Thwaites is situated on the Duddon estuary roughly halfway between Millom and Broughton-in-Furness, and consists of three hamlets, namely. The Green, Hallthwaites and Ladyhall.
The village has been populated for years....many years! Evidence abounds that Neolithic man at one time lived here, and in fact is thought to have been responsible for the stone circle to be seen at Swinside. Visitors to Thwaite Fell can also see remains of their rounded dwellings.
On a hill above Hallthwaites is the parish church dedicated to St Anne. The first of the churches to stand here was built in 1725 originally as chapel of ease for Millom. In 1805 the "new" church was built complete with steeple and two bells.
From the Middle Ages until the early 20th century there were several industriies in the parish and deriving the power they needed from the river Duddon or the Black beck. At one time there was a bloomery in the woods (near Duddon bridge) which was established in 1737. Fortunately a great deal of the earlier buildings are being preserved and are open to the public. There was also a thriving woollen mill dating back to the 16th century at Hallthwaites. Some of the carpets and blankets, woven and dyed, are still in use in the district even today.
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