Trough

Township in Stapleton parish, Eskdale ward, Cumberland. Absorbed into Solport CP 1934.

Acreage:

2,338 acres [946 ha], including commons at Mallshill (225 acres [91 ha]) and Wakey Hill (340 acres [138 ha]), enclosed 1817 and 1845 respectively.

Population:

peaked at 169 in 1831; then declined to c.100 by end of 19th century, falling to 74 in 1931 (last census year for which separate figure available).

Landownership:

part of Solport manor but divided into small estates by 19th century.

Economy:

farming; small-scale coal mining at Hagg Beck recorded 1847; afforestation, mid 20th century.

Places of worship:

none.

Schools and other institutions:

school at Russelgate with date stone reading ‘Trough School 1838’; closed.