Appleby-in-Westmoreland, England

 

Introduction

This morning, I am reporting on a recent visit to Appleby-in-Westmoreland.

Information on on the trip and the market town of Appleby.

Key rehearsals:

  • Appleby probably has its origins as a settlement by incoming Norwegians in the late 1st millennium AD. 
  • Location is about 50 miles south of the Anglo-Scottish border in NW England.
  • After the Norman-French conquest of England in 1066 the Normans built a stone keep (castle) on high ground for defensive purposes. This dates from the 12th century.
  • Population is about 3,200.

I travelled by train from Carlisle which entailed passing through rolling, lush green landscapes populated with cattle,sheep and arable farms.

On arrival I walked down into the town then availed of a coffee in a delightful, quaint coffee shop and then proceeded to explore.

It transpires the original village was built by the Normans with defense in mind. The linear layout is relatively short with narrow access points.

In 1388 the Norman church of St Lawrence was badly damaged by Scots. This was probably linked to the Scottish Wars of Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. In these times churches doubled up as community centres and places of refuge.

St Lawrence Church 


Here is the castle,which is located at opposite end of the town to the church.The building is in good condition and used for accommodation and weddings. 

Here is background information on the castle.

  

Here are St. Anne's Hospital Almshouses. These date from the 17th century and are not connected with the modern use of the term 'hospital'. In fact they are an early form of social housing being dedicated to provision of accommodation for elderly widows, a function which continues today.  


 Market Square

Appleby developed as a market town for sale of produce from surrounding area.There are two tall crosses at either end of the town which delineate the market boundary, High Cross was the butter and cheese market whilst livestock and meat were sold near the low Cross. Low Cross image at top of the post, High Cross is below.

High Cross 


 More images of Appleby


  

Bobbin Mill suggests past involvement in the textile industry. 


 

British Legion (veterans).

 


 
Grocery Store
 

U.S.A. Connection

In the 18th century, Appleby Grammar School had a very high reputation for classical education. Both George Washington's father and two half brothers were educated at Appleby. George Washington himself was scheduled to attend the same school (travelling from Virginia) but this was thwarted by the sudden death of George's father in 1743.

Appleby is close to the popular English Lake District.


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