|
Bampton is a pleasant village set in the valley of the Lowther.
Once famous for its Grammar School founded in 1623, the village is situated four and a half miles west of Shap, at the point where the river Lowther is joined by the stream from the Haweswater Lake.
In Bampton Grange stands St Patrick's Church, and was erected in 1726...though there has been a church on this site for over 800 years. Bampton's church is one of the rare ones with timber arcades. A copy of the parish register, dated Thursday June 20th 1728 is on display in the building and records the consecration of the fabric after building. There is a pew dated 1684 from the old church, a table in the vestry and the pulpit are 18th century, and the altar rails and a chest are a century earlier. There are paintings on the wall one of which shows Mardale church as it stood before the level of Haweswater was raised.
Opposite is the vicarage which houses the famous Tinkler Library containing many books written in Latin.
Bampton Grange has had many commercial uses, though today these include a hat box maker, a breeder of Shetland Sheep, and the Crown and Mitre Hotel.
The local pub here is 'St Patrick's Well' the meeting point for the 'Shepherds Meet' held annually in November...dating back to the time when stray sheep were reclaimed. The Mardale Hunt also meets here nowadays. The day is also a lively social event when the fell hounds meet and traditional songs are sung.
On Bampton Moor above Haweswater are the trees of prehistoric man, earthworks, cairns and stone circles, and a group of rocks known as the Giant's Grave.
Hamlets within the parish are Knipe, Butterwick and Beckfoot.
|
