Matthew Emmott

1066 was a particularly bad year for the English. The country went through three kings, and by the morning of October 15th 1066, was under Norman rule. Edward the Confessor, who had ruled since 1042, stated on his death bed that Harold, the Earl of Wessex, should be king when he died. The crown passed to Harold in January of 1066 when Edward finally passed away.

Kendal Castle is Kendal town's third major fortified site (not including pele towers and lesser mottes) The first site was the Roman fort at Watercrook on the edges of the town. The second site was the motte and bailey castle of Castle Howe......and the third and most impressive is the castle itself.

Holy Trinity: Our next port of call is the Parish church of Holy Trinity in Kirkland. Exit the yard, and turn right, heading into Kirkland. You can't miss the church, as it sits on the corner of the road, set back behind some ornate gates. There are three great views to be had of the exterior of this fine building. The first view is through the gates, with the grassed area (once almost a village green with stocks and a may pole) The second view is approaching from the right hand side, through the Parish Hall car park. This view really demonstrates the length of the church, and affords some great views of the hundreds of gargoyles that protrude from the eaves. The third view is to be had from the river side walk, showing off to great effect, the impressive width of the church. It's interesting to note here, that the Parish Church of Holy Trinity is only around seven feet narrower than York Minster, making it probably the second, or third (depending on who you speak to) widest parish church in England!!

Have you been to church recently? If you have, then you're one of possibly thousands that flock to Kendal's churches every Sunday or whenever there's a service at your chosen place of worship. If you haven't, then I'd recommend that you do. I'm not trying to boost the congregations of any of Kendal's many churches, nor am I evangelising..I'm just saying..go to church!!! You'll be amazed at the rich heritage that Kendal holds in these many and varied buildings. There are a number of chapels and churches spread around the town.some are plain to see when we're travelling to work or out shopping, others are hidden down yards and alleys. Some are fairly recent additions to Kendal's rich architectural heritage, others older and have many stories to tell.

The Webster firm of Kendal - by a casual observer...

Poulton-le-Sands Heritage festival: the battle of Morecambe beach head..10th September 2005?

Travelling out towards Kirkby Stephen, and turning onto the B6259 to Nateby, takes you into the beautiful valley of Mallerstang. Within this valley, and from the surrounding Wild Boar Fell and Black Fell Moss, two becks, Red Gill and Little Grain join forces to form Hell Gill Beck. After flowing gently over the open moorland that is so typical of this part of the county, and over Hell Gill Force waterfall, the beck becomes a fully fledged river..the river Eden. The river, for much the length of the valley, winds alongside the road, both vying for space at the bottom of the valley.

My next port of call was the fort of Mediobogdum at the summit of Hardknott Pass. I'd never driven over Wrynose or Hardknott before, so was in for a pleasant, although rather hairy surprise.

Most people know that the Romans came, saw and conquered most of the British Isles. Most people are aware of the grand design that is Hadrian's Wall, surviving today as an ancient monument, visited each year by thousands of tourists. But how many people have ventured out to Ambleside to visit the Roman fort there, or the fort perched atop Hardknott Pass?