Nether Denton

Ancient parish in Eskdale ward, Cumberland.

Acreage:

parish and township did not quite coincide, parish containing 4,880 acres [1,975 ha]; township 4,984 acres [2,017 ha]. Common moorland totalling 3,300 acres [1,336 ha] in Nether and Upper Denton enclosed 1800.

Population:

rising from 245 in 1801 to 354 in 1891; then falling to 318 in 2001.

Landownership:

part of barony of Gilsland (see Brampton). Held by Denton family until 1506 when exchanged with Lord Dacre for Warnell (in Sebergham).

Economy:

predominantly agricultural. Carrick’s Dairy & Pure Milk Supply Co. Ltd (making butter & cheese) established at Low Row, beside station on Newcastle-Carlisle railway, c.1881. Bakery and laundry added in 1920s to service Carrick’s cafes. Dairy ceased during 1950s, laundry closed 1965 and bakery 1968.

Places of worship:

nothing remains of medieval parish church of Nether Denton, except a sculpture, possibly 12th century. St Cuthbert’s church built on site of ancient church 1868-70. Wesleyan Methodists met in Low Row schoolroom, erected 1850. Separate Wesleyan chapel and Sunday school built 1883; closed.

Schools and other institutions:

school recorded 1818; rebuilt 1874 as Board school at Low Row; closed. Library and reading room at Low Row built by subscription 1894. Taylor Institute, Low Row, built 1916; now village hall.