Waberthwaite

Ancient parish in Allerdale above Derwent ward, Cumberland. CP enlarged by absorbing Corney CP 1934.

Acreage:

1,771 acres [717 ha], including 638 acres [258 ha] of unenclosed common on Waberthwaite Fell. Waberthwaite Wood stinted pasture (267 acres [108 ha]) enclosed 1806.

Population:

estimated at 375 in 1688; in range 100-150 across earlier 19th century, rising to around 200 later in century; peak of 279 in 1921. Modern CP (which includes Corney) had 338 inhabitants in 1951, falling to 274 in 2001.

Landownership:

manor of Waberthwaite held by the Waberthwaite family between the 12th and 14th centuries; the de Kirkbys held it from 1391 until 1607 when it was acquired by Penningtons of Muncaster, who remained lords of manor to 20th century.

Economy:

predominantly agricultural; bacon curing and sausage making since late 19th century.

Places of worship:

medieval parish church of St John, of pre-Conquest origin, to judge by surviving Viking age cross.

Schools and other institutions:

school recorded 1818; old schoolhouse replaced by new building on different site 1938, later extended; now Waberthwaite CE Primary School. Institute and reading room built 1911; now Waberthwaite, Corney & District village hall .