Morris's Directory, 1861

Morris's Directory, 1861

I have amalgamated and re-ordered the listings in Morris, Harrison & Co's. 1861 "Commercial Directory... of Cumberland" for Eskdale, Birker/Austhwaite, Muncaster, Waberthwaite, plus relevant extracts relating to Carleton, part of Irton and Eskmeals.
Extracts from the descriptive texts (with most purely antiquarian material omitted) follow the directory.

Private residents: Caddy, Mr. Samuel- Birkby
Falcon, Mrs Ann- Eskmeals
Falcon, Benson Esq.- Eskmeals
Falcon, Mrs. Jane- Hall (Waberthwaite)
Gaitskell, Mr Jacob- Ain house (Irton)
Gaitskell, Mr Isaac- Irton
Jackson, Mr. John- Boot (Eskdale)
Jackson, Mrs. Ann- Beach cottage (Carleton)
Middleton, Mr. William- Ravenglass
Muncaster, Lord Gamel Augustus Pennington- the Castle (Muncaster)
Penny, Rev. J.J.W. M.A.- Amethyst green (Carleton)
Pickthall, Mr. James- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Pritt, Mr. Daniel- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Robinson, Mr. William- Brakinwall (Muncaster)
Sherwen, Miss- Ravenglass
Sim, Mr. William- Prospect cottage (Waberthwaite)
Stanley, Mrs. Faith- Amity cottage (Waberthwaite)
Thompson, Mrs Elizabeth- Ravenglass
Troughton, Mr. John- Birkby
Vickers, Mr. William- Birkby
Whinnery, Mr. Jonathan- Ravenglass

Academies & schools: Muncaster Parish School- Middleton, John master
Waberthwaite- Armstrong, John master
Ravenglass- Askew, Joseph master
Eskdale- Wilson, Isaac master (also parish clerk) Sword house
Eskdale [Low?]- Porters, Mrs. Jane mistress

Basket maker: Braithwaite, Jonathan- Eskdale

Blacksmiths: Davidson, David- (also ironmonger) Ravenglass
Hird, Henry- (also grocer etc.) Eskdale
Jackson, James- Birkby
Jackson, Isaac- Eskdale

Bobbin manufacturer: Russell, William- (also grocer etc.) Eskdale, with mill at Broad Oak, Birkby

Boot & shoemakers: Dixon, George- Ravenglass
Jackson, Jonathan- Level crossing (Carleton)
Mawson, Isaac- Ravenglass
Parker, Joseph- Ravenglass
Porter, Joseph- Eskdale
Rigg, William- Boot (Eskdale)
Stable, George- (also grocer etc.) Ravenglass
Wilson, John- Ravenglass
Kirby, John- (also clogger) Boot (Eskdale)

Builder: Tyson, James- Ravenglass

Butcher (see also Ham...): Mossop, Henry and Co.- (also grocer etc.) Ravenglass

Carpet manufacturer: Hartley, John- Birker

Carriers (to Whitehaven, Tuesday & Thursday):
Kitchen, William- Eskdale
Rogers, Isaac- Eskdale

Cartwrights: Frears, Ritson- (also joiner) Eskdale
Haddath, William- (also joiner) Ravenglass
Hartley, Joseph- (also joiner) Eskdale
Mossop, John- (also joiner) Eskdale
Vickers, Isaac- (also joiner & farmer) Birker

Clogger (see also Bootmakers): Kirby, John- (also bootmaker) Boot (Eskdale)

Drapers: Birkett, Thomas- linen & woollen (also grocer) Eskdale
Hird, Henry- linen & woollen (also grocer etc.) Eskdale
Mossop, Henry and Co.- linen & woollen (also grocer etc.) Ravenglass
Russell, William- linen & woollen (also grocer etc.) Eskdale
Stable, George- (also grocer etc.) Ravenglass
Walker, William Jenkinson- woollen (also tailor) Ravenglass
Whitten, John- (also tailor & shopkeeper) Ravenglass

Dressmakers: see Milliners

Farmers: Benson, Isaac- Hollings (Eskdale)
Benson, Jacob- Low Eskholm (Muncaster)
Benson, Jonathan- Paddock wray (Eskdale)
Bibby, Benj.- Broad oak (Birkby)
Bibby, Benjamin- Cranklands (Muncaster)
Bibby, Edward- High Eskholm (Muncaster)
Brigge, Thomas- Birker thwaite (Birker)
Brocklebank, Moses- Waberthwaite
Brown, John- Walls (Muncaster)
Burrow, Joseph- Gasgarth (Irton)
Caddy, John- Roughholm (Birkby)
Cameron, John- Irton
Chorley, Edward- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Dickinson, Robert- The Grove (Ravenglass)
Dixon, Robert- Low ground (Birker)
Dixon, William- Dalegarth hall (Birker)
Fell, John- Woodgate (Waberthwaite)
Gaitskell, Jonathan- Kitchen ground (Irton)
Grice, Matthew- Saltcoats (Carleton)
Gunson, John- Cropple how (Birkby)
Hartley, Henry- Birkerthwaite (Birker)
Hartley, Joseph- Bridge end (Eskdale)
Hartley, Mrs. Agnes- Church house (Eskdale)
Hodgkin, John- Cumlands (Carleton)
Huddleston, -- Barrow (Muncaster)
Jackson, Benjamin- Hall (Waberthwaite)
Jackson, Braithwaite- Brankinwall (Muncaster)
Jackson, Henry- Bell hill (Carleton)
Jackson, Mrs. Elizabeth- Saltcoats (Carleton)
Jackson, William- Saltcoats (Carleton)
Knight, John- Lonning end (Waberthwaite)
Mather, James- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Muncaster, William- Forge (Birker)
Myers, John- Mite house (Carleton)
Myers, Phillip- Row (Waberthwaite)
Newby, John- Muncaster head (Muncaster)
Nicholson, Mrs. Elizabeth- Nether Stainton (Birkby)
Norman, Charles- Low place: Miterdale (Eskdale)
Park, John- Grey mains (Birkby)
Pearson, George- Muckle ground (Waberthwaite)
Pearson, Joseph- Woodgate (Waberthwaite)
Porter, John- Eskdale
Porter, Samuel- Gate house (Eskdale)
Posthtewaite, Roger- Cragg (Birkby)
Rimmer, Mrs. Elizabeth- New town (Muncaster)
Robinson, Mrs. William- Ravenglass
Robinson, William- Townhead (Ravenglass)
Rodger, Joseph- Butterilkit (Birker)
Roger, Wilson- Hollow stones (Muncaster)
Rogers, Joseph- Hollinghow (Eskdale)
Russell, Jeremiah- Long rigg green (Eskdale)
Satterthwaite, John- New town (Muncaster)
Sharp, Anthony- (also victualler) Bower House Inn (Irton)
Sharp, Edward- Low birker (Birker)
Sharp, Edward- Penny hill (Birker)
Sharp, George- Spout house (Eskdale)
Sharp, John- Fisher ground (Eskdale)
Sharp, Joseph- Hollinghead (Eskdale)
Sharp, William- Plungarth (Irton)
Shepherd, James- Fold end (Eskdale)
Sim, Benjamin- Low Eskholm (Muncaster)
Sim, Edward- How bank (Birkby)
Sim, William jnr- Prospect hill (Waberthwaite)
Southward, Andrew- Randell how (Eskdale)
Southward, John- (also joiner) Millgat (Waberthwaite)
Southward, Nicholas- Brantrake (Birker)
Southward, Robert- Cross (Waberthwaite)
Stotters, John- Mill house (Irton)
Taylor, Henry- Brighouse (Muncaster)
Thompson, John- Eskmeals
Towers, William- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Troughton, William- Hinning house (Birkby)
Tyson, John- Armet house (Eskdale)
Tyson, Joseph Porter- Taw house (Eskdale)
Tyson, Thomas- High ground (Birker)
Vickers, Abraham- Knot end (Birkby)
Vickers, Isaac- (also cartwright etc.) Birker
Vickers, Thomas- (also soda water & woollen mfr.) Gill bank (Eskdale)
Walker, John- Irton
Wallace, Daniel- Barrow (Muncaster)
?same as Wallace, Daniel- (victualler, farmer etc.) King's Arms (Ravenglass)
Wilson, Isaac- Ravenglass
Wilson, Launcelot- Whin cop (Birker)
Wilson, Timothy- Howes (Eskdale)
Wilson, William- Murthwaite (Muncaster)

Fishery: Scott, Mrs. Jane- Ravenglass

Gardener: Rowlinson, William- the Castle (Muncaster)

General dealers: see Shopkeepers

Grocers: Birkett, Thomas- (also draper) Eskdale
Hird, Henry- (also draper & blacksmith) Eskdale
Mossop, Henry and Co.- (also butcher & draper) Ravenglass
Russell, William- (also draper; bobbin mfr. & postmaster) Eskdale
Stable, George- (also draper & bootmaker) Ravenglass
Woodall, Jackson- (also postmaster, shopkeeper & ham curer) Lane end (Waberthwaite)

Guide (to waterfall): Harrison, John- Dalegarth cottage (Birker)

Ham & bacon curer: Woodall, Jackson- (also grocer etc.)Lane end (Waberthwaite)

Hoop maker: Walker, Edward- Eskdale

Insurance agent (Royal Farmers' Fire and Life Assurance Company): Mossop, William- Ravenglass

Ironmonger: Davidson, David- (also blacksmith) Ravenglass

Joiners: Frears, Ritson- (also cartwright) Eskdale
Haddath, William- (also cartwright) Ravenglass
Hartley, Joseph- (also cartwright) Eskdale
Mossop, John- (also cartwright) Eskdale
Southward, John- (also farmer) Millgat (Waberthwaite)
Braithwaite, John- (also wheelwright) Irton
Vickers, Isaac- (also cartwright etc.) Birker

Land agent/ stewards: Taylor, Richard- agent Ravenglass
Braithwaite, Sharp- steward Irton
Turner, Robert- steward Irton

Millers: Bibby, Joseph- Ravenglass
Dodgson, John- Stainton mill (Waberthwaite)
Hartley, John- Boot (Eskdale)
Southward, Nicholas- Birkby

Milliners & dressmakers: Thompson, Miss Elizabeth- Ravenglass
Tyson, Miss Jane- Ravenglass
Wilson, Miss Elsey- Ravenglass

Schools: see Academies

Shoemakers: see Bootmakers

Shopkeepers: Askew, Richard- Ravenglass
Whitten, John- (also draper etc.) Ravenglass
Woodall, Jackson- (also grocer etc.) Lane end (Waberthwaite)

Soda water and ginger beer maker: Vickers, Thomas- (also farmer etc.) Gill bank (Eskdale)

Tailors: Dawson, Robert- Mite villa (Carleton)
Hodgson, Isaac- Newbiggin (Waberthwaite)
Tyson, John- Waberthwaite
Whitten, Isaac- Ravenglass
Wilson, Nicholson- Boot (Eskdale)
Walker, William Jenkinson- (also draper) Ravenglass
Whitten, John- (also draper etc.) Ravenglass

Textiles: see Woollen manufacturer

Turner: see Bobbin manufacturer

Victuallers (Inns & taverns): Bay Horse (Ravenglass)- Wilson, William
Bower House Inn (Irton)- Sharp, Anthony (also farmer)
King of Prussia (Eskdale)- Rogers, William
King's Arms (Ravenglass)- Wallace, Daniel (also farmer & excise officer)
Mason's Arms (Eskdale)- Wilson, John
Railway Tavern (Ravenglass)- Fox, John
Woolpack (Eskdale)- Milligan, Thomas

Wheelwright: Braithwaite, John- (also joiner) Irton

Woollen manufacturer: Vickers, Thomas- (also farmer etc.) Gill bank (Eskdale)

Church: Eskdale- Powley, Rev. Robert Beck foot
Muncaster- Robinson, Rev. Thomas- Ravenglass
Waberthwaite- rector: Molineux, Rev. Thomas S.C.L.
curate: Lyde, Rev. James

Postal:
BIRKBY: Letters received through Ravenglass
BIRKER AND AUSTHWAITE: Letters are received through Eskdale
BOOT: Letters through Eskdale
CARLETON: Letters through Holmrook
ESKDALE: Post Office, William Russell, postmaster (also grocer etc.). Letters are received from Holmrook at a quarter past 2 p.m. dispatched at half past 9 p.m. Ravenglass is the nearest money order office
ESKMEALS: Letters through Ravenglass
IRTON: Letters through Holmrook by foot messenger
MUNCASTER AND LOW ESKHOLME: Letters received through Ravenglass
RAVENGLASS: Post Office, Henry Jackson, postmaster. Letters arrive from Whitehaven at 1 p.m- dispatched at 12.35 p.m. On Sundays letters arrive at 2 p.m.; dispatched at 2.35 p.m. Money orders are granted and paid at this office
WABERTHWAITE: Post Office, Jackson Woodall, postmaster (also grocer etc.). Letters dispatched at 11.55 p.m. ; received from Whitehaven at 1.45 p.m. On Sundays letters dispatched at 1.15 p.m. arrive at 3.20 p.m. The nearest money order office is Ravenglass

Station masters (Whitehaven and Furness Junction line):
Hart, John- Eskmeals
Taylor, John- Ravenglass

Inland revenue officer: Houson, J.- Ravenglass

Excise officer: Wallace, Daniel- (also victualler etc.) King's Arms (Ravenglass)

Parish clerks: Davidson, Richard- Ravenglass
Jackson, Joseph- Hall (Waberthwaite)
Wilson, Isaac- (also schoolmaster) Sword house (Eskdale)

Registrar of births deaths and marriages; and relieving officer for the Muncaster district: Mossop, William- Ravenglass

Descriptive text

BIRKBY

"... a small township in the parish of Muncaster, containing a few scattered farmhouses, on the south side of the River Esk, which is here crossed by a good substantial stone bridge."

BIRKER/AUSTHWAITE no useful notes

CARLETON

"...is a constablewick in the parish of Drigg, with the hamlet of Hall Carleton, and contains a number of dispersed farm-houses also some very genteel residences. The Hall, a neat modern house, is the property and residence of E.A. Burrow, Esq. Carlton Green is the handsome residence of the Rev. Robert Gordon Calthrop, M.A."

ESKDALE

"with the hamlets of BOOT, GATEHOUSE GREEN, and MITERDALE... The church of St. Catherine, externally, is a small plain building of stone, with a porch bell gable, and 2 bells. The interior is ancient, and contains a nave, the chancel being merely railed off; the east window denotes its great antiquity, near it is the original piscini; the other windows are modern and of the square casement kind, the ceiling throughout is a flat plaster one. The living is a perpetual curacy, value £70 yearly, with residence and 12 acres of glebe land, in the gift of Edward Stanley Esq... Here are two schools, one of which is endowed with the interest of £138 three per cent. Consols. There are charities of £4 yearly value...
The waterfalls of Stanley Ghyll and Birker Force are in this neighbourhood. The approach to the former is by a shady walk for the greater part of the way, and nearly the whole distance was planted during the spring of 1857... On the summit is a moss house, and the views obtained from it are of a bold and beautiful description... The descent to the bottom of the waterfall is by a very circuitous route; before reaching the falls, three rustic bridges of wood have to be crossed. Great numbers of wild pigeons inhabit this spot, and occasionally, during very stormy weather, cranes frequent the water in search of fish, with which the stream abounds... Lord Leconfield is lord of the manor. The soil is of a loamy and gravelly nature; the chief produce is wheat, oats, barley, turnips and potatoes."

ESKMEALS (in Bootle parish)

"...a small hamlet... consists of one farm, called Stockbridge,and the handsome mansion of Mrs Ann Falcon, who is owner of all the property; the house and grounds are enclosed by a high wall. Here are the remains of an entrenchment in which Roman attens and coins have been found, and it is said to have been one of the smaller stations constructed for the defence of the coast in that remote corner. 950 acres of land here are occupied as a rabbit warren, which as an abundance of fine rabbits."

LOW ESKHOLME

"...a small hamlet in Muncaster township, 2.5 miles from Ravenglass, consisting of three farmhouses, and a few cottages near the farm called High Eskholme."

MUNCASTER

"...with the townships of BIRKBY and MUNCASTER, and hamlet of LOW ESKHOLME, is a parish 17 miles from Whitehaven, 6 from Bootle, and 1 from the station at Ravenglass, on the Whitehaven and Furness Junction line of railway. It is in the western division of the county, the ward of Allerdale-above-Derwent Copeland deanery, archdeaconry of Westmoreland, and Carlisle bishopric.
The church of St. Michael is a stone edifice, apparently of remote origin, with a turret and 2 bells; the interior consists of a nave and chancel, separated by a semicircular arch of stone, now painted over; the roofs of both are concealed by plaster ceilings; in the chancel are many marble wall-tablets to the memory of the Muncaster family; also 4 well-executed ancient brasses; the east window contains three lights, and is of stained glass; the body is lighted by square-headed windows of different designs; the original piscina still remains in the chancel, and on the right hand of the nave is another piscina; the west end contains a gallery and organ; the whole of the interior presents a remarkably neat and clean appearance. The living is a perpetual curacy, value �100 yearly, without residence, in the gift of Lord Muncaster... The Independents have a chapel here.
The castle is a handsome embattled structure, with two square projecting ends, surrounded with beautiful walks on every side, and embosomed in high tufted trees; from the terrace, a green-sward walk of nearly a quarter-of-a-mile in length, magnificent views of the mountains in the distance, including those of Scaw Fell Pike, Wrynose, Hardknott, and others, are obtained; also of the delightful valley of Eskdale, and of the river running immediately below. Within the bounds of the castle grounds, on the summit of the rocky projections, are placed stone towers and obelisks, one of which has the appearance of a church spire, another placed on an eminence of great height in the form of a lighthouse, serves as a land mark at sea: in other parts summer-houses lined with moss meet the view. A herd of deer is kept in the deer-park, which is an extensive tract of land surrounded by a high wall, and set apart for that purpose; near here are some noble and lofty trees, which are inhabited by a number of herons.
The parish... is bounded on the west by the Irish sea; the soil in that direction is loamy and fertile; eastward it is of a mossy nature, and near the mountains gravelly... Lord Muncaster is lord of the manor."

RAVENGLASS

"...consists principally of a long street of irregularly arranged dwellings- many of which, however, are well built; the entire being sheltered in the back ground by the mountains of Black Combe- between which and the town are some rich and pleasant meadow lands. No trade is now carried on by shipping, the railway being so near the town, and the principal articles of export being forwarded by that conveyance. The country is exceedingly pleasing, fertile and healthy, abounding in fine views, both seaward and inland. The lord paramount of the manor is the Earl of Egremont, who holds a court occasionally. [The present Lord Muncaster] has greatly improved the neighbourhood, by his application of a judicious system of agriculture. [The ruins at Barnscar] ...nearly three miles in circumference... about a century ago a quantity of silver coins was found in the ruins of one of the houses of this desolate city. About one mile from the town is Muncaster Castle... near this mansion and the ruins of "Wall's Castle" many relics of early ages have been found- among others, battle-axes of flint, arrow heads and coins both Roman and Saxon... The market is held on Friday; fairs are May 6th, June 8th, and August 5th: the fair in August is followed by horse races and other amusements, proclaimed with great pomp by the steward and tenantry of Lord Egremont, accompanied by halberdiers and music."

WABERTHWAITE

"...belonging to the Bootle union, deanery of Copeland, Westmoreland archdeaconry, and bishopric of Carlisle. The church of St. John the Evangelist is an ancient stone edifice with a porch, bell turret, and 2 bells; the interior is very plain, and consists of a nave only. The living is a rectory, value �131 yearly, with residence, and 16 acres of glebe land, in the gift of Lord Muncaster... Here is a parish school. At Newbiggin, about half-a-mile from Eskmeals station, are also several genteel residences... Lord Muncaster is lord of the manor."