Bassenthwaite

(See also Bassenthwaite Lake)

Bassenthwaite (Bass for short) village sits a mile and a half from the lake of the same name. Skiddaw rises dramatically to the northeast while Grisedale Pike and Whinlatter Pass add to the atmosphere westward. Chapel Beck flows through the village.

Roman and Briton remains in the vicinity highlight the fact that the area was settled here from earliest times. During the 1800's mines in the area were operating, and corn mills and other trades were active.

Highlighted by a village green, the historic cottages are constructed from Lakeland stone. The Pheasant Inn, an old coaching inn, retains its inglenook fireplace. A Methodist chapel, built in 1865, was followed by St John's Church of England in 1878. It replaced the Chapel of Ease that still stands at the crossroads.

The 13^th century Church of St Bega (another name for Saint Bee), restored in 1874, is beside Bassenthwaite Lake, two miles south of the village, and is reached by a trek across fields. In the church is a wrought iron hourglass once used to time sermons. The font, dated c1300, has an octagonal lead-lined bowl. A 14^th century lead crucifix hangs over the pulpit. The church's setting was the inspiration for Tennyson's Morte d'Arthur, written in 1835. He described it thus:

"..to a chapel nigh the field,
A broken chancel with a broken cross,
That stood on a dark straight of barren land,'..

The historic 17^th century manor house, Mirehouse, is close by on Bassenthwaite's eastern shore. Gardens, walks, and original furniture highlight the lived-in family home. The former Dodd sawmill, in Dodd's Wood on the property, is now a teahouse. The wooded area was not original, but was commissioned by Mirehouse's owner in 1790.

Paths lead from the village to circular walks in the vicinity. There are far reaching views from the summits of nearby fells.

Location Map of Bassenthwaite
Bassenthwaite is located 6 miles northwest of Keswick off the A591.

St Bega Church: open all day

Mirehouse
Beside A591, 3½ miles north of Keswick.
Tel. 017687 72287
Open April-end Oct. Gardens and tearoom from 10am-5pm; House on Sun and Wed (also Fri. in August) 2-4:30pm.

Nearby is Birkrigg Common on which sits a prehistoric stone circle. In the estuary is an island, Chapel, with a folly built at the same time as the rebuilding of the Hall. Monks inhabited it in the past. The 175-acre woodland of oak, ash, and cherry tree and the shoreline of Bardsea Country Park with its sand and shingle make for an attractive vista.

Bardsea, called Berretseige in the Domesday Book, is a quiet and scenic village, a pleasant getaway spot.

Photos courtesy of Graeme Dougal

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