Stainton

Chapelry and township in Heversham parish, Kendal ward, Westmorland.

Acreage:

1,735 acres [702 ha]

Population:

in range 350-400 across 19th century, then declining to 249 in 1971; rising again to stand at 301 in 2001.

Landownership:

passed by marriage of Helen daughter of Anselm de Furness to Ralph Deincourt of Sizergh in early 13th century; descended with Sizergh to Stricklands who held it until 1674, when Sir Thomas Strickland enfranchised the tenants.

Economy:

predominantly agricultural. Mills on St Sunday’s Beck: Halfpenny Mill (flax by mid-19th century; later uses: coconut matting, paper and sweet manufacture; closed early 20th century); Low Bridge (bobbin making, 1825 to c.1865); Stainton (woollen cloth by mid-19th century; closed 1925); and Stainton Cross (flax until 1886).

Places of worship:

medieval chapel of ease at Crosscrake, recorded 13th century; said 1717 to have been ruinous and unused for many years; rebuilt 1773; replaced by church of St Thomas 1874-5 (tower removed 1963-4). Independent chapel built 1698; closed 2007.

Schools and other institutions:

chapel used as school (recorded 1692 and 1733-1755). School rebuilt 1828; enlarged 1905; remodelled 1973; now Crosscrake CE Primary School.