Kings Meaburn

Township in Morland parish, West ward, Westmorland.

Acreage:

2,388 acres [966 ha], including 411 acres [166 ha] of common, enclosed 1779.

Population:

rising from 178 in 1801 to 216 in 1851, then gradually falling to 105 in 2001.

Landownership:

part of manor of Meaburn, divided between Sir Hugh de Morville (d. 1173/4) and his sister Maud, who was allocated Maulds Meaburn (see Crosby Ravensworth). King’s Meaburn was forfeited by Morville for his role in murder of Thomas à Becket; then granted to Robert de Veteripont c.1200, descending thereafter with barony of Westmorland (see Appleby).

Economy:

predominantly agricultural; some quarrying.

Places of worship:

Wesleyan Methodist chapel built 1866; rebuilt 1932; still in use.

Schools and other institutions:

village school built 1831; enlarged 1907; closed 1983. Village hall opened 1914.