heritage of cockermouth...
Wordsworth House
Birthplace of William Wordsworth in 1770 and his childhood home up to the age of 13. This fine Georgian house was built in 1690, and later acquired by Sir James Lowther in the late 18th century. William's father, John Wordsworth, acted as land agent for Sir James, and the house came with the job. All the Wordsworth children were born here (four brothers and one sister). The rooms are furnished in a style contemporary to when the Wordsworth family lived here, complete with various household servants going about their tasks in period costume. The walled garden and its famous terrace walk have been recently restored. The ground floor of the house is accessible by wheelchair. Family events during school holiday periods. Owned by the National Trust. Admission charge.
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Cockermouth Castle
Norman castle, largely built in the 13th and 14th centuries (using stone from the old Roman fort at Papcastle). It was besieged by the Scots several times, including by Robert the Bruce in 1315. The castle is privately owned but guided tours are available during Cockermouth's summer festival. Pre-booking essential. Contact the Tourist Information Centre
All Saint's Church
Imposing Victorian church (1854) with a towering spire and some fine stained glass windows. The church replaced an earlier building. John Wordsworth, the father of William, is buried in the churchyard, as is Fearon Fallows (see History section).
Isel Hall
An Elizabethan hall attached to a fortified pele tower.
St Michael and All Angels Church, Isel
A beautiful early Norman church (c.1150) on the banks of the river Derwent.
St Cuthbert's Church
Embleton
One of the resting places for the body of St Cuthbert (another 40 sites exist in Cumbria). A tombstone in the graveyard (by the north wall) describes the fate of Ann Sewell ‘whose life was terminated by the hand of an assassin whilst in the discharge of her humble duty on the 26th March 1860 aged 26 years.' She worked at Beckhouse Farm and was stabbed to death by a farmworker called Cass, who was later hanged at Carlisle for his crime.
St Oswald's Church
Dean
The present church dates from the 12th century and has a Norman font and Norman entrance arch. Medieval gargoyles on the south wall look down on the graveyard. An ancient preaching cross (probably 12th century) stands among the gravestones. The church was renovated in 1973 by Robert Thompson of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, who carved his signature ‘mouse' on the restored pulpit, lectern and pews.
St Bridget's Church
Bridekirk
A 19th century church that replaced an earlier Norman church (part of the chancel still stands in the graveyard). However, it is likely that the site has been associated with Christian worship for a very long time. Inside, a richly decorated 12th century font is regarded as one of the finest pieces of Norman sculpture in the country.
St Bridget's Church
Brigham
This was the mother church for a number of independent chapelries, and lies on an ancient site. Inside there is an attractively decorated ceiling and some finely carved tombstones. The 1220 fortified tower has 3 bells; one dating from 1323. The stained glass east window is a memorial to John Wordsworth, son of William Wordsworth, who was vicar here for many years.
