Irthington

Ancient parish in Eskdale ward, Cumberland, comprising townships of Irthington, Laversdale, Newby and Newtown.

Acreage:

7,390 acres [2,991 ha], distributed between constituent townships thus: Irthington: 1,038 acres [420 ha]; Laversdale: 3,754 acres [1,519 ha]; Newby: 860 acres [348 ha]; Newtown: 1,738 acres [703 ha]. Commons (3,600 acres [1,457 ha]) enclosed 1781.

Population:

rising from 870 in 1801 to 1,049 by 1841; then declining to 898 in 1871 and 646 in 1931; increased to 841 in 1951 after building of Carlisle airport, then fell back to stand at 712 in 2001.

Landownership:

Irthington was caput of Gilsland until 1335 and descended with barony (see Brampton).

Economy:

predominantly agricultural; brick and tile works at Laversdale Lane End 1830s to late 1860s. Carlisle Airport built for RAF use 1940-1; purchased by Carlisle Corporation 1960 and civil airport opened 1961: limited services and flying training, with extensions and upgrades 1970s-1980s.

Places of worship:

medieval parish church of St Kentigern in Irthington village; restored 1849-53; clock tower added 1896-7. Independent chapel at Newtown recorded 1860; perhaps forerunner of Gospel Hall (so-named 1899) termed Methodist chapel 1924; now converted to private house.

Schools and other institutions:

Irthington village school established 1792; rebuilt 1850; replaced by Board school 1875; now Irthington Village School. Another school taught by curate 1816. School at Laversdale endowed 1790s; rebuilt 1856; closed 1952 and sold to community 1970 for use as village hall. Public hall in Newtown built 1906.