Greysouthen

Township in Brigham parish, Allerdale above Derwent ward, Cumberland.

Acreage:

1,646 acres [666 ha] including 500 acres [202 ha] of common moor, enclosed 1826.

Population:

rising from 455 in 1801 to peak of 758 by 1861; dropped back from 690 in 1881 to 490 in 1901 as result of closure of coal mines. Stood at 508 in 2001.

Landownership:

one of the Five Towns in honour of Cockermouth (q.v.); ownership divided between several free tenants by 16th century.

Economy:

farming and coal mining. Mining recorded by 1720s; five collieries by mid-19th century. In decline by 1880s: Melgramfitz Pit closed 1886. Linen thread manufacture at Oldfield Mill (steam-powered flax mill) in early/mid-19th century.

Places of worship:

Quaker meeting house built 1742; closed 1871. Wesleyan Methodist chapel built 1833; closed later 20th century and converted to dwelling.

Schools and other institutions:

voluntary school built c.1838; enlarged c.1900; closed c.1971. Village hall (Joseph Harris Memorial Hall) built later 19th century. Public garden (commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s silver jubilee) opened 1977.