7 WONDERS OF CARTMEL
Lancashire Life|March 2020
For a village of fewer than 5,000 people, Cartmel has more than its fair share of premium attractions
Mike Glover
7 WONDERS OF CARTMEL

PLACE OF WONDER

At the heart of the village is Cartmel Priory, founded in 1188 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and England’s greatest knight. The priory survived a sacking by Robert the Bruce in 1322 and was spared at the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 because it doubled as the local parish church, even though four monks and 10 laymen were hanged, drawn and quartered at Lancaster for treason.

The priory retains much of its 14th-century architecture and some late 12th century and 13th-century features, including beautiful stained glass windows. It is also known for its modern sculptures and ancient choir stalls.

This year the priory is celebrating the 600th anniversary of the installation of the Great East Window, described as the priory’s ‘greatest architectural glory’.

‘For 600 years this marvel of workmanship, engineering and piety has been flooding the high altar with light. Much of the original glass has gone but the drama of one of Cumbria’s manmade wonders endures,’ says Mike Gibbons, a Cartmel resident who has a stunning view of the east window from his house.

RAISE A GLASS

Directly opposite the priory is Unsworth’s Yard, opened in January 2012 by brothers Peter and David Unsworth, on the site of their family’s haulage and garage business which had operated continuously since 1922.

Peter runs Unsworth’s Yard Brewery which operates an all-stainless steel plant which produces enough beer to supply casks, as permanent house beers, to a number of Cartmel Peninsula pubs and restaurants. The brewery also welcomes visitors to its small tap room bar where beer can be bought or sampled in full view of the brewing vessels and process.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Lancashire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Lancashire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM LANCASHIRE LIFEView All
A Shopper's Paradise
Lancashire Life

A Shopper's Paradise

‘Anything is possible’ is the boast of a famous Knightsbridge shop and it could equally apply to Clitheroe, where shoppers come eager to pick up something just that little bit different, especially in the run-up to Christmas

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Back from the brink?
Lancashire Life

Back from the brink?

There are signs hedgehog numbers might be recovering, and we can all do our bit to help them, says Alan Wright of Lancashire Wildlife Trust

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Lancashire Life

Memories of a LANCASHIRE CHILDHOOD

Blackburn-born Sara Foster has had a string of bestsellers on the other side of the world. With her latest novel now out, she reflects on her Lancashire roots

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY
Lancashire Life

The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY

Land once owned by Beatrix Potter is at the heart of a noisy row over how we enjoy the Lake District

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Liverpool's pyramid scheme
Lancashire Life

Liverpool's pyramid scheme

We’ve seen the shape of things to come – and it’s a pyramid. But are you ready to spend the afterlife piled high with 34,591 other people in Toxteth?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Around the world in 2000 paintings
Lancashire Life

Around the world in 2000 paintings

Preston artist Martyn Hanks has spent 60 years globetrotting with his paints and brushes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
WALKING THE BORDER
Lancashire Life

WALKING THE BORDER

This glorious walk in the hills around Earby takes a peek over the county line

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
We will remember them
Lancashire Life

We will remember them

For a hundred years the Cenotaph has been the focal point for a nation’s grief, but few know its connection to Kirkby Lonsdale

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
A pawfect day out
Lancashire Life

A pawfect day out

The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
A LEGACY of LOVE
Lancashire Life

A LEGACY of LOVE

An unusual war memorial in Lancaster is a haven for wildlife and young people from the city

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020