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| Businesses in Kirkby Lonsdale | Towns and Villages of Cumbria | |
Kirkby Lonsdale Cumbria the Lake DistrictKirkby Lonsdale
The three-arched Devil's Bridge got its name from an old tale, in which the devil
was outsmarted. Supposedly built by the Devil (but most likely by the monks), a widow needed to
use the bridge to reach her cow on the other side. Like many other towns in the area, the Romans, Danes, Saxons and Normans all left their mark. 'Cockpit Hill', a large mound, is thought to be the first place settled in the area. Kirkby Lonsdale goes back as far as the Domesday Book of 1086. It received its market charter in 1227 from King Henry III. Markets, originally held in the churchyard, still take place on Thursdays in the market square. Buildings, many of grey stone, reflect a number of styles and periods, among them 17th and 18th century ones. The town is largely unspoiled with many shops and white flower bedecked homes, narrow streets, and yards. The Queen Elizabeth School was built in 1591. Kirkby Lonsdale's gardens have won the "Britain in Bloom" national award three times.
Riverside and country walks, outstanding views, great shopping and friendly people-all abound in Kirkby Lonsdale, a little Cumbrian gem. Location Map of Kirkby Lonsdale Photos courtesy of Ian Hardman, John Botterill, David Thirsk at the official Kirkby Lonsdale Town site © 1997-2010 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. |
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In Cumbria's southeast corner, between the
Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale sits in an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Among its attractions are the medieval Devil's Bridge (a
scheduled ancient monument) over the River Lune and 'Ruskin's View'. The famous watercolourist,
J. M. Turner (1175-1851) painted landscapes in the area, the best known of which is 'Ruskin's
View', named for John Ruskin, a Lake District poet, painter, and social critic. After viewing
Turner's painting, he 
was quoted as saying, "I do not know in
all my own country. . . . . a place more naturally divine." The viewpoint, a mile out of the
town, overlooks the Vale of Lune, Ingleborough, Casterton Fell and Barbon Fell.
The Devil's payment was the possession of
the first soul to cross the bridge. The widow had her dog cross the bridge, thus ruining the
Devil's plan to acquire her soul. The walk to the bridge is sign-posted from the town square.
The parish church of St Mary (1090-1130) still
retains its Norman arcade and arched doorway, and both its south and north aisles run the length
of the church. The western tower was constructed in 1705. Inside are many monuments and stained
glass. In particular note the east window.
The first weekend in September citizens go
all out with a Victorian Fair. They dress in period costumes, and a Victorian street atmosphere
with entertainment, vendors, and demonstrations take place during this lively event. Sheepdog
trials are held nearby.