Culgaith

Township in Kirkland parish, Leath ward, Cumberland. CP enlarged by absorbing Blencarn & Kirkland and Skirwith CPs 1934.

Acreage:

2,837 acres [1,148 ha] before boundary change. Culgaith commons (1,587 acres [643 ha]) enclosed 1775.

Population:

rising from 254 in 1801 to 467 in 1871, then declining to stand at 344 in 1931 (last census year before boundary changes).

Landownership:

manor of Culgaith granted by Henry I to Adam son of Swein. Had passed to Sir Christopher Moresby (d. 1348) whose descendant, Lady Knevett, sold manor in later 16th century to Crackanthorpes of Newbiggin.

Economy:

predominantly agricultural until coming of railway in 1870s (Culgaith station opened 1880; closed 1970). Sandstone quarrying at Crowdundale, 19th century. Tile works and kiln opened 1836; in operation until mid-20th century. Butter factory (Vale of Eden Dairy Factory) by railway station opened 1887.

Places of worship:

chapel of ease of All Saints recorded 1456; rebuilt 1756 on same site; gothic windows inserted c.1896. Wesleyan Methodist chapel built 1830; closed 2013.

Schools and other institutions:

free grammar school, open to all children of Culgaith and Blencarn, endowed with land at time of enclosure 1775; superseded by new school built 1876, now Culgaith CE School. Victoria Institute (containing reading room and concert hall) built 1897; now village hall, housing ‘The VIC’ community cafe, opened 2009. Open air swimming pool, recorded 1923; filled in c.2010.