button to main menu  Old Cumbria Gazetteer
included in:-  

 road, Kendal to Cockermouth
road, Ambleside to Keswick
Ambleside to Keswick
Keswick to Ambleside
A591
civil parish:-   Lakes (formerly Westmorland)
civil parish:-   St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn (formerly Cumberland)
civil parish:-   Keswick (formerly Cumberland)
county:-   Cumbria
locality type:-   road route
10Km square:-   NY30
10Km square:-   NY31
10Km square:-   NY32
10Km square:-   NY22

evidence:-   old map:- Ogilby 1675
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
OG96AtoK.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 22
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Morden 1695 (Wmd) 
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmorland, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, by Robert Morden, published by Abel Swale, the Unicorn, St Paul's Churchyard, Awnsham, and John Churchill, the Black Swan, Paternoster Row, London, 1695.
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"The way from Cokermouth &Kenswick to Kendall"
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Double line. 
item:-  JandMN : 24
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Bowen 1720 (plate 260) 
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
B260AtoK.jpg
The Road from Kendal to Cockermouth - from Kendal on past Keswick, Cumberland. Places labelled are:- 
... 13 / Ambleside, The Hall / 14 / Ridal Park both sides of the road, Ridal Hall on right / Ridal, Smiths Shop, 15 ... 19 / Grasmere Hill, enter Cumberland, Dunmail Raise Stones drawn by 6 upstanding stones on left / 20 / Wibourn Chappel / 21 / 22, Wibourn Water, 23 / Thurlspot / 24 ... Smathods Bridge over Thurlmire Flubius ... 28 / Cust / 29, Cartherit / Keswick, a Wood Br. over Thurlemire Flu / ... 
item:-  private collection : 1.260
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Bowen 1720 (plate 259) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, pl.259, Cumberland, scale about 16.5 miles to 1 inch, published by Emanuel Bowen, St Katherines, London, 1720.
image  click to enlarge
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Plate 259 has the title cartouche for:-  "The Roads from KENDAL to COCKERMOUTH, &c. Containing 32 Comp. and 43'7 measd. Miles &c."
and a table of distances, computed and measured miles in miles'furlongs, which includes, from Kendal:-  "..."
"Ambleside 10 / 13'3"
"Keswick 22 / 29'5"
"..."
item:-  Dove Cottage : Lowther.35
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Badeslade 1742
placename:-  
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, A Map of Cumberland North from London, scale about 11 miles to 1 inch, with descriptive text, by Thomas Badeslade, London, engraved and published by William Henry Toms, Union Court, Holborn, London, 1742.
image  click to enlarge
BD10.jpg
""
double line 
item:-  JandMN : 115
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Badeslade 1742
placename:-  
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, A Map of Westmorland North from London, scale about 10 miles to 1 inch, with descriptive text, by Thomas Badeslade, London, engraved and published by William Henry Toms, Union Court, Holborn, London, 1742.
image  click to enlarge
BD12.jpg
""
double line 
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2007.38.62
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Simpson 1746 map (Wmd) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Westmorland, scale about 8 miles to 1 inch, printed by R Walker, Fleet Lane, London, 1746.
image
SMP2NYF.jpg
Double line; distance number 12. 
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2007.38.59
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Bowen and Kitchin 1760
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
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"Ambleside to Keswick 10 2"
double line, solid and dotted, road distance 
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double line, solid 
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BO18SD29.jpg
double line, solid 
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.10
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Kitchin 1767 (plate 84) 
source data:-   Road strip map, uncoloured engraving, The Road from Kendal to Cockermouth, and The Road from Egremont to Carlisle, in Kitchin's Post Chaise Companion, by Thomas Kitchin, published by Robert Sayer, 53 Fleet Street, John Bowles, Cornhill, and Carington Bowles, St Paul's Church Yard, London, 1767.
image
K084AtoK.jpg
item:-  Hampshire Museums : FA1999.138.84
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.
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J5NY31SW.jpg
"From White Haven and Cockermouth"
image
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image
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double line; road, bold, main road, with mile numbers 
item:-  National Library of Scotland : EME.s.47
Images © National Library of Scotland

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.
double line, solid or dotted, with a dot or milestone and number at 1 mile intervals, tinted red; turnpike road 
image
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into Westmorland  "Road from Kendal"
item:-  Carlisle Library : Map 2
Images © Carlisle Library

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 WS21P077, button  goto source
Page 77:-  "From Ambleside to Keswick, sixteen miles of excellent mountain road, furnishes much amusement to the traveller. If the season be rainy, or immediately after rain, all the possible variety of cascades, water-falls, and cataracts, are seen in this ride; some precipitating themselves from immense heights, others leaping and bounding from rock to"
image WS21P078, button  goto source
Page 78:-  "rock, in foaming torrent, hurling huge fragments of them to the vale, that make the mountains tremble to their fall. The hollow noise swells and dies upon the ear by turns. The scenes are astonishing, and the succession of them matchless. ..."
"..."
image WS21P083, button  goto source
Page 83:-  "... this road ascends Dunmail-raise, where lie the historical stones, that perpetuate the name and fall of the last king of Cumberland,"
"From Dunmail-raise the road is an easy descent of nine miles to Keswick, except on Castle-rig, which is somewhat quick."
image WS21P085, button  goto source
Page 85:-  "..."
"The road, ... leads through the narrow green vale of Legberthwaite, divided into small inclosures, peopled with a few cots, and nobly terminated by the castle-like rock of St. John. Below this, the vale contracts into a deep craggy dell, through which Leathes-water rolls, till it joins the Greta, at New-bridge, under the foot of Threlkeld-fell, a gloomy mountain of dark dun rocks, that shuts up the view of the wide spreading vale of St. John."
"The road now winds to the left, by Smalthwaite-bridge, and ascends Naddle-fell, by Causeway-foot to Castle-rigg. At the turn of the hill, and within about a mile of Keswick, you come at once in sight of its glorious vale, with all its noble environs, and enchanting scenes, which, when Mr. Gray beheld, it almost determined him to return to Keswick again, and repeat his tour."
image WS21P210, button  goto source
Addendum; Mr Gray's Journal, 1769 
Page 210:-  "..."
"Oct. 8. I left Keswick, and took the Ambleside road, in a gloomy morning: about two miles (rather a mile) from the town, mounted an eminence called Castle-rigg, and the sun breaking out discovered the most enchanting view I have yet seen of the whole valley behind me, the two lakes, the river, the mountains, all in their glory; so that I had almost a mind to have gone back again. The road in some few parts is not completed, yet good country road, through sound but narrow and stony ones, very safe in broad day light. This is the case about Causeway foot and among Naddle-fells, to Langthwaite. The vale you go in has little breadth; the mountains are vast and rocky, ... Came to the foot of Helvellyn, along which runs an excellent road, looking down from a little height on Leathes-water, (called also Thirlmere, or Wythburn-water) and soon descending on its margin. ... all is rock and loose stones up to the very brow, which lies so near your way that not above half the height of Helvellyn can be seen."
"Next I passed by the little chapel of Wythburn, ... soon after a beck near Dunmail-raise, where I entered Westmorland a second time: and now began to see Helm-crag, distinguished from its rugged neighbours, not so much by its height as by"
image WS21P211, button  goto source
Page 211:-  "the strange broken outline of its top, ... Just beyond it, opens one of the sweetest landscapes that art ever attempted to imitate. The bosom of the mountains spreading here into a broad bason discovers in the midst Grasmere-water: ..."
"The road here winds over Grasmere-hill, whose rocks soon conceal the water from your sight; yet it is continued along behind them, and contracting itself to a river, communicates with Rydal-water, ... Into this vale the road descends. On the opposite banks large and ancient woods mount up to the hill; and just to the left of our way, stands Rydal-hall, ... Near the house rises a huge crag, called Rydal-head, which is said to command a full view of Windermere, and I doubt it not;"
image WS21P212, button  goto source
Page 212:-  "for within a mile, that lake is visible even from the road; as to going up the crag, one might as well go up Skiddaw."
"I now reached Ambleside, sixteen miles from Keswick, ..."

evidence:-   old print:- Middiman 1784-92
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, View near Keswick, Cumberland, drawn by F Wheatly, engraved and published by Samuel Middiman, 3 Grafton Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, 1787.
image  click to enlarge
MM0701.jpg
"Drawn by F. Wheatly. / Engrav'd by S. Middiman. / VIEW near KESWICK. / Publish'd as the Act directs, Jan. 25. 1787, by S. Middiman, London."
Accompanying text:-  "PLATE XXV."
"VIEW near KESWICK,"
"CUMBERLAND."
"THE Ride from Ambleside to Keswick furnishes the richest Amusement to an Admirer of Romantic Beauty. The extensive Vales and bold Rocks, that alternately succeed each other, are almost matchless; and to attempt to describe them, would even lessen the Reader's Ideas of their Magnificence."
"In this Route lies the Vale of Peace, at Grassmere, so deservedly celebrated by Mr. Gray, whose happy Description excites the Wish of every Reader to view that primeval Spot; and no Visitor, by his Relation, perhaps ever found his Expectations disappointed."
"This View is taken six Miles from Keswick, leading from Ambleside and Grassmere; the Road winds through a narrow, green vale, hemmed in by Mountains, and nobly terminated by the romantic Castle-like Rock of St. John."
item:-  Armitt Library : A6864.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Clarke 1787
item:-  floodrainerosion
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 CL13P118, button  goto source
Page 118:-  "..."
"I cannot say there is any thing very entertaining to a traveller in this valley [by Thirlmere]: the road lyes under more tremendous mountains here than in any other place; they are loaden with large loose stones, which seem ready to drop from their sides on the smallest occasion; a sight of sufficient terror to hasten the traveller from a scene of such seemingly impending danger: an undaunted mind, indeed, would be entertained after a flood with the numerous and noble cascades that then may be seen. I was once stopped near the chapel by a thunder shower; and the sun afterwards shewing his face, I saw as grand a sight as eye ever beheld: as they say in this country, after a flood, "Every road's a sike, every sike's a beck, and every beck a river;" and so it was now; this was joined with the awful sounds of water, groaning for passage among the rocks, and obstructing stones, so that all nature seemed to be convulsed, and from the hidden cavities of the rocks shot forth sometimes a clear stream of water, which in an instant was changed to almost perfect red. This was caused by the removal of some large stone or other, when the earth, moved thereby, mingling with the water, gave it a blood colour. Those scenes were on every side of me, the noise was astonishing, and the water, which came down threatned to take away the houses both of God and the devil, (viz.) the church and the alehouse close by [at Wythburn]."

evidence:-   old text:- Clarke 1787
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 CL13P127, button  goto source
Page 127 (numbered 126):-  "..."
"... From hence [Rydal] a causeway was begun to be made towards Ambleside by a Mr Bell, who was curate and schoolmaster in Ambleside: He brought his scholars every Thursday and Saturday afternoons to gather stones, and he himself paved it; but this was dug up when the turnpike road was made. We will now leave Rydale, and proceed on a delightful road through copses of wood and smooth verdant meadows to Ambleside, ..."

evidence:-   old map:- Clarke 1787 map (Der) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Map of Derwentwater and its Environs, scale about 13 ins to 1 mile, by James Clarke, engraved by S J Neele, published by James Clarke, Penrith, Cumberland and in London etc, 1787.
image
CL152623.jpg
"to Ambleside"
road, and a pointing hand 
item:-  private collection : 169
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Clarke 1787 map (Ambleside to Keswick) 
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
CL9NY22Q.jpg
"To KESWICK"
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CL9NY30E.jpg
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CL9NY30J.jpg
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CL9NY30N.jpg
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CL9NY30T.jpg
image
CL9NY30S.jpg
item:-  private collection : 10.9
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Cary 1789 (edn 1805) 
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Westmoreland, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, by John Cary, London, 1789; edition 1805.
image
CY24NY31.jpg
image
CY24NY30.jpg
double line, bold light, numbered miles; main road 
item:-  JandMN : 129
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print with text:- Farington 1789
item:-  
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, North View on the Road Leading from Keswick to Ambleside, drawn by Joseph Farington, engraved by W Byrne and J Landseer, published by W Byrne, 79 Titchfield Street, London, 1789.
image  click to enlarge
FA0118.jpg
printed, bottom, left, right, centre  "Drawn by Josh. Farington R.A./ Engraved by W. Byrne &J. Landseer. / North View on the ROAD leading from KESWICK to AMBLESIDE. / Taken from the Six mile stone. / London: Published as the Act directs, 1 Jany. 1789, by W. Byrne, No.79 Titchfield Street."
Descriptive text, probably by William Cookson 
VIEW on the ROAD leading from AMBLESIDE to KESWICK. 
THE Road from Ambleside to Keswick affords a Series of romantic and picturesue Views, which cannot fail of impressing the Imagination of the Traveller in an extraordinary Manner. Indeed, it is scarcely possible to find a Succession of Scenes more various and contrasted. After passing the charming Scenery of Rydal, and the wild Environs which surround the Lake of that Name, from the Top of a steep Ascent, the peaceful embosomed Grassmere presents itself. Pursuing the Way from this sequestered and beautiful Retreat, by a long ascending Road, a Height is gained which commands the Vale left behind, so as to produce what is term a Bird's-Eye View. Grassmere becomes a small Feature in this extensive Landscape, and the Inclosures of the cultivated Vale are crowded togather like the Divisions on a Map. Though it does not come within the Power of the Pencil to give an ample Idea of such Scenes, yet upon the great Scale of Nature they are always affecting. - Descending on the North Side, Wythburn or Leathes Water, comes into the View, which is of a wild and barren Character. The Road passes a considerable Way on the Margin of that Lake, when it becomes again steep and winding; but the Tediousness of Alpine travelling is compensated by the Scene which opens from the Six Mile Stone, on this Side Keswick. - It is this View which is attempted to be described in the annexed Plate. - Between lofty Mountains on the right, and Rocks of high and rude Forms on the left, passes the narrow green Vale of Legberthwaite, which is divided into small Inclosures, and peopled with a few Cots. The Vale is terminated by the romantic Rock of St. John; behind which rises Saddleback, a Mountain almost vying with Skiddaw for pre-eminence, and forming a sublime Back-Ground to the Scene. 
item:-  Armitt Library : A6669.18
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   road map:- Cary 1790 (Wmd/edn 1792) 
source data:-   Road map, hand coloured engraving, Westmoreland, scale about 11.5 miles to 1 inch, by John Cary, 181 Strand, London, 1790, edn 1792.
image  click to enlarge
CY16.jpg
"from Keswick &c. / the Whitehaven Road"
double line, with road distances from Kendal 
item:-  JandMN : 44
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   road map:- Cary 1790 (Cmd/edn 1789) 
source data:-   Road map, hand coloured engraving, Cumberland, scale about 15 miles to 1 inch, by John Cary, 181 Strand, London, 1790, edn 1789.
image  click to enlarge
CY47.jpg
"to Ambleside &Kendal / the London Road"
double line, with road distances from Keswick 
item:-  JandMN : 419
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   road book:- Cary 1798 (2nd edn 1802) 
source data:-   Road book, itineraries, Cary's New Itinerary, by John Cary, 181 Strand, London, 2nd edn 1802.
image CY38p317, button  goto source
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C38317.jpg
page 317-318  "LONDON to Cockermouth and Workington"
part of 
item:-  JandMN : 228.1
Image © see bottom of page

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 G8000019, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1800 p.19  "[from Wythburn] ...soon overtook a weary old soldier, that seemed to toddle on, overcome by fatigue. He told me he had walked that morning from Whitehaven, that he was hastening to Liverpool, to chastise a captain of a ship, with the crab-stick in his hand, for cruelly treating his son when at sea. I soon drew him from that disagreeable subject, "to shoulder his staffe," and talk the fights he had been in. ... and for himself, when he came to a full command of Grasmere, he thus spoke - "Forty years"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1800
source data:-   image G8000020, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1800 p.20  "ago I first came this road, a recruit from Whitehaven - I thought this sight at the bottom of the hill very beautiful, I have passed it several times since, and have been all over the world; it is sixteen years since I last saw it, and I have never seen any thing so pretty." The unadulterated taste of an uneducated veteran is my excuse for the digression; and the truest compliment Grasmere ever received."

evidence:-   old map:- Cooke 1802
source data:-   Map, Westmoreland ie Westmorland, scale about 12 miles to 1 inch, by George Cooke, 1802, published by Sherwood, Jones and Co, Paternoster Road, London, 1824.
image  click to enlarge
GRA1Wd.jpg
"from Keswick &c - the Whitehaven Road"
double line, light dark solid; road 
item:-  Hampshire Museums : FA2000.62.4
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Cooke 1802
source data:-   Map, Cumberland, scale about 15.5 miles to 1 inch, by George Cooke, 1802, bound in Gray's New Book of Roads, 1824, published by Sherwood, Jones and Co, Paternoster Road, London, 1824.
image  click to enlarge
GRA1Cd.jpg
"to Ambleside &Kendal the London Road"
double line, light dark solid; road 
item:-  Hampshire Museums : FA2000.62.2
Image © see bottom of page

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 G8051011, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1805 p.1011  "..."
"Nothing can exceed the interest of the ride form Ambleside to Keswick. From the bridge of Grasmere the eye ranges with rapture over its secluded valley, and contemplates with astonishment the awful grandeur of the mountains by which it is environed. At the foot of Helme Crag, an immense broken pile, which, like the ruins of some giant citadel, guards the North East side of the valley, the road winds through the romantic vales of Legberthwaite and St. John."

evidence:-   old map:- Laurie and Whittle 1806
source data:-   Road map, Completion of the Roads to the Lakes, scale about 10 miles to 1 inch, by Nathaniel Coltman? 1806, published by Robert H Laurie, 53 Fleet Street, London, 1834.
image  click to enlarge
Lw18.jpg
bold line; 'Principal Travelling Roads' 
item:-  private collection : 18.18
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Cooper 1808
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving, Cumberland, scale about 10.5 miles to 1 inch, drawn and engraved by Cooper, published by R Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, 1808.
image  click to enlarge
COP3.jpg
double line; road 
item:-  JandMN : 86
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Cooper 1808
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmoreland ie Westmorland, scale about 9 miles to 1 inch, by H Cooper, 1808, published by R Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, 1808.
image  click to enlarge
COP4.jpg
double line; road 
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2007.38.53
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Wallis 1810 (Wmd) 
source data:-   Road map, Westmoreland, scale about 19 miles to 1 inch, by James Wallis, 77 Berwick Street, Soho, 1810, published by W Lewis, Finch Lane, London, 1835?
image  click to enlarge
WAL5.jpg
"from Keswick"
double line, light bold; 'Turnpike Road' 
item:-  JandMN : 63
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Wallis 1810 (Cmd) 
source data:-   Road map, hand coloured engraving, Cumberland, scale about 16 miles to 1 inch, by James Wallis, 77 Berwick Stree, Soho, London, 1810.
image  click to enlarge
WL13.jpg
"to Ambleside"
double line, light bold; 'Turnpike Road' 
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2009.81.10
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Wilkinson 1810 (plate 16) 
item:-  cart
source data:-   Print, uncoloured soft ground etching, Dulmail Raise, on the Ambleside Road, Cumberland, by Joseph Wilkinson, engraved by William Frederick Wells, published by R Ackermann, Repository of Arts, 101 Strand, London, 1810.
image  click to enlarge
WKN116.jpg
Plate 16 in Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire. 
printed at bottom left, right, centre:-  "Revd. Jos: Wilkenson delt. / W: F: Wells sc. / Dulmail Raise, on the Ambleside Road. / ... / Published Octr. 1. 1810. by R. Ackermann. 101. Strand. London."
item:-  Fell and Rock Climbing Club : MN4.16
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Green 1814
source data:-   Set of prints, soft ground etchings, Sixty Small Prints, with text, A Description of a Series of Sixty Small Prints, by William Green, Ambleside, Westmorland, 1814.
image GN09p11, button  goto source
page 11:-  "..."
"From Pelter Bridge, which is near the first mile-stone on the road from Ambleside to Keswick, there is a horse road, under Loughrigg Fell, by the farm-house called Coat How, and the lakes of Rydal and Grasmere, to Grasmere church; ..."
"... ..."
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page 15:-  "..."
"From the fifteenth mile-stone, on the road from Ambleside to Keswick, to the bottom of the hill, there are three roads; the original is bounded by the enclosures, the middle is less steep, and the eastern road makes a large bow, by which the ascent for carriages is rendered easier."

evidence:-   old map:- Hall 1820 (Wmd) 
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, Westmoreland ie Westmorland, scale about 14.5 miles to 1 inch, by Sidney Hall, London, 1820, published by Samuel Leigh, 18 Strand, London, 1820-31.
image  click to enlarge
HA18.jpg
single line, solid; minor road; Ambleside, Rydal, Braning, Townhead, ... 
item:-  Armitt Library : 2008.14.58
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Hall 1820 (Cmd) 
source data:-   Map, hand coloured engraving, Cumberland, scale about 21 miles to 1 inch, engraved by Sidney Hall, published by S Leigh, 18 Strand, London, 1820-31.
image  click to enlarge
HA14.jpg
"To Ambleside"
single line, solid; minor road; ... [by Thirlmere], Keswick 
item:-  JandMN : 91
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:-  "AMBLESIDE TO KESWICK."
"The route from Ambleside to Keswick lies through the midst of lake and mountain scenery. At one mile from Ambleside a road crossing Pelter Bridge on the left, leads to Langdale, or round Loughrigg Fell. To the right, among ancient oaks, stands Rydal Hall, the patrimonial residence of Lady le Fleming, who has built and endowed a neat Chapel in the village. Above the chapel is Rydal Mount, the residence of the poet Wordsworth; and beyond the hall, the Rydal Waterfalls. The next object is Rydal Water, with the heronry upon one of its islands; and a little further, the extensive slate quarry of Whitemoss. The road is then conducted to the margin of Grasmere water, and gives a good view of that admired vale. At the further end of which, between the branches of Easdale and Greenburn, stands Helm Crag, distinguished, not so much by its height, as by its summit of broken rocks, which Mr. Gray likens to 'some gigantic building demolished;' Mr. West to 'a mass of antediluvian ruins;' Mr. Green to the figures of a 'lion and a lamb;' and Mr. Wordsworth to an 'astrologer and old woman;' and the traveller who views it from Dunmail Raise, may think that a"
image OT01P110, button  goto source
Page 110:-  "mortar elevated for throwing shells into the valley, would be no unapt comparison. A road turns off on the left, to the Church and the Red Lion Inn; the Swan is on the turnpike road, at the distance of four miles and a half from Ambleside."
"The long hill of Dunmail Raise is next to be ascended. It rises to the height of 750 feet above the level of the sea; and yet it is the lowest pass through a chain of mountains which extends from Black Combe on the southern verge of Cumberland, into the county of Durham. Having overcome the steepest part of the road, Skiddaw begins to shew his venerable head in the distance; and here is a retrospect over Grasmere vale, and through a vista of mountains, extending as far as Hampsfield Fell, near the sands of Lancaster. At the highest part of the road, a wall separates the counties of Westmorland and Cumberland; and a large heap of stones is said to be the cairn, or sepulchre, of Dunmail last king of Cumberland; who was defeated here by the Saxon monarch Edmund, about the year 945. The lake Thirlmere, or Leathes' Water, now comes in view, and the road passes between the Inn and the Chapel of Wythburn; about eight miles and a half from Ambleside, and the same distance from Keswick. The mountain Helvellyn is now upon the right; but the road lies so near its base, that the full height of the mountain cannot be seen. After passing a little way upon the margin of the lake, we come to another steep ascent, where Arm-"
image OT01P111, button  goto source
Page 111:-  "[Arm]both-house, the residence of Mr. Jackson, on the other side of the water, is a good object; but Dalehead Hall, the manorial seat of Mr. Leathes, on this side, is hid by a hill. Having passed the summit, there is a delightful view through the vale of Legberthwaite, with its prolongation of Fornside, and Wanthwaite - together constituting what is commonly called St. John's vale - beyond which the lofty Saddleback, with its furrowed front, closes the scene."
"There is a public-house at the King's Head, six miles from Keswick, and a road turns off on the right towards Threlkeld, passing under the massive rock of Green Crag, sometimes called the Castle Rock of St. John's. Near this, a tremendous thunderstorm in 1749, swept away a mill, and buried one of the millstones amongst the ruins, so that it has never yet been discovered."
"The Keswick road inclines to the left, and surmounting the cultivated ridge called Castlerigg, there is a full view of Derwent Lake, with part of that of Bassenthwaite, the town and vale of Keswick, with its surrounding mountains. It was here, that Mr. Gray on leaving Keswick, found the scene so enchanting, that he 'had almost a mind to have gone back again.'"
Rydal
3 Grasmere Inn
4 Nag's Head, Wythburn
King's Head 11
6 Keswick 17

evidence:-   old print:- Westall 1830s
source data:-   Print, aquatint panorama, The Vale of Keswick, from the Ambleside Road, Cumberland, drawn and engraved by William Westall, published by Ackermann and Co, 96 Strand, London, 1836.
image  click to enlarge
WTL312.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : A6658.12
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Rose 1832-35 (vol.3 no.61) 
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, Keswick, Derwent, etc, from the Road to Kendal, Cumberland, drawn by Thomas Allom, engraved by J Phelps, published by Fisher, Son and Co, London, 1835.
image  click to enlarge
PR0053.jpg
vol.3 pl.61 in the set of prints, Westmorland, Cumberland, Durham and Northumberland Illustrated. 
printed at bottom left, right, centre:-  "T. Allom. / J. Phelps. / KESWICK, DERWENT, &c., FROM THE ROAD TO KENDAL. / FISHER, SON &CO. LONDON, 1835."
item:-  Dove Cottage : 2008.107.53
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   descriptive text:- Ford 1839 (3rd edn 1843) 
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, ... behind it, rise the steep and lofty Fairfield, and the ravine of Rydal Head. ... The houses at Rydal are prettily covered with ivy and other creepers, and the old-fashioned picturesque chimneys are retained. It is now also ornamented by a tasteful little chapel, ..."
image FD01P041, button  goto source
Page 41:-  "Above the hall is Rydal Mount, ..."
"[Rydal Water] Is a small lake, two miles from Ambleside, ..."
"At the White Moss Slate Quarry, the new and old roads to Grasmere separate. Pursuing the new road, which winds through a narrow defile, having the Rothay on the left hid amidst a profusion of underwood, a sudden bend introduces the traveller to the Dale and Lake of Grasmere, on whose shores the road lies for a small distance."
"[Grasmere] ... This water is oval, and lies at the south end of an oval valley. ..."
image FD01P042, button  goto source
Page 42:-  "... There are two inns in the dale [at Grasmere], so that the tourist may stay here for a while, and examine the component features in detail."
"..."
image FD01P043, button  goto source
Page 43:-  "The approach from the old Ambleside road extends the prospect into Easedale. The views on the descent from the Raise Gap, which are in the opposite direction, were much admired and most charmingly described by the poet Gray. ..."
image FD01P044, button  goto source
Page 44:-  "..."
"The Swan inn stands on the high road, beyond the lake and house in which Mr. De Quincy took up his residence. From hence the road is a long and gradual ascent, mounting in mazy serpentines to the Raise Gap; the steepest part of the road is from Highbroad Rain, through the turnpike, to a long dreary pass, through which the wind sweeps in piercing blasts. On the left brawls along the Rothay or Raise Beck, over which towers the naked Helm Crag. On the right of the Raise Gap, is a stream that divides the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, and in wet weather presents a number of fine falls."
image FD01P045, button  goto source
Page 45:-  "[Dunmail Raise cairn] ... the road is partly cut through it. This gap is seven hundred and twenty feet above the sea."
"On the left are Steel Fell, the green cove of Wythburn Head, and Nab Scar, and on the right are the bulwarks and buttresses of Helvellyn. Immediately before the spectators, are the chapel of Wythburn and inn, then the Lake, and Skiddaw closing the end of the valley, which, from the almost utter absence of wood, wears a cold and desolate aspect. The Horse Head inn is an excellent resting-place, ..."
image FD01P047, button  goto source
Page 47:-  "..."
"The inn is a mile from the head of the lake, which is known by the several names of Leathes Water, Thirlmere, Wythburn Water, and Brackmere. ... Tourists are generally content with"
image FD01P048, button  goto source
Page 48:-  "a sight of this lake from the high road, but the western side ought not on any account to be passed by without a perambulation. ..."
image FD01P049, button  goto source
Page 49:-  "..."
"From the Horse Head inn, the carriage-road winds under Helvellyn by the margin of the lake, which it leaves by a very steep ascent. This side of the dale presents the sternest features, seen, too, most impressively -"
"' When the storm
Rides high - when all the upper air is fill'd
With roaring sound, that ceases not to flow
Like smoke, along the level of the blast.'"
"From the top of this hill, is that admired and magnificent view of Legberthwaite, or, as it is frequently called, the Vale of St. John; here is neither"
image FD01P050, button  goto source
Page 50:-  "lake nor stream, the carriage-road is the only foreground - sweet enclosures repose in their freshness between Helvellyn and the Castle Rock, the How and Naddle, whilst the crags of Wanthwaite frown on a scene, which is closed by the southern front of Blencathra, torn into frightful ravines, and gullies, and precipices. There is an inn here, the King's Head, whence Legberthwaite and the grounds of Dalehead Hall can be more readily visited. A little beyond, cross St. John's Beck, the water of which flows out of Thirlmere, by Smalthwaite Bridge of one arch, which is a fine study for the artist, along with its accompaniments. Thence the road leads through Shoolthwaite Moss, a peat-bog lying between Naddle Fell and the Iron and Gait Crags. Rougha Bridge is another sketch with its neighbouring crags, that should grace the portfolio. A little in advance from this, is a station which displays to the traveller the three mountains of Skiddaw, Saddleback, and Helvellyn, visible to their summits. Blencathra perhaps appears most favourable to the eye, the middle-ground harmonising best with it. The stranger now arrives at Castle Rigg Brow, from whence a prospect, which the last few miles of dreary desolation had not led him to count upon, bursts upon his gladdened sight. The gleaming waters of Bassenthwaite shine amid the well-wooded and highly-cultivated valley, which extends from that lake to the town of Keswick. Crosthwaite church, with innumerable seats, villages, and cottages, lie interspersed"
image FD01P051, button  goto source
Page 51:-  "throughout the rich and glowing plain. On the south and west, Bassenthwaite is bounded by the craggy tops stretching from Grizedale Pike to the cultivated lands beyond Wythop Woods, and the widely-extended vale is sheltered by Skiddaw on the north. The view expands as you descend to Brow Top, whence the eye takes in Derwent Water and the Borrowdale mountains at its head."
image FD01P163, button  goto source
Page 163:-  "..."
"IX. AMBLESIDE TO KESWICK.- 16¼M."
image FD01P172, button  goto source
Page 172:-  "..."
"XIV. KESWICK TO THIRLMERE, AND ST. JOHN'S ROCK. - 18 M."
"..."
Miles. AMBLESIDE TO Miles.
Rydal
Swan Inn 5
2 Raise Gap 7
Wythburn Chapel
King's Head Inn 11¼
4 Castle Rigg 15¼
1 Keswick 16¼
Miles. KESWICK TO Miles.
1 Castle Rigg 1
3 Shoolthwaite Moss 4
Raven Crag
½ Armboth House 7
1 Dalehead Hall 8

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
image
FD02NY31.jpg
"K to A 17 Ms."
image
FD02NY22.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 100.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil, road Ambleside to Keswick, near Legburthwaite, Cumberland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 1857.
image  click to enlarge
AS0518.jpg
"in the road to Keswick, nr St John's Vale"
page number   "14"
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.389.18
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   possibly old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil, old road to Grasmere, Westmorland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, about 1849.
image  click to enlarge
AS0135.jpg
"old road to Grasmere"
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.487.35
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   probably old drawing:- Aspland 1840s-60s
source data:-   Drawing, pencil, road by Rydal Water? Westmorland, by Theophilus Lindsey Aspland, 1849.
image  click to enlarge
AS0139.jpg
item:-  Armitt Library : 1958.487.39
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Harwood 1842
source data:-   Print, uncoloured engraving, Ambleside, Westmorland, engraved and published by John and Frederick Harwood, 26 Fenchurch Street, London, 1842.
image  click to enlarge
HRW203.jpg
printed at bottom left, right, centre:-  "London, J &F. Harwood, 26, Fenchurch Street. / No.433 Augt. 27, 1842. / Ambleside, Westmorland."
item:-  JandMN : 166.3
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Garnett 1850s-60s H
source data:-   Map of the English Lakes, in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, scale about 3.5 miles to 1 inch, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1850s-60s.
image
GAR2NY22.jpg
double line, bold light, major road 
image
GAR2NY31.jpg
image
GAR2NY30.jpg
item:-  JandMN : 82.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Pyne 1853
source data:-   Grasmere from Loughrigg Fell drawn by James Barker Pyne, 1848-1853, lithographed by T Picken, 1859.
image  click to enlarge
PY08.jpg
"Grasmere from Loughrigg Fell"
item:-  JandMN : 97.9
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Martineau 1855
source data:-   Guide book, A Complete Guide to the English Lakes, by Harriet Martineau, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, and by Whittaker and Co, London, 1855; published 1855-76.
image MNU1P049, button  goto source
Page 49:-  "... The white road that winds like a ribbon up and up the gap between Helvellyn and the opposite fells is the mail road to Keswick, and the gap is Dunmail Raise. ..."
"..."
image MNU1P053, button  goto source
Page 53:-  "Just after entering the mail road [from Grasmere], the driver will point out the cottage [Rydal Mount] in which the poet and his sister lived, many long years ago, when Scott was their guest. ... The promontory which here causes the lake to contract to the little river (which is called the Rothay in all the intervals of the chain of lakes,) may be passed in three ways. The mail road runs round its point, and therefore keeps beside the water;- the Roman road, where the Wishing Gate used to be, crosses it by a rather steep ascent and descent;- and a shorter road still, steeper and boggy, cuts across its narrowest part, and comes out at the Rydal Quarries. Our traveller will take the mail road, probably. It will soon bring him to Rydal Lake; and he cannot but think the valley very lovely in the summer afternoon. ..."
"..."
image MNU1P068, button  goto source
Page 68:-  "From the Swan, the road to Keswick ascends Dunmail Raise;- a steep pitch of road, though its highest point is only 720 feet above the sea. On the right there is a stream which divides the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland; and on either hand rise the mountains of Steel Fell and Seat Sandal."
image MNU1P069, button  goto source
Page 69:-  "[choice of routes by Thirlmere] ... the rude western one is unquestionably the finest. The woods, which were once so thick that the squirrel is said to have gone from Wythburn to Keswick without touching the ground, are cleared away now; and the only gloom in the scene is from the mass of Helvellyn. The stranger leaves the mail road within a mile of the Nag's Head, passes the cottages called by the boastful name of the City of Wythburn, and a few farm-houses, and soon emerging from the fences, finds himself on a grassy level under the Armboth Fells, within an amphitheatre of rocks, with the lake before him, and Helvellyn beyond, overshadowing it. The rocks behind are feathered with wood, except where a bold crag here, and a free cataract there introduces a variety. There is a clear pool in the midst of the grass, where, if the approaching tread be light, the heron may be seen fishing, or faithfully reflected in the mirror. The track leads by the margin of the lake, and through a shady lane, and a farm yard, to the bridge by which the lake is to be crossed. The water is shallow there, between two promontories; so that piers are easily built, with little wooden bridges at intervals: and thus is solved what is to novices a great mystery;- how there can be a bridge over a lake. ..."
image MNU1P070, button  goto source
Page 70:-  "... The bridge being crossed, another bit of lane leads out upon the high road near the clean little inn, the King's Head, and within view of the vale of St. John."
image MNU1P071, button  goto source
Page 71:-  "... the traveller ... must not miss that view from Castlerigg, which made the poet Gray long to go back again to Keswick; ... the view opens, which presently comprehends the whole extent from Bassenthwaite Lake to the entrance of Borrowdale, ..."
image MNU1P072, button  goto source
Page 72:-  "... A steep winding road descends into the valley; and at the foot of the hill lies Keswick."

evidence:-   old map:- Prior 1874 map 1
source data:-   Map, uncoloured engraving or lithograph? Winander Mere, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, published by John Garnett, Windermere, Westmorland, 1874.
image  click to enlarge
PI03M1.jpg
"To Grasmere"
double line; road 
item:-  private collection : 133.1
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   gradient diagram:- Gall and Inglis 1890s-1900s (Roads) 
source data:-   Contour Road Book of England, Northern Division, by Harry R G Inglis, published by Gall and Inglis, 25 Paternoster Square, London and Edinburgh, 1898.
image  click to enlarge
IG5185.jpg
Itinerary, with gradient diagram, route 185, Kendal to Barrow, and route 187, Kendal to Keswick, Westmorland and Lancashire, 1898. 
item:-  JandMN : 763.18
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Bell 1892
source data:-   Map, colour lithograph, Road Map of Cumberland, by George Joseph Bell, scale about 2.5 miles to 1 inch, printed by Charles Thurnam and Sons, Carlisle, Cumberland, 1892.
image
BEL9NY22.jpg
image
BEL9NY31.jpg
orange - disturnpiked 'main road' under section 13 of the Highways Act 1878 since 1 September 1883 
 
Road map of Cumberland showing County Bridges 
item:-  Carlisle Library : Map 38
Images © Carlisle Library

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag
item:-  poaching (?)
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 G900B356, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1900 part 2 p.356  "NIGHTS IN LAKELAND."
"... If you are not likely to be nervous, and are not afraid of loneliness, cross the width of the district, say by the coach road from Windermere to Keswick, under cover of night, and you will fully understand the beauty of darkness. ... Not a soul was astir as I passed through the market-place at Ambleside, but a man walked stealthily from a side street a little further on, and set off towards Rydal. I tried hard to overhaul him, but could not; ultimately he evaded me by entering a copse near Rydal Hall. By two-thirty I reached White Moss; by this time the light had so much improved that the fell beyond Rydalmere was clearly visible. Here the first skylark sang, and as I struck along the old road to Grasmere, birds rose from every meadow and mountain-pasture, and the air rapidly filled with warblings. Looking towards Seat Sandal I noticed the upper clouds"

evidence:-   old text:- Gents Mag 1900
source data:-   image G900B357, button  goto source
Gentleman's Magazine 1900 part 2 p.357  "were tinged with golden sunshine, and by four o'clock I met the cold breeze which at sunrise drives over Dunmail Raise. Past Wythburn the wind became stronger. The waters of Thirlmere dashed in white spouts against its rocky shores; the fells behind Armboth were clear of mist, but only the lower slopes of the mighty Helvellyn could be seen. As I passed into the wider valley, the sunshine seemed to filter through the clouds, and the last five miles to Keswick, which was reached before half-past seven, will always be a pleasing memory. The contrast of mist-hung mountains and sunny green woods and valleys was most striking."

evidence:-   text:- Mason 1907 (edn 1930) 
source data:-   Text book, The Ambleside Geography Books bk.III, The Counties of England, by Charlotte M Mason, published by Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co, Broadway House, 68-74 Carter Lane, and the Parents' Educational Union Office, 26 Victoria Street, London, edn 1930.
MSN1P017.txt
Page 17:-  "..."
"The road to Keswick leads between fells fringed with larch trees, and is bordered by the Rotha river, until we reach Rydal Water,- a fairy mere, with little, green, tree-shaded islands dotted over it, and with mountain shadows, and cloud shadows, and gleaming lights upon its waters. That rock, looking over the little lake, is "Wordsworth"s Seat," and on the slope of the fell is Rydal Mount, which was the home of this "Lake Poet.""
"..."
MSN1P020.txt
Page 20:-  "..."
"The road leads us on by Grasmere, which lies at the foot of Silver How. It is another lovely mere, larger than Rydal, set in a soft green vale, hemmed in by rugged mountains. The grave of Wordsworth is in the village churchyard. Under Helm Crag we go; the vale narrows; the mountains become steep and rugged, with streams of boulders down their slopes; and. presently, we are under "the dark brow of the mighty Helvellyn.""
"..."
MSN1P021.txt
Page 21:-  "..."
"Coming down from Helvellyn, we are again in a "smiling valley," with its beautiful lake - Thirlmere this time, water from which is brought all the way to Manchester."
"At the head of Thirlmere the road turns, and we get a peep down the sweet Vale of St. John's, watered by the Greta river. We round the fells on our left, and Derwent Water and Keswick town lie below; and, farther on, towering Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Water."

evidence:-   old strip map:- CTC 1911 (Roads) 
source data:-   Page 57 of Cyclists' Touring Club British Road Book new series vol.6, edited by F B Sandford, published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, London etc, 1911.
image  click to enlarge
CTC257.jpg
Strip road map, route 21, Keswick Ambleside Windermere, and Kendal, part of Silloth to Kendal, scale roughly 5 miles to 1 inch. 
Together with an itinerary and gradient diagram. 
item:-  JandMN : 491.57
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   gradient diagram:- Watson 1912
source data:-   Gradient diagram, black and white halftone, roads from Keswick, Cumberland, in a guide book, Keswick on Derwentwater, published by George Watson, after 1913.
image  click to enlarge
WT4Gd.jpg
item:-  Keswick Museum : 2145.5
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old map:- Burrow 1920s
source data:-   Road book, On the Road, Dunlop Pictorial Road Plans, volume V, strip maps with parts in Westmorland, Cumberland etc, irregular scale about 1.5 miles to 1 inch, by E J Burrow and Co, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 1920s.
image
EJB3AtoK.jpg
item:-  private collection : 17
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old text:- Burrow 1920s
placename:-  
source data:-   Road book, strip maps with parts in Westmorland, Cumberland etc, irregular scales about 1.5 miles to 1 inch, by E J Burrow and Co, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, 1920s.
"[from Ambleside] Now the road goes almost due north to the long-shaped lake of Thirlmere, at the approach to which is Wythburn village. Close at hand on the right mighty Helvellyn lifts its proud peak 3,118 feet above sea level, the chief of a long backbone of mountains. Thirlmere now serves as a reservoir for Manchester's water supply. Our road runs close beside the lake for its entire length, and then goes across country to Keswick, where lovely Derwentwater is close at hand on the left. ..."

 Act of Parliament

evidence:-   old strip map:- Rumney 1899
source data:-   Road map, strip map, gradient diagram, and itinerary for Route X, The Thirlmere Round, Cumberland, scale about 2 miles to 1 inch, by A W Rumney, published by George Philip and Son, 32 Fleet Street, London, and Liverpool, 1899.
image  click to enlarge
RUM112.jpg
On p.38 of the Cyclist's Guide to the English Lake District, by A W Rumney. 
printed at top:-  "Route X."
item:-  JandMN : 147.13
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old strip map:- Rumney 1899
source data:-   Road map, strip map, gradient diagram, and itinerary for Route I, Kendal to Keswick, Westmorland and Cumberland, scale about 2 miles to 1 inch, by A W Rumney, published by George Philip and Son, 32 Fleet Street, London, and Liverpool, 1899.
image  click to enlarge
RUM103.jpg
On p.14 of the Cyclist's Guide to the English Lake District, by A W Rumney. 
printed at top:-  "Route I."
item:-  JandMN : 147.4
Image © see bottom of page

evidence:-   old print:- Sylvan 1847
item:-  shooting
source data:-   Print, engraving, Dunmaile Raise, Cumberland, published by John Johnstone, Paternoster Row, London, et al, 1847.
image  click to enlarge
SYL137.jpg
On p.151 of Sylvan's Pictorial Guide to the English Lakes. 
printed at bottom:-  "DUNMAILE RAISE."
item:-  Armitt Library : A1201.37
Image © see bottom of page

hearsay:-  
Nathaniel Hawthorne, the american novelist, visited The Lakes, 1855:-
"I had rather travel from Miane to Georgia by rail, than from Grasmere to Windermere by stage coach. ..."

hearsay:-  
The three roads between Ambleside and Grasmere were called 'Old Corruption', 'Bit by Bit Reform' or 'Moderate Reform', and 'Radical Reform' by Dr Arnold who stayed at Fox How.

places:-    Ambleside
 Grasmere
 Dunmail Raise, St John's Castlerigg etc
 Wythburn, St John's Castlerigg etc
 Keswick

places:-  
NY30032068 bridge, St John's Castlerigg etc (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY31062022 milestone, Legburthwaite (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY29052224 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (2) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY31791888 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (4) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY31841581 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (6) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY32341430 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (8) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY30042064 Rough How Bridge (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY27822323 Tollbar Cottage (Keswick)
NY31601730 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (5) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY33390992 Toll Bar Cottage (Lakes)
NY32491305 Wythburn Turnpike (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY27892309 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (7) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY32521271 milestone, St John's Castlerigg etc (9) (St John's Castlerigg and Wythburn)
NY38860137 milestone, Lakes (3) (Lakes) not found
NY37490477 milestone, Ambleside, Lakes (Lakes)
NY37720412 milestone, Ambleside, Lakes (3) (Lakes) gone
NY37970262 milestone, Ambleside, Lakes (4) (Lakes) gone
NY37040542 milestone, Ambleside, Lakes (5) (Lakes) gone
NY33480967 milestone, Lakes (4) (Lakes)
NY33211047 milestone, Lakes (5) (Lakes)
NY32971114 milestone, Lakes (6) (Lakes)
NY34200666 milestone, Grasmere, Lakes (5) (Lakes)
NY34000820 milestone, Grasmere, Lakes (4) (Lakes)
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