Subberthwaite

Township in Ulverston parish, Lonsdale hundred, Lancashire North of the Sands. Merged with Blawith to form Blawith and Subberthwaite CP 1986.

Acreage:

1,236 acres [500 ha] in two parts: Lower Subberthwaite (397 acres [160 ha]), covering Stennerley and Gawthwaite, separated from rest by Gawthwaite Moor and Combs (330 acres [134 ha]), moorland intercommoned with Lowick.

Population:

rising from 90 in 1801 to peak of 163 in 1831; remaining at c.150 until 1880s, then falling to 70 in 1981 (last census year for which separate figure available).

Landownership:

part was held of manor of Broughton in Furness (q.v.) but Subberthwaite was termed a manor in 1769-70.

Economy:

farming; blue slate quarrying: extensive quarry at Gawthwaite Moor from early 19th century to mid-20th.

Places of worship:

mission room at Gawthwaite (also used as reading room) built 1868; closed later 20th century and converted to dwelling.

Schools and other institutions:

school said to have been founded c.1778 but appears not to have survived.