button to main menu  Clarke's Survey of the Lakes, 1787

button title page
button previous page button next page
Page 99:-
time of popery,) the churches in these parts (or most of them) were built in the remotest and most obscure part of the parishes: this was done, to the end that their enemies might not so easily find them, as they were often most sought for, being generally the richest prizes, containing the reliques and plate; and at this day, when we have a war with a Popish kingdom, our sailors make no objection to landing upon their coasts, and piously visiting a few of their churches. The church is dedicated to St Bridget, and the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle are appropriators and patrons.
  Mirehouse
We now approach Mire-House, so called, I apprehend, from its being situated behind a bog or mire. This bog, along with other lands at the division of the common, was allotted to Thomas Storey, Esq; who hath drained and planted it with oak, ash, fir, &c. The trees in general thrive very well, and will in a short time take away the gloomy view of the barren mountain Ullock, (to use Mr Gray's word,) one of Skiddow's cubs, from the house, and Skiddow will be seen over their lofty tops piercing the clouds.
Mr West called Armathwaite, (Mr Spedding's,) the Queen of the vale; but never saw the king, or names him, (viz. Mire-House.) Mr Pennant passed it unnoticed; Mr Gray and Mr Hutchinson the same; how then dare I recommend its situation? By telling the reader, that behind the house, and towards the water, it has the richest pastures, and most fertile ground; that it is near the head of the Lake, and fronts downwards, and has the best view of the vale of Bassenthwaite, on account of its elevated situation; that it is a modern built house with two wings, and from a bow-window in one of them is the best perspective view in all this part; indeed not so fine a sheet of water before it as Armathwaite, but a far better view of the bays and peninsulas of the Lake, Wythop-Brows, &c. I cannot paint to the reader all the advantages of view Mire-House has, unless I were determined to dedicate a whole volume to that purpose. Let the traveller, however, be witness to the beauties of the place, and the hospitality of its worthy owner.
  Brownholme
Crossing a rivulet that runs past Mire_house, and falls down Heysom-Gill, we leave Bassenthwaite, and enter the parish of Crossthwaite and manor of Brundum, commonly here called Under-Skiddow, the manor of Edward Hassell, Esquire. It here follows a little hollow up Ullock, (but not Heysom-Gill,) to the top of Skiddow, and from thence runs to Glenderatera before named, (which divides it from Threlkeld,) and so down to the Greeta to Derwent. This manor was mostly customary, till lately, when many have purchased their estates to freehold, the lord reserving the royalties; and the whole have now an offer of enfranchising, which they are likely to accept.
  Lyzzick Hall
Travelling along a very pleasant road under the mountains on the left, and entering Dancing-Gate we come to Lisick-Hall, the estate of John Fisher, Esq; part of the manor of Brundum, but lately purchased free. It is most delightfully situated for a Summer's view of the vale of Keswick on both sides of the Derwent, but stands very bleak, and much exposed to the South winds; but the owner hath planted several Scots and other firs to make it a comfortable Winter's habitation. Passing along this road, towards Keswick, are many pleasant villages, (see plate VIII.) where several gentlemen take up lodgings in the Summer time, and pitch Marquees to enjoy the beauties of this place.
  Mr Gray
Nothing now remains, but to account for the silence of Mr Gray concerning this beautiful spot, which is easily done. When Mr Gray was at Keswick, he was desirous of seeing the back of Skiddow, and accordingly took chaise to Ouzebridge, thinking to have a view of the precipices by the way. Timidity, however, prevailed over curiosity, so far, that he no sooner came within sight of those awful rocks than he put up the blinds of his carriage: In this dark situation, trembling every moment lest the mountains should "fall and cover him," he travelled to Ouzebridge: he thus avoided see-
ing,
gazetteer links
button -- "Lisick Hall" -- Lyzzick Hall
button -- "Mire House" -- Mirehouse
button -- "Skiddow" -- Skiddaw
button -- St Bega's Church
button -- "Brundrum" -- Underskiddaw
button next page

button to main menu Lakes Guides menu.