Kirkoswald, Cumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kirkoswald |
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| Village and parish | |
 The belltower, built on the hill above the church so that villagers could hear the bells |
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 Kirkoswald
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| Population | 901 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | NY5541 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PENRITH |
| Postcode district | CA10 |
| Dialling code | 01768 |
| Police | Cumbria |
| Fire | Cumbria |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Kirkoswald is a village in Westmorland and Furness, England. It is about 9 miles (14 km) from Penrith. The village is part of the historic county of Cumberland. In 2011, about 900 people lived here. Locals sometimes call the village KO.
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Village History and Buildings
The name Kirkoswald means "Church of St Oswald". The village church is named after Saint Oswald, an old king of Northumbria. People believe King Oswald's body was carried through the village long ago.
The church is on the edge of the village, looking over the River Eden. It is near the bridge that connects Kirkoswald to Lazonby. What makes St Oswald's Church special is its bell tower. This tower was built in the 1800s on a hill about 200 yards away from the church itself. Parts of the church building are very old, dating back to the 1100s. A special spring is said to be under the church floor.
In 1808, a hidden collection of old coins was found in the area. This collection, known as the Kirkoswald Hoard, included over 500 copper coins and a silver decoration.
One of Kirkoswald's most impressive buildings is called The College. Its name reminds us that St Oswald's Church used to be a "collegiate church." This means it had a group of priests living and working together. The College building was first built around 1450 as a Pele Tower. These towers were strong, small castles used for defense. After 1547, it became the home of the Fetherstonhaugh family.
Village Life and Shops
Kirkoswald has one main street that goes up a steep hill. Along this street, you will find the old market place. Here, there are two pubs: the Crown Inn and the Fetherston Arms. There used to be a third pub, the Black Bull, but it closed in the 1990s.
The village also has a shop that includes a post office. There is a Methodist church and a popular primary school. Not long ago, Kirkoswald had more shops, like a butcher and a bank.
Kirkoswald was given permission to hold a market in the 1200s. However, the market later moved to Lazonby and Kirkoswald railway station. This happened after the Settle to Carlisle Railway Line opened in 1876.
How the Village is Governed
Kirkoswald is part of Westmorland and Furness. Before 2023, it was in the Eden district of Cumbria. The village parish also includes the nearby village of Renwick. Other small areas like Staffield, High Bankhill, Parkhead, and Scales are also part of the parish.
The local village council, called the parish council, meets at the village hall. This hall is in Kirkoswald's old market square.
Famous People from Kirkoswald
- Bridget Atkinson (1732–1814) was a farmer who loved collecting shells from all over the world. She was the first honorary member of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Timothy Brown (1743/1744–1820) was born in Kirkoswald. He was a banker and merchant who supported big changes in society.
- Maria Fetherstonhaugh (1847–1918) was a novelist who also wrote under the name Minna Carleton. She married Timothy Fetherstonhaugh in Kirkoswald in 1865.
