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Camerton is a parish on the Derwent, in a hollow, with three mains roads leading into it...each consisting of a steep hill; some four miles north of Workington, and five miles from Cockermouth. Originally a mining village.
Camerton's best known building is its ancient parish church of St Peters which goes back to the 11th century, though in fact there was a church here for many years before that.
Inside the church there is a sandstone effigy of a warrior which has been painted black, and is known locally as 'Black Tom of the North'. He was a direct descendant of the Curwen family of Curwen Hall at Workington. He was apparently a direct descendant of the Curwen family of Curwen Hall, Workington. There is much evidence to show that he was a smuggler with a reputation akin to Robin Hood...i.e. stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. He died in about 1500 and today is still very much a source of discussion, particularly at the 'Black Tom Inn'. The statue of him came to the church around 1500 though he himself is reputed to be buried in Shap Abbey. He makes a bold figure in his black armour,with his long hair resting on a crested helmet, and holding a mighty double-handed sword.
Near to St Peter's is a grassy field with a bridge at one end connecting Camerton to the village burial ground. The bridge is known as 'Miser's Bridge' after a Joseph Parkin who died in 1800 and was the first person to be buried there. He was nick-named thus due to his reputation for hoarding money.
On the outskirts of the village is Seat House Farm where the well-known strain of Clydesdale horses are bred.
Visitors cannot fail to notice Camerton Hall the large house situated on the outskirts of the village. Designated a building of historic and architectural interest, it is reputed to have been designed by Inigo Jones.
The property has been built on the site of a 14th century pele tower.
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