Fawcett Forest

Township straddling boundary between Kendal, Shap and Orton parishes, Kendal ward, Westmorland. In 1935 Fawcett Forest CP absorbed parts of Orton, Shap and Whinfell CPs.

Acreage:

6,470 acres [2,618 ha] before boundary changes. Walshaw Common and Hazel Bank (307 acres [124 ha]) enclosed 1870.

Population:

sparsely populated; falling from 81 in 1801 to 51 between 1851 and 1871, 37 in 1901, and 23 in 2001.

Landownership:

granted to Byland Abbey (Yorks.) in 12th century. After Dissolution acquired 1554 by Bellingham family of Levens (q.v.), with which it descended.

Economy:

hill farming; grouse shooting; small-scale quarrying.

Places of worship:

none.

Schools and other institutions:

none.