(DOWNLOAD) "Exploring Cumbrian History" by Philip Nixon # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Exploring Cumbrian History
- Author : Philip Nixon
- Release Date : January 21, 2011
- Genre: Europe,Books,Travel & Adventure,History,Europe,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 57565 KB
Description
Exploring Cumbrian History would seem to be the next natural step in the Exploring Series of books. It means that the whole of the very north of England is covered. Cumbria is a large county formed from the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, part of North Lancashire and part of North Yorkshire. It also contains the Lake District National Park which was formed in 1951 and is the biggest in Britain. The county is bordered on the south by Lancashire, on the west by Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland and on the north by Scotland the eastern border is the Irish Sea. It has an absolute wealth of history.
Early settlers have left their mark on the county and there are several stone circles, such as Castlerigg and Swinside and many fascinating ancient camp remains such as King Arthur’s Round table near Penrith. The Romans have left some unique sites and remains - a bathhouse, a bridge and several impressive forts such as the spectacular remains at the top of Hardnott Pass. Saxon and Viking remains include the famous cross and church at Bewcastle. The rich variety of churches built throughout the county demand further investigation– no two are the same - everyone of them has something special and of course the priories, abbeys and churches reflect the struggle between the Celtic and Roman beliefs of the early days.
Magnificent castles feature in the book – such as Brough Castle, Brougham Castle, Levens Hall, Greystoke and Rose Castle- the home of the Bishops of Carlisle. Towers and fortified houses are well represented in the County and many still stand as a reminder of Cumbria’s involvement in the Border Wars. Farming and sheep have a great history (there are over 3 million sheep in Cumbria!) Fishing was once a great industry and together with iron ore, slate, lead and gypsum mining provided a living for many Cumbrians.
Notable inhabitants like Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and Lady Anne Clifford have all left their mark on the history of the County, and to bring the story into the 20th century the nuclear power station at Sellafield provides the ideal subject.
Carlisle, of course, has a long and varied history – it developed as a crucial Border City from early days – its special position in Britain has seen it bear the brunt of much violence and many battles-and yet its Cathedral is probably one of the most peaceful and tranquil religious buildings in the Cumbria. The position of Carlisle also brought with it many the advantages and consequences of the Industrial Revolution that have influenced its development into a modern and vibrant Border City.
Cumbria, an intriguing county - with its rich tapestry of historical subject matter woven against the background of its wonderfully varied landscape can’t fail to inspire and endlessly fascinate.