Cliburn

Ancient parish in West ward, Westmorland. Detached portion of parish at Winderwath was transferred to Brougham CP 1935.

Acreage:

1,890 acres [758 ha], including detached portion at Winderwath (503 acres [204 ha]). Approximately 603 acres [c. 244 ha] of common land enclosed 1820 and common field at Cliburn Ling (72 acres [29 ha]) enclosed 1867.

Population:

rising from 157 in 1801 to 367 in 1861 (attributed to workers laying railway line), then falling gradually to 204 in 2001.

Landownership:

manor of Cliburn comprised two divisions: Cliburn Talebois and Cliburn Hervey, named after their owners; subsequently held as one manor by Cliburn family from 15th century until sold 1654. Manor and demesne bought from Edward Lee by Sir John Lowther 1667 and descended in that family. Detached portion at Winderwath was separate estate, passing from Cliffords to Thomas Braithwaite before 1612; it then passed to Wyvill family who held it from before 1658 until they sold it 1787 to Hasells of Dalemain, who held it until mid-19th century.

Economy:

predominantly agricultural: lands said to be ‘dry, sandy and barren’ in later 17th century.

Places of worship:

medieval parish church of St Cuthbert; restored 1849, followed by major restoration 1886-7. Medieval chapel at Winderwath (recorded 1343). Methodist chapel built 1852; closed 1974; converted to dwelling.

Schools and other institutions:

free school endowed 1807; school built 1809, then rebuilt on new site 1877; closed 1983. Original school building used as reading room until Second World War. Village hall (a building relocated from Haweswater where it had been used for workers building dam) replaced by new village hall, opened 2002.