Preston Patrick

Township in Burton-in-Kendal ancient parish, Kendal ward, Westmorland.

Acreage:

3,657 acres [1,480 ha]; act to enclose commons (estimated at 1,800 acres [c.725 ha]) 1814, but no award known.

Population:

rising from 335 in 1801 to 514 by 1851; surge to 782 in 1891; then around 450 in early 20th century, falling to 293 in 1981; rose again to stand at 438 in 2001.

Landownership:

manor of Preston Patrick held by Thomas son of Gospatrick, ancestor of Curwens of Workington, in late 12th century. Suffix ‘Patrick’ records ownership by his son Patrick de Culwen or Curwen. Part granted to Premonstratensian house founded at Preston Patrick c.1191, which moved to Shap. Former Shap Abbey lands granted by James I to Philip Lord Wharton; sold in 1730 to Robert Lowther, descending to earls of Lonsdale. Remainder of manor descended through Preston family and were sold to Francis Charteris of Hornby Castle 1717.

Economy:

farming; bobbin manufacture at Park End and extensive bleach works at Gatebeck in mid-19th century. Gunpowder manufacture at Gatebeck from 1852 to 1936, with associated hoop-making and cooperage, linked by tramway (opened 1876; closed 1936) to Milnthorpe station.

Places of worship:

medieval chapel of ease of St Gregory recorded 1331; made parochial 1701; replaced by St Patrick’s Church on same site, built 1852. Quaker meeting house built 1691; rebuilt 1869; in use.

Schools and other institutions:

curate taught school in early 18th century. School built by public subscription 1780; rebuilt 1869; closed 1949. Memorial Hall built 1923 as reading room and for social and public gatherings.