Local Information
The Helm "Walks with a view to remember"
Just a short stroll from The Glen you will find "The Helm" which is a prominent hill where you are welcome to wander on foot and enjoy the views, choose one of the many paths and tracks depending on your energy levels.
If you wander across the middle of the helm you will come to a small tarn. This was dug out in the 1950s for fishing.It is now a haven for wildlife, such as ducks,dragonflies and newts.
At the top known as Castlesteads hill fort the views are outstanding, from Morecambe Bay right over the lake district fells.You can also look down over Natland, Oxenholme and Kendal.
On a clear day you feel on top of the world!
A Short History of Kendal
The Largest town in Cumbria and the administrative centre of the county, Kendal in the Lake district and its people have a rich and varied history. The earliest records show records of Kentdale being granted to Ivo de Taillebois by William Rufus in 1007. In 1189 the Barony of kendal was granted to Gilbert Fitz-Reinfred and the town was granted a Saturday market day by King Richard the I.
Around this time, many English border towns were subject to attack by the Scots and Kendal was no exception. These raids led to the building of Kendal castle. King John visited the castle in 1206 as a guest of Gilbert Fitz-Reinfred, but some 9 years later Gilbert rose with other Barons against the King and forced the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.
In 1331, John Kemp of Flanders settled in Kendal, bringing with him his weaving expertise. He taught others untill the prosperity of the whole town was based on the making of Kendal Green cloth which was worn by English Archers. At the height of wool trade, 300 packhorse left Kendal every week laden for all parts, even London some 270 miles away. This trade gave the town its motto of "Pannus Mihi Panis" which translates as "Wool is my bread".
Probably the most famous resident of Kendal castle was Katherine Parr, The last of Henry the VIII's 6 wives, Who was born in the castle in the year 1512. A year later the famous Kendal bowmen fought in the battle of Flodden Field.
The skills of the Kendal archers have also been documented at other battles, notably Crecy and Agincourt. In 1553, the castle was partially destroyed on Royal order, but later Queen Elizabeth I reinstated the natural heir, the Marquis of Northampton. After his death, the Barony returned to the crown and since 1784 the title has been connected with the Earl of Lonsdale.
Although the cloth trade has died out since medieval times, Kendal is still well known for K shoes, Snuff and the famous Kendal Mint cake. This is particularly popular with mountaineers as a convenient energy source in severe weather conditions.
In spite of modern developments, Kendal has remained true to its character of a working town, with a lively market and a broad range of shops, inns, restaurants and hotels that are mostly late Georgian. Among the many attractions are the ruins of the Castle, to which the public has free access and Abbot hall at the south end of the town. Also worth a visit is Kendal parish church. It is the largest in England and is somewhat unusual as it has five aisles.
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Kendal - Cumbria © 2010 The Glen