Natland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Natland
The village green and St Mark's church
Natland
Population	796 (2011 Census)
OS grid reference	SD521892
Civil parish	Natland
District	South Lakeland
Shire county	Cumbria
Region	North West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	KENDAL
Postcode district	LA9
Dialling code	01539

Police	Cumbria
Fire	Cumbria
Ambulance	North West

EU Parliament	North West England
UK Parliament	Westmorland and Lonsdale
List of places UK England Cumbria 54°17′46″N 2°44′13″W / 54.296°N 2.737°W / 54.296; -2.737

Natland is a small village and civil parish in Cumbria, England. It's located about 3 kilometers (2 miles) south of the town of Kendal. The village is also very close to Oxenholme. In 2011, about 796 people lived in Natland.

Exploring Natland Village
Natland's History
Notable People from Natland
Location Grid
See also

Exploring Natland Village

The area around Natland is mostly open countryside. It stretches from the River Kent to a steep hill called Helm. Helm rises to 185 meters (607 feet) above sea level. From the top, you can get a really great view of the area. Natland village is right in the middle of this parish.

Village Landmarks

Natland has several important places that everyone knows. These include St Mark's Parish Church. This church was built in 1910. It was designed by famous architects named Austin and Paley.

The village also has St Mark's Church of England Primary School. There's a Village Hall for community events. You can also find the Village Store and Post Office. This building used to be a pub called the Horse and Farrier.

The Village Green

The village green is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It has a special oak tree planted in 1952. This tree celebrates the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There's also a picnic table and two memorial seats. The Village Green and Helm hill are both common land. This means everyone can use them. They are owned by the Strickland family, who live nearby at Sizergh Castle.

Past Transport and Future Plans

The Lancaster Canal used to run through the western part of Natland. It closed down in 1947. Now, there are plans to fix up the canal. The goal is to connect it to the national waterways system. This would allow boats to travel through Natland again. The village also has a regular bus service. It runs between Kendal and Silverdale. A mobile library also visits the village.

The Treacle Mine Legend

There's a fun, old story that Natland has a "Treacle Mine." Treacle is a type of syrup, like molasses. While it's just a legend, there is a real cave system under the village. It runs from Helm hill all the way to the river. No one knows the exact path of these caves.

Famous Musicians from Natland

Some members of the rock band British Sea Power grew up in Natland. These musicians are Yan, Hamilton, and Woody. Their former manager, Roy Wilkinson, also grew up here.

Natland's History

Natland has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for a very long time.

Ancient Times

Signs of the earliest people in Natland are found on Helm hill. There are earthworks there. These could be an Iron Age fort. The Romans likely used Helm hill too. They had a fort nearby at Watercrook. This Roman fort was about 4 acres (16,000 square meters) in size. Romans lived there from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Many Roman objects have been found in the area.

What's in a Name?

Experts have different ideas about where the name Natland came from. One idea is that it comes from an Old Norse phrase. Natlundr might mean 'Nati's wood'. 'Nati' could be a mythical name or a person's name. 'Lundr' means 'a small wood' or 'a sacred grove'.

Another idea comes from a book written in 1777. It suggests Natland got its name from the Nativi. These were like bondsmen or servants. They might have lived there to serve the lord at Kendal Castle.

Early Buildings and Education

The name Natland was first written down in 1164. Natland Hall farm is probably the oldest building in the village. It was given permission to have a chapel in 1246. Natland Abbey is another old building from the 14th century. It was an agricultural community. Watercrook Farm, Natland Mill, and Cracalt Farm are also very old.

In 1674, a teacher named Richard Frankland started the Natland Academy. This school taught religious knowledge. By 1693, more than 350 students had studied there.

Notable People from Natland

Richard Frankland (1630–1698): He founded the Natland Academy.
Roy Wilkinson (living): A music journalist and manager for the band British Sea Power.
Yan, Hamilton, and Wood: Members of the indie-rock band British Sea Power. They grew up in Natland.