Long Marton

Ancient parish in East ward, Westmorland, including townships of Long Marton, Brampton and Knock.

Acreage:

6,947 acres [2,811 ha], distributed between constituent townships thus: Long Marton: 1,757 acres [711 ha]; Brampton: 1,628 acres [659 ha]; Knock: 3,562 acres [1,442 ha]. Brampton Common enclosed 1772; commons in Long Marton (c.500 acres [c.200 ha]) and stinted pasture called Marton Park (c.500 acres [c.200 ha]) enclosed 1809; Knock Common (3,181 acres [1,287 ha]) enclosed 1823.

Population:

rising from under 600 in early 19th century to lie in range 750-820 from 1830s to 1871; fell back to 585 by 1901; in range 600-700 across 20th century; stood at 704 in 2001.

Landownership:

manor of Marton held by Veteriponts in 13th century, passing to Cliffords, then to Holland family. Held by Gray family in 15th century but in Crown hands by 1526-7; subsequently passed to Lowthers. Manor of Brampton: held by barons of Greystoke (q.v.) from early 14th century until 1422, when it passed to Lancaster family. Divided between three co-heiresses in 16th century; one third subsequently acquired by earl of Thanet; remainder sold to tenants. Manor of Knock Shalcock: held by Boyville family in 14th century, later passing to Rookby, Soulby and Lancaster families before coming to lords of barony of Appleby (q.v.) by 19th century.

Economy:

Long Marton and Brampton townships predominantly agricultural. Lead mining in Knock township from 17th century; smelt mill by Knock Ore Gill from before 1739 to c.1785. Quarrying and lime-burning on Knock Fell 19th century. Tourism from later 20th century.

Places of worship:

medieval parish church of St Margaret and St James; restored 1880. Anglican services held at Knock school in 1880s. Mission room built 1906. Wesleyan Methodist chapels at Long Marton (built 1818; no longer in use), Espland Hill, Brampton (built 1834; rebuilt 1866; closed by 1998) and Knock (built 1840; rebuilt 1873).

Schools and other institutions:

parish school near church endowed 1824; built by subscription 1833; enlarged 1900; replaced by modern building in village; now Long Marton Community School. School in Knock recorded 1885. Former railway station used by North Salford High School, Manchester, as centre for school holiday outings in 1980s; sold 1993. Library established 1858. Long Marton Parish Institute built 1893-4; still in use as village hall. Brampton Institute and Parish Reading Room built 1922.