|
The village of Levens, formerly known as Beathwaite Green, straggles along the southern tip of Scout Scar, and overlooks the Lyth Valley on the west.
The church with its light coloured spire, stands out as a landmark. Built in 1828 by Mary Howard of Levens Hall. who also built the school for girls in 1810. Later this, with the boys school, was amalgamated into the present school building.
The first chapel in 'Beathwaite' was built in 1795. The building still exists (though now is two flats) and ranks as the oldest Methodist buildings in South Lakeland. One of the oldest buildings hereabouts is Nether Levens farm built in the 16th century. It has an open hall with a huge fire-place surmounted by a giant chimney.
The great house, one of the wonders of Lakeland is Levens hall. It is set in extensive parkland enclosed in the 14th century, where the rive meanders among fine oaks and beeches, here are broad Avenues and shady paths, a sanctuary for wild life where about 100 Norwegian black fallow deer graze.
The Hall is the largest Elizabethan house in Cumbria, but some of the fabric, the centre of the building, part of an early 13th century pele-tower built by a de Redman as one of a chain of fortified houses extending to Arnside, places of refuge against the Scots.
Open to the public, here will be seen a wealth of exquisite oak panelling, wonderful plastered ceilings, magnificent chimneys, panelled rooms, and deep friezes, the whole house filled with 17th and 18th century furniture and set in an evergreen garden of almost incredible loveliness.
The front door opens straight into the Elizabethan Hall in which Sir James Bellingham was proud to display the coat of arms of Elizabeth I. Here are firearms and armour used by the people who have lived at Levens. In the house are relics from the time of Waterloo, a watch given to Colonel Henry Percy by the Duke of Wellington, and a clasp from the cloak of Napoleon.
The house has long been noted for its pictures which include paintings by Constable, Cotman, Ruben's and Bicc di Loringe. Don't overlook seeing one of Drakes Bowls, which was used during a game at Plymouth Hoe at the time of the Spanish Armada.
The splendid topiary gardens, laid out in 1689 by Monsieur Beaumont (gardener to James II, and the same man who laid out the gardens of Hampton Court) remain much as originally planned, and is said to be the finest topiary garden in England, laid out so that it might be impressive at all seasons with yew and box cut to every conceivable shape, fine beech hedges and herbaceous borders aglow with colour in the summer.
A colony of ghosts inhabit Levens hall...One the 'Grey Lady' often seen stepping out in front of cars...though nobody is there when the driver goes to look...said to be the ghost of a gypsy woman turned away empty handed by the mistress of Levens Hall many years ago.
Also the 'Pink Lady' is a kindly lady ghost wearing a mop cap and print dress...appearing only when children are around. The phantom of a black dog frequently appears often trotting alongside two visitors. One can see him, the other can't!
In the centre of the village is an oldbank barn, originally a shippon and haybarn. Today it is the village institute, and an attractive well-kept building.
|
