Nateby

Township in Kirkby Stephen parish, East ward, Westmorland .

Acreage:

2,195 acres [888 ha], including 705 acres [285 ha] of unenclosed fell common.

Population:

in range 100-140 in first half of 19th century; inflated to 222 in 1871, probably as result of railway construction; stood at c.170 from 1881 to First World War, then declined to stand at 110 in 2001.

Landownership:

held by de Hastings family from 14th to 16th centuries, after which it passed to Whartons. Sold to Robert Lowther 1728 and descended to earls of Lonsdale.

Economy:

farming; quarrying and lime-burning in 19th century. Lead and coal mining on Nateby Common in 19th century.

Places of worship:

Congregational chapel built 1875; remains in use as Methodist chapel.

Schools and other institutions:

school recorded 1818. Board school for Nateby and Wharton built 1877; closed 1970; then used as village hall until 1990; converted to dwelling.