Papcastle

Township in Bridekirk parish, Allerdale below Derwent ward, Cumberland.

Acreage:

1,240 acres [502 ha]; reduced to 1,108 acres [448 ha] after loss of the Goat area, beside River Derwent, to Cockermouth UD 1934. Papcastle and Dovenby commons (totalling 262 acres [106 ha]) enclosed 1842.

Population:

rising from 283 in 1801 to 736 in 1861, as result of industrial growth at Goat; then declining to 549 in 1931 (last census year before boundary change). Reduced CP, containing village of Papcastle, grew from 266 in 1951 to 449 in 1971; stood at 406 in 2001.

Landownership:

site of Roman fort of DERVENTIO said to have been caput of Allerdale barony before Cockermouth (q.v.) in 12th century. Manor of Papcastle descended with barony until mid-16th century, when it was bought by William, Baron Dacre of Gilsland. In Crown hands after attainder of Leonard Dacre in 1571; sold to Lamplughs of Dovenby Hall by the early 17th century and descended with Dovenby (q.v.) the

Economy:

Goat took its name from mill-race (Old English gota = watercourse), suggesting early industrial activity. Flax weaving started early 19th century at Goat mills, developing to major enterprise by Harris family at Derwent Mill, built 1834; closed 1934; used as shoe factory from 1940 to 1990. Other industrial activity at Goat in 20th century included James Walker’s (gasket manufacturers) and other small industrial units.

Places of worship:

chapel of St Osyth (location unknown) recorded 1475-1521; Anglican mission church built in village 1875; closed 2002.

Schools and other institutions:

day school planned for new mission 1877, but never opened. Reading room, now village hall, opened 1895.