 15 million visitors come to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District and the surrounding county of Cumbria.
They're attracted by its outstanding natural beauty and escape from the chaotic modern world. Covering 885 square miles and with a human population of just 500,000 (that’s only 45 people per square mile), it’s famous for its lakes, forests, mountain fells and connections with literary giants of yesteryear. However, Cumbria and the Lake District boast a fascinating history that extends from prehistoric times right through to the Victorian era and to the modern day. So we’re turning back the clock on Lake District history for you.
Prehistory
Prehistory
Turning back the clock in the Lake District to around 12,000 years ago, after the end of the Ice Age, plants and trees were able to grow and people lived in caves and shelters in the area. Over the next 6,000 years, nomadic people moved around, hunting and gathering and clearing the forest that covered the area, eventually settling in small clearings and setting up small farms to supplement their diets. Around this time, people also started to build stone circles like Castlerigg, Long Meg, and the lesser known Mayburgh Henge, that may have served as astronomical clocks or religious centres. Stone was also sourced from the area from Cumbrian ‘axe factories’ like the Neolithic site found near Pike O’Stickle. This was then used to make tools and axe heads and sent throughout the country to places as far as Scotland and Cornwall. During the Iron Age, technology improved and forests were cleared faster. It was at this time that hill forts like Castle Crag were constructed to defend the area from invaders.
The Romans
The Romans
Despite several attempts at Roman invasion in 55BC, 54 BC and 43 AD, the Lake District and Cumbria resisted and remained independent. This all came to an end when the Romans finally overcame native Celtic tribes in the area in 79AD and took over the area. Over the years, they built many complex road systems, forts and even the famous Hadrian’s Wall which was built after Emperor Hadrian visited Britain in 122AD. This was designed to keep the Scots under control and the Celts to the south and can still be visited by following the Hadrian’s Wall path. The famous Fell Ponies who wander the hills of the Lake District are descended from native ponies and the horse of the Roman cavalry. You can see them on the fells today; that's really turning back the clock in the Lake District.
Celts, Vikings, Middle Ages, and Beyond
Turning back the clock: the Celts
When the Romans left Cumbria in the late 4th century AD, the local native people took back control, naming themselves 'Combrogi' or 'Cymri', meaning 'Fellow Countrymen', which eventually became ‘Cumbria’. They also left the names of some of the places they lived in the shadow of, such as Blencathra and Helvellyn.
Vikings and Anglo-Saxons
When the Vikings raided Britain in the 8th century from Norway, they brought their Norse place names to Cumbria and the Lake District. This includes: Streams = ‘becks’, Waterfalls = 'foss', Hamlet = 'thorpe', Hill = fell (from "fjall" the Norse word), Small lakes = ‘tarns’, Clearing = ‘thwaite’. But it wasn’t only the Vikings who invaded the Lake District over this time. They were followed by Anglo-Saxon people who brought farmers into the area who divided their land with drystone walls.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Cumbria switched between Scottish and English rule. It was under Scottish rule until the Norman king, William II took Carlisle. In 1092, he built Carlisle Castle to guard the border from invaders. Then it was captured by King David I, King of Scots in 1136 but then was returned to England in 1157. Despite the Scots’ claim that the region was theirs, an agreement was reached in 1242 when they relinquished their claim in exchange for jurisdiction over certain areas such as Penrith, Sowerby, Langwathby, Great Salkeld, Caldbeck and Scotby. This was a time when many monasteries were built throughout the area such as Furness Abbey. Many of these are still used today as parish churches including Cartmel, St Bees and Holm Cultram.
Tudor and Elizabethan eras
From the late Middle Ages and into the Elizabethan era, Cumbria continued to be raided many times until King James VI of Scotland came to the throne in 1603 and brought England and Scotland together. Because of the ongoing threat and constant pillaging, kidnapping and livestock rustling, many Tower Houses and Pele Towers were built during the 15th and 16th centuries. You can still witness the Tudor and Elizabethan presence in Cumbria by visiting one of the traditional black and white houses made of timber (wood) and wattle and daub (woven sticks with a mixture of clay, sand and dung placed on top.
Georgian and Victorian eras
The Georgian era in Cumbria brought mining and exporting coal to the area and traditional villages turned into an industry. This led to the arrival of the railway which served to transport these goods to places further afield. With the country less isolated than ever before, tourism in the area grew with increasing numbers of visitors coming to escape the chaos of cities like Manchester and Liverpool. There are many outstanding manor houses and country homes that you can visit to get a taste of the past including Blackwell and Worthsworth’s home at Rydal Mount.
20th Century to the Modern Day
20th century to the modern day
These days, both agriculture and tourism dominate the area with increasing numbers of people looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing staycation or explore this largely unspoilt part of the world. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing stay in one of our boutique hotel rooms or luxury suites in Windermere today? Find out more here.