Hadrain’s Wall Illuminated

Saturday 13th March saw the spectacular illumination of Hadrian’s Wall, bringing to life Britain’s longest, and greatest, historic monument.

500 individual points of light, at roughly 250 metre intervals, marked the way along the route of the 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail.

The volunteer Illuminators included hundreds of people from the communities around Hadrian’s Wall, as well as enthusiasts from across the country, including places like London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester, and even a number of people from overseas.

Anniversary

Some of the Illuminators were marking key moments in their own lives such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Carol Bell, Head of Culture and Major Events for culture10 at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said:

“The development of this project has been an incredible journey that could not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of so many partners. It is a fitting tribute to our unique landscape, and a celebration of its history.”

The Ignition event for Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall started at Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend in the North East of England at 5.15pm with a performance by Berlin based Theatre Anu.

Angels appeared around the ruins of the fort to tell the story of ‘The Winged Boy’ as the skies began to dim.  The first of the lights were illuminated half an hour later.

Procession

The line of light then began its journey westwards.

Along the way it passed through the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle, and some of England’s most beautiful countryside, from rolling fields to rugged moorland.

In Carlisle thousands of people took part in a torchlight procession, leaving the city centre at about 6pm to meet the line of light as it passed through Bitts Park.

The final gas beacon was lit at Bowness-on-Solway on the Cumbrian coast at about 6.50pm and the full line of light remained illuminated until about 7.15pm.

Tourism week

It’s the first time that the full length of Hadrian’s Wall from Wallsend in the North East to Bowness-on-Solway in the North West has been illuminated in more than 1,600 years.

Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall was an ambitious project led by Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd which forms part of the world-class programme of festivals and events developed by the culture10 team based at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and the Lakes Alive programme in Carlisle presented by Kendal Arts International and Manchester International Arts.

Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall is also a flagship event of British Tourism Week 2010.

To get more information about the event visit www.illuminatinghadrianswall.com.

Carbon offset

Calor Gas provided official sponsorship by providing 550 gas cylinders and just under half of the 515 torches used to light the wall.

Drawing on its 75 year history of innovation, Calor and manufacturer Bullfinch worked together to create bespoke torches which could produce a safe, controllable and sizeable flame.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd will be calculating the carbon cost of the event and offsetting the carbon emissions through a programme of tree planting. However, a voluntary blackout will also make an additional contribution towards offsetting the carbon costs.

World Heritage Site

Hadrian’s Wall formed the Roman frontier across the north of England for almost 300 years.

It was built in AD122 by the Roman army on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian.

In 1987 it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in 2005 became part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.

Today it attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Hadrian’s Wall National Path closely follows the original line of Hadrian’s Wall.

London Olympics 1908 – A 77 year legacy

Held in a purpose built stadium in the White City area of London was the 1908 Olympic Games.

Originally the Games were to be held in Rome however they were transferred to London with only 18 months notice.

The venue change came about because of financial pressures on the Italian Authorities following a recent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1906.

The new stadium

With a capacity of just under 70,ooo seated and 17,000 undercover the new stadium was an all in one venue. At the centre of the arena was a large water tank, 100m long, for the swimming events.

This was surrounded by a running track measured so that three laps were equal to one mile.

Beyond this track and before the spectators was a banked cycle track.

As happens in modern times, some of the events such as sailing and tennis were held away from the main stadium complex and one event, the 12m yacht class even took place on the Clyde in Scotland.

This was the first and only time an Olympic event has been held in Scotland.

An Olympic Games of firsts

The London 1908 Games saw a number of sporting firsts and putting in place of rules, some of which are still used today.

Motorboating was an event which took place at Southampton. A first for mechanisation.

London also saw the first opening ceremony where the flags of nations were paraded before the start of competition.

The modern distance for the marathon was set at 26 miles 384 yrds. This came about because of the distance between the start, inside the grounds of Windsor Castle to the finishing point in front of the Royal box within the stadium.

These Games were also the first to award bronze, silver and gold medal awards.

Sporting achievement

At the end of the games Great Britain came out on top of the medals table with 56 gold, 51 silver and 38 bronze medals.  This is the highest medals total, so far, for Team GB.

The stadium was taken over by the Greyhound Racing Association in 1927 after many years of disuse. It also became the home of British athletics between 1932 and  1971.

The last event held in the stadium was a greyhound race on 22 September 1984.

Legacy

Nothing now remains of the stadium that was finally demolished in 1985 to make way for the building of facilities currently occupied by the BBC.

On the side of one of the new buildings is a memorial to sporting achievement, unveiled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.

The finishing line of the old athletics track is marked just in front of the wall mounted medal table.

Further information

BBC History photo gallery of the 1908 Olympics in London

History of White City and the Franco-British exhibition

BBC News – Queen marks the 1908 Olympics

BBC Sport - London’s first Olympics

History and pictures of the White city area

Maryport ‘Camp Farm’ could be developed

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has given the green light to Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd (HWHL) to work up plans to transform and excavate Camp Farm at Maryport in west Cumbria.

Development funding was awarded to HWHL to help them progress their plans for Camp Farm, which is one of the most significant but least researched sites along the Roman frontier in the north of England.

The HLF first-round pass means that HWHL can now progress to the second stage of the HLF application process for the £3.75 million of HLF support, including £165,600 development funding,  that it is seeking for its £11 million project.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd said the award was a solid endorsement of the national and international significance of Roman Maryport.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd is the company that was set up in 2006 to help look after, protect and conserve the World Heritage Site and to increase its contribution to the local and regional economy.

The Chief Executive of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, Linda Tuttiett, said:

“This first round HLF funding award is great news for Roman Maryport and the rest of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.  This important site now has the potential to be developed as a world class museum throwing more light on the story of Roman life in Britain and the role of Maryport in the frontier system.

“This project is for the people of Maryport and we are committed to making sure everyone in Maryport who wishes to be involved can be.

“We’re now a step further in a £11 million scheme that will bring an additional 50,000 visitors to Maryport every year, spending between £3 and £4 million and supporting around 76 full time jobs directly in the Museum and the surrounding town through tourism revenues.”

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said:

“The first-round pass is an important step towards the future development of the Roman Maryport site. This project has the potential to transform this internationally recognised heritage site, by making it accessible to the public for the first time.

“Although this announcement does not guarantee that at second-round an award will be made, HLF will offer Hadrian’s Wall Heritage full support in taking their application further.”

Maryport vicus

The Roman fort at Maryport, was the focus of the Roman’s coastal defences in Cumbria.

The Maryport vicus is the biggest and also one of the most complete and best-preserved civil settlements surveyed along the northern Roman frontier.  A geophysical survey has confirmed the outline of more than 170 buildings, suggesting that over 500 people lived within the settlement.

Eric Robson, who is a board member of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd and lives in West Cumbria, said:

“Camp Farm is an exciting historical site for archaeologists and visitors alike, offering a fascinating insight both into the way the Roman’s operated in Britain and to the social and cultural life outside the forts.

“It will also show people that there was more to Rome’s northern frontier than just the Wall.  As we can see from this site, the defences that stretched down the coast from the end of the Wall at Bowness-on-Solway to Ravenglass were a vitally important part of the Roman military infrastructure in the north of England.”

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd hopes to secure the full £11m funding package in time for the work starting on the site in September 2010.  The visitor facilities are expected to open to the public by 2012.

New museum

The plans for the new museum include galleries examining the purpose of the northern frontier, Maryport’s role in the western sea defences, life at the fort and vicus, and themes such as religion, ethnic diversity, migration and career paths.

There will also be viewing galleries to enable people to view the parts of the dig that are underway and a Roman farm attraction.

The new museum will be home to the collection of Roman military altar stones and Romano-British religious sculpture that can currently be seen at Senhouse Roman Museum, which is next to Camp Farm.

The fort and settlement at Maryport provided most of the contents of Senhouse Roman Museum, one of the most important collections of Roman altars and sculptures from Britain, and indeed the Roman Empire.

The excavation of the site will enable this collection to be better understood.

Archaeological excavation

This key heritage development involves the restoration and conversion of historic farm buildings into galleries, where there will be rich, varied, and complementary interpretation emphasising the relevance of the story of Roman Maryport.

The project will create a continuous programme of live archaeological excavation and provide access to the archaeology of the site, creating learning opportunities for local volunteers and students and bringing together the collection and site so that they can be managed and safeguarded together.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd also expresses its thanks to the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Britain’s Energy Coast West Cumbria, European Regional Development Fund, Cumbria County Council and the Senhouse Museum Trust with whom it is working to make the investment in Roman Maryport possible.

Further information

Options for the Development of Roman Maryport – Nov 2004 – Allerdale Council

Research document about Maryport by Durham University

The Senhouse Museum Trust Registered Charity No 516491 – Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2007

St. Michael’s Church, Shap

St Michael’s church in Shap, Cumbria, was built in 1140 AD, predating Shap Abbey and the site is known to have had a church since 750 AD.

Complete restoration of the church took place in 1898 and of the 12th Century building, only the interior Norman pillars and lower parts of the walls and windows on the north side remain.

The earlier chancel built in 1765 was replaced and a new tower was built in 1820.

At the same time the Vestry was rebuilt, an Organ Chamber added and the South Aisle extended westward to form the Chapel

The double Aisled church contains some fine late victorian glass and carving and a 13th Century font.

A monument commemorating the deaths of rail workers during the construction of the Shap section of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railways in the 1840’s, is to be found in the church yard to the North of the building near the main gate.

The latest addition of the Millenium window, the work of Huddersfield artist, Adam Goodyear, involved members of the community to produce a piece of artwork that reflects the heritage and local environment.

Dedication of the window took place on 29th September, 2000 by the Revd. Canon Gervase Markham M.B.E., M.A.

St. Michael’s, Shap, is one of a group of five churches on the High Westmorland Parishes Trail, stretching from Ravenstonedale in the upper Lune Valley to Bampton near the Haweswater dam. A distance of around 35 miles.

Ordnance Survey – NY 564154

Acorn Bank, National Trust, Temple Sowerby

Turning off the A66 Temple Sowerby bypass and following the brown tourist signs on to the quieter back roads you approach the National Trust property known as Acorn Bank.

Driving towards the main red sandstone building of Acorn Bank  you get the feeling that this property once held status in this area.

Car parking is available in a small car park at the rear of the main building.

A visit to Acorn Bank can possibly be broken down to five parts.

• Part 1 – The two orchards
• Part 2 – The nationally renowned herb garden
• Part 3 – The Woodland walk towards
• Part 4 – The Acorn Bank water mill
• Part 5 – Tea room for homemade cakes and local produce.

Sadly the main building in not open to the general public, however you can enjoy the gardens, woodlands, tea-room and watermill.

Acorn Bank is the former Manor House and dates from the late sixteenth Century. It is named after the thick oak woodlands that surrounded the main house.

The manor was sold by the Crown to the Dalston family in 1544.  Sir Christopher Dalston was knighted by King James in 1615. He married Anne, the daughter of Sir William Hutton of Penrith.

The Estate changed it’s name in the early 1930’s and became Temple Sowerby Manor when it was occupied by poet and writer Dorothy Clough and her second husband Capt. Noel McGrigor Phillips.

Dorothy wrote and was more widely known under the name Dorothy Una Ratcliffe,  also know to her friends as DUR.  She was the niece in Law of Lord Brotherton and inherited part of his Estate upon his death.

Restoration of both the house and gardens was to become a key part of life for the couple.

Some of the internal woodwork repairs and commissions were undertaken by ‘The Mouseman of Kilburn,’ Robert Thompson.

Following the sudden death of Capt. Phillips, Dorothy handed the property to the National Trust in around 1950. It then reverted back to it’s original title of Acorn Bank

DUR spent many hours in the gardens and planted many shrubs, trees, bulbs and re-arranging the planting in general to create a changing garden throughout the seasons.

In early spring the woodlands and main drive come alive with bright yellow daffodils some of which are now classed as heritage varieties.

Apple blossom and riots of colour transform the Estate during the summer sunshine which gives way to a rich bounty of fruit at the start of winter.

Dorothy died in Scotland 20 November 1967.  She is buried nearby in Temple Sowerby Church.

Heritage

After purchasing your entrance tickets you emerge into one of the two apple orchards.

Acorn Bank features around 20 varieties of apple including many heritage varieties.

During October apples are the centre of attraction when Acorn Bank hosts an Apple Day.

Trees are distributed in the main walled garden and in a more open area beyond.

Mistletoe can be seen growing on some of the apple trees.

Apple trees are complemented by a magnificent Blakeney Red Perry Pear and Medlars in the main walled garden.

This variety of pear originates from the 17th Century and is still a popular pear for Perry making, a form of cider made from pears,  the skins were used after stewing to dye soldiers’ khaki uniforms.

Medicinal

Acorn Bank has become noted for the herb and medicinal plant garden which you can find to your right as you enter the gardens from the ticket office.

Reportedly holding the largest collection of medicinal and culinary in England, over 250 plant types, it also features a few Damson trees and a fine Portuguese quince.

Herbs have also been named after Acorn Bank.  These possibly include the Acorn Bank Oregano / Marjoram

The herb garden was replanted in 2002 – 3

Water Mill

A circular woodland walk runs along Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored Acorn Bank watermill, which is open to visitors.

Three 12ft waterwheels ensured that as much energy as possible could be harnesses from the beck that runs alongside the 19th Century Mill.

The top and middle wheels drove the corn milling equipment whilst the bottom one drove a saw bench.

At some point the middle wheel was adapted to provide power to a nearby gypsum mine.

Wooden cogs transferred the vertical rotation of the waterwheels outside to the horizontal rotation of up to four pairs of millstones inside the mill.

Only one wooden waterwheel has been restored and is used to power some demonstration milling equipment.

The middle part of the building, currently in need of renovation, was once a kiln.  Here oats were dried on a floor above a diffused fire pit before being milled.

Once the watermill has been visited a walk following the mill race is well worth the trouble.

Caution should be noted, that in the wet this path may be slippy.  It also has a steep zig zag path at the end so will not be suitable for wheelchairs. Child buggies should be ok.

Looking into the almost swamp like ponds in this part of the garden, made interesting by the fallen trees slowly decaying in the water, you can see many kinds of wildlife.

A number of bridges span parts of ‘the swamp’ and offer an ideal chance for children, under supervision, to go bug hunting or just to stand still and see what they can hear or see.  If you are lucky you may see a red squirrel or even a newt or two.  The ponds are home  to all three species of British newt.

Newts are also to be found in the sunken garden pond to the rear of the main buildings.

Dogs are allowed in this area but must be kept on a lead.  They are not permitted in the more formal garden areas.

The path returns you to the top orchard area where it is a simple walk, downhill to the main courtyard where you purchased your tickets.  It is also here that you will find the toilets and the tearoom.

Seating is available inside,  however on a sunny day tables and chairs are provided in the sheltered courtyard.

Contact details

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill
Temple Sowerby, nr Penrith,
Cumbria CA10 1SP

Telephone: 017683 61893

Accommodation is available at Acorn Bank

Additional information

Notes on the Docker Family Of Westmorland

http://www.northofthesands.org.uk/westmoreland/pdf/dockernotes.pdf

Eden District Council appraisal of the area

All about the history of the area

Carlisle ring inspires Tolkien

A Viking runic ring found in Carlisle, could have inspired the Lord of The Rings trilogy.

The gold ring known as The Kingmoor ring,  is a 10th – 12th century Viking finger ring, bearing a magical runic inscription to ward off fever and leprosy.

Found in June 1817 at Greymoor Hill, Kingmoor, Carlisle.  The ring now resides in the British Museum with a 19th Century copy on display in the Border Galleries at Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum.

The area where the ring was found is now known as the Kingmoor Nature Reserve.

Another similar ring, known as the Bramham Moor ring from Yorkshire, is also part of the collection on display in London.

Epic creation
J.R.R. Tolkien, author of Lord of The Rings was a philologist and university professor of Anglo-Saxon history at Oxford.

His undoubted involvement with archaeological discoveries and knowledge of runic rings and amulets, has most likely played a large part in his epic creation, that has become one of the most popular and influential works in 20th Century literature.

The Lord of The Rings story began as a sequel to Tolkien’s earlier,  fantasy novel The Hobbit, published in 1973. It soon developed into a much larger work, written in stages between 1937 and 1949, during World War II.

The story hinges around the rings of Power which were crafted by the Elven-smiths but Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring in Mordor, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others.

My Precious
Sauron loses the ring in battle to Isildur, who cuts off the ring and claims it for himself.

When Isildur is later killed by Orcs, the Ring is lost in the river Anduin, only to be found over 2000 years later by Gollum who murderously obtains the Ring whilst fishing in the river.

Gollum keeps the Ring ( his precious ) for nearly 500 years before losing it, whereupon the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins finds it.

On his eleventy-first birthday, Bilbo disappeared, bequeathing to his young nephew, Frodo, the One Ring.

When Bilbo discovers the history of the ring from Gandalf, he is faced with a perilous quest: to journey across Middle-Earth, deep into the shadow of the Dark Lord and destroy the ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom in Mordor, where it was forged.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery - Where a 19th Century replica of the ring resides.

Article”Magic Ring of Kingmoor“, written by Keeper of Archaeology, Mr. Tim Padley.

The British Museum - Where the original Kingmoor ring is on display.

The Tolkien Society – Encouraging further interest in the life and works of the late Professor J.R.R. Tolkien  C.B.E.

Omniglot – Discover more about ancient runic writing.

Castle holds Britain’s most foolish event

Plans have been unveiled for this year’s Festival of Fools at Muncaster Castle in the Lake District from 24th to 28th May.

Muncaster Castle was home to the original Tom Fool and the Festival, which is sponsored by Jennings Cumberland Ale, is the Castle’s annual celebration of all things foolish.

The culmination of the Festival will be the International Jester Tournament on Thursday 28th May when a new Fool of Muncaster will be appointed. 

The event will be compered by last year’s winner, AJ James and the prize for the winning jester will include a crate of Cumberland Ale every month for a year.  Last year A.J James wowed the judges and the crowds with a performance that included comedy, acrobatics and escapology.

The six competitors who will be battling it out for the prestigious title were revealed at the Castle’s Feast of Fools on the 1st of April.  They include a mix of traditional jesters and contemporary street entertainers.

Peterkin the Fool, a former English Heritage jester has performed in front of the Queen.   

Peter White believes his alter ego Trevor Organ will help him take the crown with his exciting, spectacular comedy plate spinning where nothing is safe, not even the Ming China. 

 

American, Rex Boyd combines the skills of a stand up comedian with a street artist and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow American Paul Garbanzo who became the Fool of Muncaster in 2007.

He will be joined in the tournament by Tim Marston, the Juggling Inferno, who is promising to amaze the judges and the audience with a sensational fire juggling display.

Finally magician Sam X will no doubt have a few tricks up his sleeve as he bids to join Muncaster’s illustrious band of Fools.

Peter Frost Pennington says:

“We enjoy having our own Fool at Muncaster.  We believe we’re the only Castle in the world that appoints a jester.  As the former home of the great Tom Fool it’s great to keep the tradition alive and our visitors certainly love seeing the Fools in action.

The competition has been really exciting in previous years, so we’re all looking forward to seeing which of the current line up has what it takes to be a proper Fool.”

Earlier in the week there will be a packed daytime schedule of entertainment in the Castle’s gardens.  This will include performances by some of Muncaster’s former Fools, as well as walkabouts by comedians, magicians and musicians and workshops where children will be able to learn some of the tricks of the trade.

The 2006 Fool of Muncaster, Maynard Flip-Flap will open the Festival on Sunday 24th May.  The 2005 Fool, Jem Famous will appear on the Monday, while AJ James will be performing on Tuesday. 

Rex Boyd will take to the stage on Wednesday the 27th of May for his first shows at Muncaster’s Festival of Fools.

There will also be a host of other entertainment including paint ball and archery ranges, face painting and children’s activities and games in aid of local charities.

Normal entry prices for Muncaster apply during the Festival.  Adults £8; children aged 5-15 years £6; family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) £26.  Entry to the Castle costs an extra £2.50 per adult; £1 per child and £4 per family ticket (2 adults & 2 children).  There will additional charges for some activities.

For more information visit www.muncaster.co.uk.

King Edward I Monument

Standing alone in the middle of rough salt marsh just outside the village of Burgh by Sands, is the King Edward I Monument.

Erected in 1685 as a memorial to King Edward 1st of England (Hammer of the Scots).

He planned to unify the kingdoms of England and Scotland by the betrothal of his son Edward to the infant Queen of Scots, the Maid of Norway.

His plans fell apart when the young queen Margaret was drowned returning from Norway leaving several claimants to the kingdom of Scotland.

When pressed to select a successor, Edward chose John II De Baliol. This displeased the Scots and thus the wars of Independence ensued, ultimately won by Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314.

Edward had fought a long and bitter campaign to conquer Scotland

and made camp on these barren, windswept marshes on his way to do battle once more and subdue his enemy, Robert the Bruce but he was now old, tired and his health poor. He died on this marsh on 7th July 1307.

The monument stands in the middle of grazing land about 1 KM from the road. Now surrounded by a metal fence, it is incredibly imposing yet lonely in such a vast space.

Two plaques adorn the monument, one toward the top is much older and written in Latin, presumably the original plaque installed when the monument was built. The second plaque is situated at the base of the monument and is a modern day equivalent.

From the car parking area, the monument can just be seen in the distance. Here an information panel gives a potted history and directions. A pleasant walk along a dirt footpath, leads to a double stile crossing a small bridge. The marsh ground can be a little boggy in wet weather, so good walking footwear is recommended.

Dogs must be kept on a lead as grazing animals are in the fields surrounding the monument

The OS Grid Ref for this monument is NY326

Watch a video about the monument

Chalybeate Well Finglandrigg Wood

Finglandrigg Wood is a Natural England managed National Nature reserve 15KM to the West of Carlisle forming part of the Solway Plain.

One of the walks on this ancient peat marsh will lead you to a small group of flat standing stones around a small hole in the ground measuring about half a metre square called a Chalybeate Well.

‘Chalybeate’ means containing salts of iron or tasting of iron and in the early 17th century, such water was promoted for its healing and health giving properties.

 

 

According to the Directory of Cumberland and Westmorland 1829, it is stated that a “powerful Chalybeate spring was discovered at Finglandrigg in 1826″. A similar spring in Langrigg, called “Toddle Well” had already been used by the parish for many years to cleanse sores.

Rather unusual in its square structure, this spring was obviously prized by the locals, as the stone slabs surrounding the spring are well jointed together and the open front once held a gate with the top hinge being turned down to prevent anybody lifting it, it was also latched and most likely had a lock.

 

 

 

As the surrounding area is peat marsh, it is highly likely that the spring water contained sulphate of iron which is still used in medicine to this day to treat the symptoms of lead poisoning. 

 

 

There are many Chalybeate springs around the UK, one of the most noted in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Founded by Lord Dudley North in 1606. The spa towns of Bath and Harrogate are famous for sulphate rich mineral waters.

The waters from the Recoaro Spa on the outskirts of Vicenza, Italy. Discovered in In 1689, were named the “Saint Anthony’s miraculous water” due to the local people believing in it’s therapeutic properties

Charter Stone – Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

Kirkby Stephen, situated a few miles off the main A66 in the Upper Eden Valley has a long heritage and a number of things to look out for if you visit.

Towards the southern end of Market Street is the Charter Stone.

Situated outside a food store, to the left as you travel south, is a circular stone embedded into the pavement edge from where the start of Luke fair was proclaimed.

A plaque, possibly made from brass, stands alongside and reads.

CHARTER STONE
Luke Fair ( Oct 27) established 1350
Proclaimed from here.

The Kirkby Stephen Town Luke Fair Charter, reaffirmed in 1605 by James l, granted the right to hold a fair on 27 October, ‘the eve and the morrow’ each year and a market each week.

The fair is so named because of it being held  St. Luke’s day.

St Luke’s day is celebrated on the 18th October. It is traditionally a day when girls could have some insight into their future marriage prospects. 

He was one of the four Gospel writer’s and is the patron saint of doctors.

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