In mediaeval times the inhabitants were required to perform a service called 'seawake'. or seawatch, such duty entailing lighting fires as warnings which could then be seen for many miles across the Solway. Today's visitors are not expected to perform such duties but they will nevertheless enjoy the fine views across the Solway to Criffel and southern Scotland.
These days Bothel is separated from its neighbour Torpenhow by the busy A595 Whitehaven-Carlisle road, but nevertheless is inextricably linked by the circa 1120 Norman church of St Michael, which was built during the reign of William Rufus or in the reign of Henry I. Most of this early church remains, namely the western end of the chancel, the Chancel arch and masonry adjoining, along with the walling above the Nave arcades.
One of the most interesting features of the church is the nave ceiling, adorned with conventional flowers and gildings. Of interest is the fact that a Priest-in-Charge of the parish between 1735-1757, while a former Dean of Carlisle was Vicar, was a Reverend Ralph Brocklebank, the father of the Founder of the Brocklebank (later Cunard) Steamship Line.
Up until some 60-70 years ago the village would have been very different to what the visitor will see today. Bothel Parks farm for example had its own water wheel which allowed the farmer to grind his own grain. The grinding stones are now a feature of the farms garden.
St Bathan's Lodge, Park View farm, and Greenfell Cottage have all been pubs at one time or another over the years. The only pub these days is the one known as the "Greyhound Inn'.
