Sedgwick

Township in Heversham parish, Kendal ward, Westmorland.

Acreage:

495 acres [200 ha].

Population:

rising from 161 in 1801 to 247 by 1851, then dropping to 194 in 1861 as result of relocation of gunpowder works; rose again to 291 in 1901, then fell back to low of 152 in 1951 before housing development led to increase to 380 by 2001.

Landownership:

held with Sizergh (of which manor it was often termed a ’hamlet’) from 13th century (see Helsington). Wakefield family, bankers and gunpowder manufacturers, acquired large landholding through purchases in 19th century, building Sedgwick House c.1810 (rebuilt 1868-9).

Economy:

largely agricultural until establishment of gunpowder works (‘Old Sedgwick’ works) by John Wakefield 1764; closed 1854 when relocated to 'New Sedgwick’ works on other side of River Kent (see Helsington). New incorporating mill for gunpowder established at Basinghyll 1790; closed 1936. Small-scale quarrying of limestone ‘marble’ 18th and 19th centuries.

Places of worship:

none.

Schools and other institutions:

school for girls near Sedgwick House from c.1820; replaced by new school in village c.1870; closed c.1906 when pupils transferred to Crosscrake school. Village hall/club room built by Wakefield family c. 1870; rebuilt 1889; still in use. Reading room established by 1868.