Hesket Newmarket

Although Hesket Newmarket's name is derived from the Old Norse "eski" (a place overgrown with ash trees) and Old English "heafod" (head or hill)-the "newmarket" having been tacked on later-it is the Hesket Newmarket Brewery and pub that define the village today. The Brewery, located at the top of the Old Crown's garden, means the beer doesn't have far to travel before being served. The beers are CAMRA award winners, and their names honour the local fells: Skiddaw Special Bitter, Blencathra Bitter, Old Carrock Strong Ale, and Great Cockup Porter. Then there are the unusual ones like Pigs Might Fly and Doris's 90^th Birthday.

This is an area popular with walkers and climbers, and a local challenge, "The Old Crown Round", sees walkers and runners ascending Skiddaw, Blencathra, Carrock, and Great Cockup-all within 20 hours. The Reivers Cycle route runs through the village.

A market cross on the five acre village green-a wide grassed area running up the village centre-attests to the fact that a market, the charter granted in the 18^th century, was once held on Fridays. Cattle and sheep fairs were also part of the local scene. In September, an agricultural show carries on the tradition with wrestling, horses, ponies, hounds and terriers.

Approximately 40 houses, mostly of the 18^th century, and a combination post office/
tearoom/shop lie on either side of the green.

Heskett Hall, built c1630 by Sir Wilfrid Lawson, is of architectural interest with its gabled wings, mullioned bays, swagged urns and finials. A central chimney protrudes from a pyramidal roof.

Although there is no traditional village church, a Free Church serves the people.

Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins visited Hesket Newmarket in 1857. The purpose of the trip was to gather material for an article, The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices, which Dickens planned to publish in his magazine, Household Words.

Sitting in Allerdale, Hesket Newmarket, on the west side of the river Caldew, offers walking, good beer, and countryside views.

Location Map of Hesket Newmarket
Hesket Newmarket is located 1½ miles from Caldbeck, on the northern edge of the Lake District National park.

Photos courtesy of Graeme Dougal and Julian Thurgood

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