Skelsmergh lies a short distance north of Kendal and is bounded on three sides by the waters of Mint, Kent, and Sprint.
Skelsmergh Hall, which at one time was the home of the Leybourne family for over 400 years, actualy has its origins in the 14th century, and even today still retains its 15th century pele tower. It was in 1745 that the Catholic Leybournes lost their property fue to their support for the Jacobite rebellion. It has a 15th century pele tower, an oak staircase, much handsome panelling and a chest in which the Lord of the Manor would have kept his armour. Today, Skelsmergh Hall is a farmhouse.
Another fine house is Dodding Green which was first built by William Dodding nearly 600 years ago. At one time, mass was celebrated here in secret in an attic chamber...certainly until 1791 when a small chapel was allowed to be built. The house has many secret cupboards where priests are said to have hidden and in the library are many precious books some printed less than 40 years after Caxton's day.
Once upon a time a Roman road passed through the area en route from the fort at Watercrook (south of Kendal) to the fort in Borrowdale...crossing over the River Mint. This old packhorse bridge which in recent years has been widened, forms a lovely stone arch.
At one time, there were flourishing watermills at Oakbank, Beck Mills and Stock Mills which ground corn, sawed timber and also produced bobbins and woollen cloth. The busiest one of all was at Mealbank (in the parish of Scalthwaiterigg) where more than 500 people were employed until the mid 1940s. Many of the mills still stand, though in all cases they have either been converted to another business use or turned into a comfortable home.
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