Dalston Cumbria and its Lake District.

Dalston village south-west of Carlisle Cumbria

Dalston

Dalston was as much a result of the growth of the cotton and flax industries in the past as its continued viability as a village today is a spillover from the growth of Carlisle. Its proximity to the river Caldew provided power for four cotton and one flax mill. A forge and two corn mills added to the industrial mix. Today a Nestle factory uses the rivers power. Riverside and old millstream walks make for pleasant outdoor activity. Herons, kingfishers and other birds are often spotted. Woodland walks highlight the many oak trees growing in the area.

Dalston has a large village green set off by Georgian houses, a red brick Victorian chapel and a church, St Michael. The red sandstone church dates back to the 13^th century, but in its present form is mid 18^th century with further restoration in the late 1890s. The lych gate is more modern.

The west wall is still medieval, and the tower part of a Norman doorway remains on the south side. Theres a gabled priests doorway and lancet windows with round rere-arches (the inner arch of the window is different from the outer side). The carved oak font cover was done by Robert Lorimer and is based on the four traditional elements.

The list of vicars in Dalston began in AD 1196 with Archdeacon Americ the Best. He was presented by King Richard and confirmed by King John. There are two bishops of Carlisle buried in the churchyard.

Red sandstone Dalston Hall, now a hotel, began as a 16^th century three storey turreted tower house with five foot thick walls. In the 17^th century a wing with mullioned windows and decorated water spouts was added. It was here that Musgrave Watson, a sculptor, was born. He worked on Nelsons column in Trafalgar Square. Its said the ghost of a Victorian handyman haunts the grounds at night. Another ghost, Lady Jane, who is dressed in the Tudor style, roams the interior. A couple of the rooms are supposedly haunted as well. A barrow and a Roman camp once stood in the grounds.

Dalston prides itself on its show of blooms in the spring and summer. An agricultural show in August honours the surrounding dairy farms.

Location Map Dalston
Dalston is on the B5299, four miles south-west of Carlisle.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Ballard

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