Corney

Ancient parish in Allerdale above Derwent ward, Cumberland. Absorbed into Waberthwaite CP 1934.

Acreage:

4,440 acres [1,797 ha], including detached portion of 81 acres [33 ha] at Grange, in Waberthwaite, and 1,342 acres [543 ha] of unenclosed common on Corney Fell. Corney Moor enclosed 1818.

Population:

estimated at 480 in 1688; rising from 222 in 1801 to a peak of 292 in 1831, then declining steadily to 185 in 1931 (last census year for which separate figure available).

Landownership:

manor of Corney thought to have passed by marriage from de Corney family to Penningtons of Muncaster in 13th century; they continued to hold manor of Corney and Middleton Place in 20th century.

Economy:

predominantly agricultural; noted for its cattle in mid-19th century. Sporadic small-scale iron mining recorded in mid-19th century.

Places of worship:

medieval parish church of St John the Baptist; vestry added 1847; restored 1882. Nunnery of Seaton or ‘Lekeley’ (on boundary with Bootle parish) founded late 12th century by lord of Millom; remained a very small, poor house.

Schools and other institutions:

none.