Langdales

Chapelry in Grasmere parish, Kendal ward, Westmorland, covering valleys of Great Langdale and Little Langdale.

Acreage:

9,510 acres [3,849 ha], including extensive unenclosed fell commons totalling 4,994 acres [2,022 ha]. Common field named Langdale High and Low Common Field (77 acres [31 ha]) enclosed 1853.

Population:

around 300 in early 19th century, then rising from 442 in 1841 to peak of 846 in 1901; in range 650-800 across earlier 20th century; stood at 563 in 1971 (last census year for which separate figure available).

Landownership:

Great Langdale was hunting forest in barony of Kendal and descended with Windermere (q.v.). Manor of Baysbrown in Great Langdale granted to Conishead Priory by William de Lancaster; divided after Dissolution. Manor of Little Langdale held by Penningtons of Muncaster from 13th century; enfranchised to tenants c.1692.

Economy:

hill farming. Woollen textiles: two fulling mills recorded 1454; woollen mill at Colwith recorded late 17th century. Iron making at Hackett forge, Little Langdale, established 1620s by conversion of two fulling mills to bloom forge; converted to finery forge c.1711; ceased operation 1760s. Forge at Baysbrown late 17th century. Extensive slate quarrying: by mid-19th century major quarries at Thrang Quarry, near Chapel Stile, and Elterwater (which remains active). Elterwater Gunpowder works established 1824; closed 1928. Langdale Linen Industry (‘arts and crafts’ revival of cottage industry) established 1883; had declined by c.1920. Tourism increasingly important from 19th century; former gunpowder works at Elterwater converted to holiday resort later 20th century.

Places of worship:

chapel of ease in Great Langdale recorded 1571; rebuilt 1753; rebuilt again 1857 as Holy Trinity church; extended 1878. Tradition of early chapel at Chapel Mire in Little Langdale.

Schools and other institutions:

school taught in chapel by curate in early 18th century; two schools recorded 1818. School at Chapel Stile, Great Langdale, built 1824 by Elterwater Gunpowder Company; now Langdale CE Primary School. Little Langdale school built 1865; closed 1965. Langdale Institute, founded 1891, included billiard and reading rooms and library. Mission room at Chapel Stile by 1897; now Langdale village hall.