Keswick before 1750 GAZ Keswick

Economic Activity: Keswick was an agricultural township, granted a market charter in 1276, continued on Saturdays to the present day, as the only market town within the Cumbrian mountains. The town developed with the non-ferrous mining industry. Medieval mining was later industrialised by the German copper miners, licensed to operate by Elizabeth I as Mines Royal. Headquartered on Vicar’s Island, which they purchased, their water-powered ore processing and smelting facilities were at Brigham on the Greta. This brought prosperity to Keswick for the period 1564- c.1625. Mining required the provision of timber and charcoal, the bark supporting Keswick’s noted leather industry. The wad, or black lead (graphite) mine, important from the C16th, was in Borrowdale, but Keswick was the focus of the trade. Keswick’s economy was in decline in 1750.

Places of Worship: Keswick had no early church or chapel within its boundary, being served by the Crosthwaite parish church of St Kentigern (see Underskiddaw). The Quakers had an early meeting house which was replaced in 1715 by a meeting house in Underskiddaw township. The protestant dissenters met at Ann Waterson's house from 1705 or before, moving to the new chapel in Lake Road in the later 18th century.

Schools and Other Institutions: The grammar school was in Underskiddaw township. The poor house, on the site later occupied by the Post Office, was built following a bequest from Sir John Banks, d.1644. The former manor court house, or Moot Hall, was built in 1695.

Compiled by: Derek Denman, Keswick History Group