Waterhead

Township in Lanercost parish, Eskdale ward, Cumberland, enlarged by addition of part of Banks township in 19th century.

Acreage:

4,617 acres [1,868 ha]. Commons enclosed under Lanercost enclosure award 1807.

Population:

rising from 234 in 1801 to 473 in 1831; then declining to 234 by 1901 and 124 by 2001. Inflated to 637 in 1921 by presence of staff and patients at convalescent home.

Landownership:

part of estate of Lanercost Priory (see Burtholme).

Economy:

pastoral farming; afforestation in 20th century. Gilsland Spa, noted for its curative qualities by later 17th century, became popular resort by later 18th century: hotel (The Shaws) established by 1740s; burnt down 1859; replaced by Spa Hotel, built 1859-60; bought by Co-operative Society 1901 and used as convalescent home until 1972; now Gilsland Hall Hotel. Archaeological tourism to Hadrian’s Wall (particularly Birdoswald Roman fort) since 19th century.

Places of worship:

chapel at Tryermaine in 12th century. Church of St Mary Magdalene, serving new ecclesiastical parish of Gilsland, built 1852-4.

Schools and other institutions:

none.