Salter and Eskett

Extra-parochial township in Allerdale above Derwent ward, Cumberland. Absorbed into Lamplugh CP 1934.

Acreage:

638 acres [258 ha].

Population:

said to be only 4 farms and 5 families in 1829. Population in range 35-45 until 1860s, then rose rapidly to 196 in 1881 with development of iron-ore mines and quarries; remained high until 1920s (166 in 1921) but dropped as industries declined, to stand at 64 in 1931 (last census year for which separate figure available).

Landownership:

granted to St Bees Priory in 12th century; purchased after Dissolution by Dr Leigh, subsequently passing to Salkeld, Patrickson, Robertson, Fryer and Dickinson families.

Economy:

extensive limestone quarrying, lime-burning and iron ore mining from mid-19th century to later 20th: Eskett Pit, other mines and quarries recorded 1865; Salter Hall Quarry closed 1926 (now flooded); Eskett Quarry (limestone) remains open.

Places of worship:

none.

Schools and other institutions:

none.