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The traditional villages of Caldbeck and Hesket New Market are situated under the Northern Fells of the Lake District. They lie in a good central position for touring by car being almost equidistant from Penrith, Carlisle, Keswick, Wigton and Cockermouth. The surrounding fells and woodlands are easily accessible to those wanting to explore the area on foot and there are many signed footpaths.
Caldbeck’s first building was thought to be a hospice for travellers built by monks from the priory of Carlisle. Later, in 1112 the first part of the church, which is still the ancient heart, was built. It is dedicated to St Kentigern (or Mungo) who came from Scotland to preach Christianity in Cumberland. On the river bank behind the church is St. Mungo’s well, a spring made holy by Kentigern. The churchyard is the resting place of Mary Harrison (the Beauty of Buttermere) and of John Peel the famous huntsman.
Caldbeck is named after the river (Cold Beck) on which it stands. This river and its tributaries provided the water power for the important industrial development of the 17th and 18th centuries – corn mills, woollen mills, bobbin mills, a paper mill and a brewery. The village still reflects this former industrial activity with many old mill buildings still in use. Local history often shows industries that thrive for a long period and then decline, but fell farming has always been the main occupant here. Today it is still the most important industry of the area.
Caldbeck has a well situated free car park and nearby is the duck pond(an old clay dubs). A deservedly popular walk passes by the pond and then follows the river up the Howk, a limestone gorge containing waterfalls and the picturesque ruins of the old Bobbin Mill. Both Caldbeck and Hesket New Market have a very active resident community and visitors are always welcome to join in. There are services every Sunday at the Parish church and Methodist Chapel in Caldbeck and at the free church in Hesket New Market. Local activities include bowls, cricket, tennis, squash, guided walks, hound trailing and fox hunting. Two important events held each august are the Sheep Dog Trials and the Hesket New Market agricultural Show. Hesket New Market also holds a vintage motor cycle rally each may.
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