Nichol Forest

Chapelry and township in Kirkandrews-upon-Esk parish, Eskdale ward, Cumberland.

Acreage:

8,497 acres [3,439 ha]. Nether Common enclosed 1761; Liddel Common (1,400 acres [567 ha]) enclosed 1810.

Population:

rising from 668 in 1801 to 907 by 1831; then steady decline (apart from temporary inflation to 1,216 in 1861 when Waverley railway line under construction) to 318 by 1971; rose again to 386 in 2001.

Landownership:

part of barony of Liddel (see Kirkandrews Moat Quarter).

Economy:

predominantly livestock farming until 20th century. Lime burning and quarrying in 19th century. Industrial camp built at Kershopefoot 1931 to aid long term unemployed return to work; became forestry base for Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit in Second World War; then local Forestry Commission office 1955-85. Large-scale coniferous afforestation from mid-20th century.

Places of worship:

chapel at Nicholforest recorded 1663; rebuilt 1678 and again 1726; rebuilt on new site at Kingfield 1817; rebuilt completely 1866-67. Small nonconformist chapel at Draught Sike late 19th century.

Schools and other institutions:

schoolmaster licensed to teach in chapel 1663. Endowed school recorded 1829. School at Warwicksland rebuilt 1870; closed 1989. School at Nookgate in mid-19th century. Wooden hut at Scuggate (known as ‘Border Hall’) served as village hall until replaced by wooden village hall (Nicholforest Hall) at Penton 1962; rebuilt 1964.