Appleby-in-Westmorland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Appleby-in-Westmorland |
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 Boroughgate (2004) |
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 Flag |
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 Appleby-in-Westmorland
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| Population | 3,048 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | NY6820 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | APPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND |
| Postcode district | CA16 |
| Dialling code | 017683 |
| Police | Cumbria |
| Fire | Cumbria |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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| Website | http://applebytown.org.uk/ |
Appleby-in-Westmorland is a lively market town and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. In 2011, about 3,048 people lived there. The beautiful River Eden flows through the town.
Appleby is the main town of the historic area called Westmorland. It was simply known as Appleby until the 1970s. Its name was changed to keep the Westmorland name alive, even after Westmorland stopped being an official administrative area. The town is located in a scenic part of England. It is about 14 kilometres (9 miles) south-east of Penrith.
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History of Appleby
The name Appleby comes from an old English phrase. It means "farm or settlement with apple trees." This suggests that apple trees were common here a long time ago.
St Lawrence's Parish Church is a very old and important building. It is listed as a Grade I building, meaning it has special historical value. Appleby Castle was built in the early 1100s. The town became official with a special royal paper in 1179.
The Moot Hall was built around 1596. It was an important meeting place for the town. During a war in England, Appleby was surrounded by soldiers.
Appleby Grammar School started from gifts in 1286. It became an official school in 1574 by Queen Elizabeth's special permission. Did you know that George Washington's father and two older half-brothers went to this school? George Washington later became the first president of the United States.
Economy and Life in Appleby
Appleby is watched over by the impressive Appleby Castle. This castle is mostly a Norman building. In the 1600s, Lady Anne Clifford lived there.
Tourism is a big part of Appleby's economy. People visit because of its history, quiet location, and beautiful scenery. It is also close to famous places like the Lake District and the North Pennines.
Many small businesses, restaurants, and pubs make up Appleby's economy. You can find local butchers, grocers, and bakers. Appleby Creamery is a local company that makes special, handmade cheeses. One of their famous cheeses is Eden Valley Brie.
Events in Appleby
Appleby and nearby villages have many old traditions. One is the Warcop rushbearing, which has been happening since at least 1716.
The most famous event is the Appleby Horse Fair. This fair lasts for four days. It takes place on the first weekend of June each year. Many people, especially from the Gypsy and Traveller communities, come to buy and sell horses.
The Appleby Agricultural Society started in 1841. They put on an annual show that celebrates farming and local life. From 1989 to 2007, the town also hosted the Appleby Jazz Festival. You can find other local events listed on the town's community website.
How Appleby is Governed
For a long time, Appleby was a special area that elected two Members of Parliament (MPs). MPs are people who represent the town in the UK Parliament. In the 1700s, powerful families often chose who would be the MPs.
Even famous people like William Pitt the Younger were MPs for Appleby. He became Prime Minister in 1783 while representing Appleby. Later, Earl Grey, who also became Prime Minister, was an MP for Appleby. He helped pass a law in 1832 that changed how MPs were elected. After this law, Appleby lost its right to elect MPs.
Today, Appleby is part of the Penrith and the Border area for Parliament. In the 2019 election, Neil Hudson became the MP for this area.
For local matters, Appleby is now part of the Westmorland and Furness local government. The town also has its own local council called Appleby-in-Westmorland Town Council. This council helps manage local services and represents the town's residents.
Media and News
You can get local news and TV programmes from BBC North East and Cumbria and ITV Border. These channels provide news specific to the area.
Appleby has several local radio stations. You can listen to BBC Radio Cumbria on 95.6 FM. There is also Greatest Hits Radio Cumbria & South West Scotland on 102.5 FM. A local community station called Eden FM Radio broadcasts from nearby Penrith on 107.5 FM. The town's local newspapers are the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald and The Westmorland Gazette.
Transport in Appleby
Appleby railway station is a stop on the Settle-Carlisle Line. This railway line is known for its beautiful scenery. The station opened in 1876. Trains run about every two hours in both directions. They connect Appleby to places like Leeds and Carlisle.
There was another station called Appleby East, but it closed in 1962.
As of November 2024, two main bus routes serve the town:
- The 560 bus connects Kirkby Stephen with Penrith.
- The S6 bus links Sedburgh and Penrith.
Notable People from Appleby
Many interesting people have connections to Appleby:
- Lady Anne Clifford, 14th Baroness de Clifford (1590–1676) was very important to Appleby. She helped fix up the castle and churches. Her memorial is in St Lawrence's Church.
- Thomas Barlow (1607/1608–1691) was born nearby and went to Appleby Grammar School. He became an important church leader.
- Saint John Boste (1544–1594) also attended Appleby Grammar School. He is a saint in the Catholic Church.
- William Stobart (born 1961) is a businessman linked to a company based in Appleby.
- Gavin Skelton (born 1981) is a football coach.
- Helen Skelton (born 1983) is a television presenter. She also attended Appleby Grammar School.
See also
In Spanish: Appleby-in-Westmorland para niños
