Blennerhasset and Torpenhow facts for kids
Blennerhasset and Torpenhow is a small area in Cumbria, England. It is known as a civil parish, which is like a local community area. In 2011, about 423 people lived here. The area includes the villages of Blennerhasset and Torpenhow, plus a smaller place called Kirkland Guards. It is located just outside the beautiful Lake District National Park.
The people who live here say the name Torpenhow in a special way: it sounds like "truh-PEN-uh". Blennerhasset is also pronounced differently by locals, sounding like "blen-RAY-sit".
What's in a Name?
Have you ever wondered where place names come from? The name Blennerhasset comes from old words. Part of it comes from the Old Norse word heysætr, which means 'hay shieling'. A shieling was a simple hut used by shepherds in summer. Another part comes from a British word meaning 'top' or 'hill farm'.
The name Torpenhow is also very interesting! For a long time, people thought it meant "hill, hill, hill" because it seemed to have three words for "hill" put together.
- Tor comes from an Old English word for a 'rocky peak'.
- Pen comes from an old Welsh word meaning 'head', 'top', or 'hill'.
- How comes from an Old English word for a 'hill' or 'projecting piece of ground'.
So, the name Torpenhow describes a 'rocky summit' with a 'hill-spur'.
Who's in Charge?
Blennerhasset and Torpenhow is part of the Workington area. This area elects a person to represent them in the UK Parliament in London. This person is called a Member of Parliament, or MP. The current MP for Workington is Mark Jenkinson, who is part of the Conservative Party.
For local matters, like roads and services, the area is part of the Boltons Ward of Allerdale Borough Council. This council helps manage things in the wider Allerdale area. It is also part of the Bothel and Wharrels Ward of Cumbria County Council, which looks after county-wide services.
Blennerhasset and Torpenhow also has its very own local council, called the Blennerhasset and Torpenhow Parish Council. This council helps make decisions for the local community.
Blennerhasset Mill
The Blennerhasset Mill is an old mill located on the south side of the River Ellen. Mills like this used to grind grain into flour.
Ancient Roman Fort
Did you know that the Romans were once in this area? A Roman fort is located here. It was built on an old Roman road that connected two other Roman sites, Old Carlisle and Papcastle. Roman forts were important military bases that helped the Roman army control the land.
