Armathwaite

Armathwaite, a small village of a few sandstone houses, sits on the banks of the river Eden in a wooded depression. Its name means the clearing of the hermit. The scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line runs through the village.

The chapel of Christ and Mary, a small chamber, was rebuilt in the 17^th century. It has stained glass windows from the William Morris company. The Eden Valley Woollen Mill in the village is open to visitors.

Crossing the river is a sandstone bridge from which Armathwaite castle, former home of Henry VIIIs poet laureate, John Skelton, is visible. The house, on the rivers west bank, is a four storey fortified pele tower with a Georgian façade added later.

Location Map of Armathwaite
Armathwaite is on minor roads off the B6413 in the east and High Hesket on the A6 in the west.

Photos courtesy Andy Wallace

© 1997-2008 by The Cumbria Directory. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from The Cumbria Directory is prohibited.