Beaumont, Cumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaumont |
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 Village Green, Beaumont |
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 Beaumont
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| Population | 488 (2011 census) |
| Civil parish |
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| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CARLISLE |
| Postcode district | CA5 |
| Dialling code | 01228 |
| Police | Cumbria |
| Fire | Cumbria |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Beaumont (pronounced locally as bee-mont) is a small village in Cumbria, England. It is located in the City of Carlisle area. The village is about four miles north-west of Carlisle. It sits right on the banks of the River Eden.
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What is Beaumont Like?
The area around Beaumont, called its civil parish, includes other small villages. These are Kirkandrews-on-Eden, Grinsdale, and Monkhill. The River Eden flows along the north and east sides of the parish. To the west is Burgh by Sands, and to the south is Orton.
Beaumont is a quiet village with only a few places to go. It has a pub called The Drover's Rest. However, you won't find a school, post office, or shop right in the village.
A Look Back at Beaumont's History
The name Beaumont comes from the French language. It means "beautiful mount" or "beautiful hill." This name makes sense because the village is built on a high piece of land.
Long ago, a family called the Brun family owned the land here. They were also in charge of the local church. By the year 1380, the Dacres family took over the property. It then became part of the Barony of Burgh. This area belonged to the Earl of Lonsdale.
The church in Beaumont is part of the Carlisle area for religious matters. In 1772, the church received extra money from Queen Anne's Bounty. This helped to improve it.
A canal, called the Carlisle canal, used to run through the parish. This canal was wide enough for boats carrying up to 60 tonnes of goods. In 1961, there were 128 houses in Beaumont.
St Mary's Church
St Mary's is an Anglican church in Beaumont. It was built by the Normans in 1296. What's really cool is that it was built on the site of an old tower from Hadrian's Wall! From the church, you can see the Solway Firth and Scotland to the north. You can also see the Lake District, Carlisle, and the Pennines to the east.
The church is made from sandstone blocks. These blocks likely came from the nearby Hadrian's Wall. The roof is made of greenslate. The church has pointed gables and a cross on top. Not much of the very first church remains. However, the main room inside is still mostly from that early time. This includes the south doorway and three east windows. The church was repaired and updated several times, in 1784, 1872, and 1888.
The windows, porch, and vestry (a small room for clergy) were added in the 1800s. The wooden roof inside is from the 1400s. The Hadrian's Wall Path walking trail goes right past the church. It's on its way from Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway.
On May 1, 1957, the church became a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building.
Inside the church, you can see two old grave slabs. They were found during repairs in the Victorian era. They are now built into the west wall behind the font (a basin for baptisms). In 1996, the church celebrated its 700th birthday. To mark this, special kneelers were made. They honored the Rectors (church leaders) from each century. Sir Elias de Thirwall was the first Rector, starting in 1296.
St Mary's Church has two fun traditions at weddings. First, the groom cuts a string that ties the church gates shut. This is said to bring good luck to the couple. Second, a rope is stretched across the road. Wedding cars can only pass if they give some money to the children watching!
Beaumont's Historic Places
Beaumont is home to many important historical sites. There are 7 listed buildings and 3 scheduled ancient monuments. A listed building is a building that is officially recognized as being of special architectural or historic interest. A scheduled ancient monument is an archaeological site or historic building that is protected by law. Beaumont is also part of a World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as having global importance.
Grade II Listed Buildings These buildings are important and need to be protected:
- Beaumont House
- Hillcrest
- Eden Bank Farmhouse
- Churchyard wall south of Church of St Mary
- Orchard House
- Myrtle Cottage
Grade II* Listed Building This building is especially important:
- Church of St Mary
Scheduled Ancient Monuments These are important historical sites that are protected:
- Beaumont motte castle and part of Hadrian's Wall. This includes a small tower (turret 70a).
- A section of Hadrian's Wall between a field and Eden Bank.
- Burgh by Sands Roman fort, Beaumont camp, Burgh Castle, and Hadrian's Wall. This section goes from the churchyard to Burgh Head.
World Heritage Sites Buffer Zone
- Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Hadrian's Wall) - This means Beaumont is in the protected area around Hadrian's Wall, which is a famous World Heritage Site.
