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Grange over Sands is at the end of a road which once crossed the tidal sands of Morecambe Bay to Hest Bank and Lancaster. In fact the route is still a public right of way, with a guide appointed by the Duchy of Lancaster, to take travellers through the changing river channels and the treacherous quicksands. Under no circumstances should travellers attempt the crossing on their own. The Guide lives at Guides Farm on Cart Lane, which has been the official residence of the guide since the 16th century. It is vital when walking across the bay between tides to be a member of one of the organised parties. Those people who take to the sands without local advice could well be in serious difficulties.
Grange with Kents Bank appears in the registers of Cartmel Priory as far back as 1536 and it was here the monks of cartmel stored much of their grain...just as the monks of Furness Abbey stored their corn at that other Grange in Borrowdale.
Sunny and sheltered, Grange over Sands is largely Victorian, and was originally developed by a railway company as a seaside resort at the coming of the trains in 1857, and todat, with the nickname 'Torquay of the North' due to its amiable climate and high average temperatures, a pleasing blend of coastal and inland scenery, an unusually large number of narrow lanes and paths...not overlooking a heritage that is rich in ancient buildings...it is undoubtedly still a very popular 'select' resort.
The parish church of St Paul had its foundation stone laid in 1852...close by is the distinctive clock tower built in 1913 using native limestone and St Bee's stone facing. The oldest house hereabouts is Hardcragg (adjoining the library) and which offers magnificent views over Furness as far as Black Combe.
Until 1905 not one single plant was grown in Grange. These days however things are totally different with some 1000 alpines and around 6,000 bedding plants being introduced into the gardens adjoining the promenade.
Of all the viewpoints around Grange there is nothing to equal Hampsfell Hospice. A pilgrimage to the top is almost a pre-reguisite for all visitors. At a point 727 feet above sea level, this four square tower was built in 1834 by the Rev Thomas Remington (a former vicar of Cartmel) for the benefit of wanderers over the fells. From the roof on a clear day, one can easily see Black Combe, the mountains of Esk and Duddon, the Coniston range, Scawfell and Bowfell, the Langdale Pikes, and the Kentmere mountains...not overlooking many of the Yorkshire fells. Under certain conditions even Snowdon and the Isle of man can be sighted.
Tradition states that a tumulus near the hospice contains the bones of many soldiers who fell during the battle between Dunmail, King of Cumbria, and Edmund, King of the invading Saxons, in AD 946. A further incident took place here on the 25th November 1745 when Cartmel men gathered here to repel Jacobite rebels who were invading the district.
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