The history of the Lake District

We all know that the Lake District is famous for its beautiful scenery and excellent walking routes, but what, and who, made it the place it is today?

Beyond the pretty views lies a rich history, both socially and geologically. Without this history, the Lake District wouldn’t be anything like the Lake District we know and love.

Formation

The Lake District, physically, is the result of 500 million years of geological processes. 500 million years!
There are many types of rock throughout the area, all with different stories to tell. But we’re focussing on three of the most famous rock groups in the Lake District.

The Skiddaw Group are some of the oldest rocks in the area. These rocks were formed as black muds and sands that settled on the seabed 500 million years ago. Since then, they have raised up and have been crumpled and squeezed to make them the rocks they are today. They are most commonly found in the north of the Lake District.

The Borrowdale Volcanic Group are another popular and historic group of rocks. This group was created by hard lavas and ashes when there were volcanic eruptions 450 million years ago. They make up the Lake District’s craggiest and highest mountains.

The Windermere Group are a bit softer than the other two. Sedimentary mudstones, sandstones, and some limestone formed in the sea roughly 420 million years ago. Between then and now, they have been folded, faulted, pushed up, and eroded. These well-weathered rocks make up the gentler aspects of the local scenery.

Literature

One of the reasons that the Lake District became such a popular spot was because of the admiration it received from famous writers. The ‘celebrities’ of the 19th and 20th Century brought the Lake District into the spot light.

William Wordsworth is one of the most notable writers to be linked to the Lake District. Born and raised in Cockermouth, just outside of the district, Wordsworth had a strong connection with the area and found a lot of inspiration in it. After finishing his studies at Cambridge University, Wordsworth moved to the Lake District in 1799.

However, Wordsworth did not end up alone here. He was joined by poet pals Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. Together, the became known as the Lake Poets. They were part of the wider literary movement, Romanticism which went against the overpowering industrial revolution. They made emotion the chief force of their works, so the pastoral setting of the Lake District was perfect for them

Another famous literary figure who came to the Lake District slightly later, is Beatrix Potter. After years of holidays in the area with her family, and enough money earnt from Peter Rabbit, Potter was able to buy a field in Near Sawrey in 1903. Two years later she bought Hill Top farm and so her life as a farmer began. She worked as a farmer for 30 years of her life, buying more and more farms. When she died in 1943, she left all 14 of her farms and 4000 acres of land to the National Trust.

Tourism

Until the late 18th century, tourism wasn’t a big thing, particularly in the Lake District. Daniel Defoe described it as “the wildest, most barren and frightful of any that I have passed over in England” in 1724. Not the kindest of words!

In 1778 Father Thomas West published “A Guide to the Lakes”, this was followed by another guide by William Wordsworth in 1820. That’s when things really started to get going for the tourism industry in the Lake District.

1847 saw the arrival of a railway in Windermere, which made the area a lot more accessible. It was around this time that the working classes started to enjoy holidays. Improved working conditions led to a shorter working week, increased wages, and paid holidays.

The railways continued to expand, and from the 1960s onwards the roads also improved greatly. More and more people had access to a car, along with rising standard of living, meaning that a holiday to the Lake District was possible.

10 facts about the Lake District

We’re lucky enough to be situated in one of the most beautiful areas in the UK. The Lake district is home to so many wonderful lakes, mountains, and beauty spots. But beyond the good looks, Lake District has some impressive facts and figures.

1.Lake District covers 2,292 square kilometres, a huge amount of space! However, it is not the largest national park in the UK. That title does to Cairngorms which is an incredible 4,528 square kilometres, putting Lake District in second place.

2.It has had national park status since 1951. Until the 19th Century, areas such as Lake District were seen as dangerous; that was until the Romantic poets discovered its beauty and inspiration. It was given its status on the 13th August, and 44 years later the Environment Act was brought in.

3.It is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. It is estimated that the mountain was formed more than 450 million years ago, and on a clear day you can see other peaks in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

4.The largest natural lake in England is also in the Lake District. Lake Windermere is 11 miles long and has 18 wooden islands dotted along the length of it. The largest is called Belle Island, and remains dating back to Roman times have been discovered there.

5.The deepest lake in the area, Wast Water, is 80 metres deep and 3 miles long. In 2012 it made it to national news sites after the infamous underwater gnomes were labelled as a potential risk. Local and visiting divers are known to place garden gnomes in the lake.

6.There’s actually only one official lake, Bassenthwaite Lake as it is the only one to have ‘lake’ in its name. The other lakes are actually ‘waters’, ‘meres’, or ‘tarns’.

7.In 1810 William Wordsworth published “Guide to Lakes”. The famous Romantic poet only wrote the travellers’ guidebook because he needed the money. It was originally published as an anonymous introduction to a book of engravings of the Lake District by Reverend Joseph Wilkinson.

8.There are 14560 archaeological sites and monuments. These include remains of homes from the Bronze Age, ruins of an Abbey built in 1200, and even some rock carvings that are believed to be up to 6,000 years old.

9.Beatrix Potter played a large part in the conservation of Herdwick Sheep. This breed of sheep is domestic to Lake District, and the famous children’s author was involved with keeping and breeding Herdwicks, she was even president of the breed association!

10.The best preserved Roman Fort in the UK is also in the Lake District, it’s called Hardknott fort. The small 3-acre fort was established in the second century AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It was demilitarised in the late 130s and believed to have offered temporary shelter to passing patrols and travellers after that time.

Things to do

With 885 square miles of land and lake to play with, there’s always plenty to do in the Lake District. Regardless of age and ability, the Lake District has different activities suitable for everyone. Whether you’ve packed your hiking boots and waterproofs, or you’ve brought along a wetsuit there will be the activity for you.

Adventure

For those of you who are seeking adventure, the Lake District is the perfect place to visit. Walking, biking, and wild swimming are just three of the many adventure activities you can try out.
There are plenty of walking guides available through the Lake District National Park website. Beginners and advanced walkers can find suitable guides and information on walking in the area, including park rules.

Cycling is also very popular in the area. Regular cycling events are held throughout the year and are, on average, 10 miles long. If you’ve got your own set of wheels that’s fine, but if you need to hire one there are plenty of centres to pick up the perfect bike for your Lake District adventure.

If the land isn’t for you, why not hire a kayak or canoe and get paddling? If you’re new to canoeing, try out a taster session and get a feel for it before you go solo. There are loads of boating centres to hire canoes and kayaks from, so give it a go!

History

The Lake District is steeped in history, and the landscape has been shaped by human actions for thousands of years. People have lived in the Lake District for over 12,000 years – when the last great Ice Age ended.

In the northern area of the district, you can see Mirehouse, a historic home that dates back to 1688. There are also three farmsteads in the area which date from roman times. Each farm contains hit circles and animal pens.

The eastern area is home to Shap Abbey. Now in ruins, this abbey was built around 1200 and housed a thriving monastic community. There are also remains of a 2,000-year-old road built by the Romans. This road linked forts at Brougham and Ambleside.

To the west, we can see Duddon Iron Furnace – the oldest surviving site of its kind in Northern England. Built in 1736, this furnace has recently undergone conservation work. Remains of a Roman bathhouse are also in the west. Walls stand up to 12 feet high and two rooms with doorways and windows survive.

The south region of the Lake District has historic buildings from the industrial revolution and earlier! Stott Park Bobbin Mill made wooden bobbins for the spinning and weaving industries in Lancashire. Whilst the Coniston Copper Mines date back to 1600.

Relax

After a tough few days of adventures and exploring (or watching people do that) it’s time to treat yourself to some total relaxation.

There are many spas across the Lake District, so take an afternoon or even a whole day to visit one and relax. Facials, massages, and other treatments will help you unwind and chill out. Plus, a pedicure is an absolute dream for tired feet after lots of walking.

You could also book yourself in to a yoga session. Join in with a group or have an individual class as you stretch out and feel the calmness of the exercise and the lakes.

The lakes themselves are incredibly relaxing, and having a luxury cruise is one the best ways to enjoy their beauty and make the most of the serene nature surrounding you.