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Back to the Bownessie Blog
Journey back in time and discover the fascinating history of the Lake District. A place of unparalleled beauty, with stunning lakes, rolling hills and charming villages, this region also boasts a rich history just waiting for curious minds to explore!
Learning about the past, and the people who lived in this amazing place in times gone past, is best experienced by going out and visiting historical sites. From ancient settlers to famous writers, castle ruins to homes of past communities, the Lake District has an exciting past that will capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
Join Bownessie as they take you on a journey through the top historical sites to visit around the Lake District, from the Romans all the way up to the modern day.
Arriving around 2,000 years ago, the Romans settled in the Lakes, building forts and roads. One of their strongholds, Galava, a fort built on the Northern shores of Windermere, can be explored today. Located a short walk outside of Ambleside town, the ruins of this ancient fort looks out onto the clear expanse of Windermere, and is filled with fascinating information surrounding the Romans in the Lake District.
Discover a glimpse of Roman life here, walk amongst the shadows of an ancient fort, and take in the beauty of the surrounding environment.
For more information, head to English Heritage.
Following the departure of the Romans, Vikings controlled the region. Arriving from Scandinavia, you can explore the impact they had on the Lake District at the Lakeland Museum in Kendal, where many artifacts discovered here are kept.
These artifacts have been gathered from archaeological discoveries, which also revealed the presence of Viking burial sites in the area.
One of their most lasting impacts is, perhaps, the naming of England’s largest lake, Windermere. Originally, it was named ‘Vinand’s Mere’ for a Viking chief of the same name. Over time, this name has been passed down through oral tradition, and changed in pronunciation to ‘Windermere’.
Head to the Lakeland Museum in Kendal to discover the full Viking history of the Lake District.
Built on Roman remains, this impressive castle was built in the 13th Century, and has been lived in by the Muncaster family since its construction, and is still lived in by the family today. With a long and rich history, this castle and surrounding estate is a must-visit site of Medieval history. The castle itself has undergone many changes over the years as a family house, and Muncaster takes this unique opportunity to showcase various time periods in their rooms. Visiting Muncaster is a great opportunity to discover how life in a castle changes with the moving of time.
Muncaster works to preserve the historical site, and traditional skills and pursuits of the time. Boasting not only the impressive castle and grounds, this historic site also houses a Hawk and Owl centre, preserving the tradition of Falconry, and a unique Weapons Hall.
The castle’s Weapons Hall is a space dedicated to the learning and training in traditional medieval weaponry skills, where you can try your hand at Knights’ skills, truly the best way to learn about history.
Explore this historic house, be guided through the fascinating history, take a stroll through the extensive estate, and discover the fascinating history of this iconic Lake District castle.
Furness Abbey, founded almost 900 years ago, was once the wealthiest and largest monastery in North-West England. Not only a place of religion, the Abbey was a significant landowner. Due to this, its leader, the Abbot, had an important and high-ranking place in the region’s administration.
The Abbey has a rich history, starting from its founding by Stephen, the Lord of Lancaster who would later go on to become King of England.
Over the years, the Abbey has seen warfare between England and Scotland in the 14th Century, leading to the fortification of the Abbey. Followed by the disastrous leadership of Abbot Banke in the 15th Century, and ending with its dissolution in the time of King Henry VIII.
With a wide and interesting history, Furness Abbey is a fascinating place to visit. Not just a religious building, learn about the role Monastery’s played in the history of Britain, and how they shaped the surrounding area.
Walk through the impressive remains of this once vital building, discover its impacts on the Lake District, and explore the treasures found at this historical site.
One the Lake District’s most famous writers, William Wordsworth was a leading figure in the Romantic poetry movement during the 19th Century. A resident of the Lake District, Wordsworth was inspired by the stunning natural beauty of the area, with his famous poem ‘Daffodils’ inspired by Ullswater.
Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth, and many other poets, by visiting Grasmere and the surrounding area. Be inspired by the natural landscape, and perhaps pen a poem or two as a family!
Explore Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s former residence, to get a glimpse into his life, and pop into Grasmere Gingerbread for some traditional home-baked gingerbread!
This famous children’s book writer, who created many a delightful animal character, is known throughout the Lake District for her passion for conservation. Following the success of her stories, and subsequent merchandising that she created herself, Potter bought a charming farm in Hawkshead. Hill Top farm became project, renovating and improving the farm to bring it back to life. Although she did not live on the farm itself, she kept her private studio and workshop here. This farm is now a beautiful National Trust property, with a house filled with Potter’s belongings. It is set up as if she had just left, with a restored garden to explore. A must-visit site for history and Peter Rabbit lovers alike!
A lover of nature, Potter was also a keen conservationist and good friends with a founding member of the National Trust. To protect the Lake District from development or being sold to people who didn’t have natural conservation in mind, she bought land and farms throughout the Lake District. These she restored and preserved, with each farmhouse containing an antique Lakeland piece of furniture. In her later life, she then gifted the National Trust almost all of her land and properties so that they could continue to protect and conserve this amazing landscape.
Pay a visit to Hill Top Farm to see Beatrix Potter’s dream in person. Don’t forget to thank her by exploring the land she worked hard to protect, and do your bit to protect the natural landscape in her honour.
Today, efforts are still being made to preserve the Lake District’s historical and natural sites. In 2017, the region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Following in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, Bownessie is a keen protector of the Lake District. We work to inspire and encourage visitors and residents alike to care for and protect this beautiful landscape, allowing for the area to be enjoyed for many years to come, and hopefully making history along the way!
As you explore this region, keep your eyes open for historical landmarks, historic castles, and picturesque villages. Check out our range of family-friendly activity ideas to take along with you on your exploration!
Gear up for an exciting adventure through time and uncover the rich and varied secrets of the Lake District.
Whether your family is fascinated by ancient civilisations, or have the creative minds of writers, the history of the Lake District is sure to leave you awe-inspired.
Ready to dive into the past? Lets go!
