Historic Houses and Buildings

Cumbria’s earliest buildings were constructed of timber. In the late 17^th and early 18^th century timber-framed farmhouses were rebuilt in stone. Many farmhouses and mansions grew up around the defensive towers (pele towers) built in times when Scottish raids were commonplace in the countryside. Thus there is a mix of Jacobean, Georgian, and Victorian architecture in many of the houses that originated in the middle ages. Levens and Sizergh are good examples. Dalemain is largely 18^th century with earlier parts. 19^th century houses, built on a grand scale, did not need to worry about defense. Some of Cumbria’s houses are famous because of their association with well-known people. Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop house and Wordsworth’s Dove cottage are examples.

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