Sedbergh Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sedbergh

Sedbergh
Population	2,765 (2011)
OS grid reference	SD6592
Civil parish	Sedbergh
District	South Lakeland
Shire county	Cumbria
Region	North West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	SEDBERGH
Postcode district	LA10
Dialling code	015396

Police	Cumbria
Fire	Cumbria
Ambulance	North West

EU Parliament	North West England
UK Parliament	Westmorland and Lonsdale
List of places UK England Cumbria 54°19′19″N 2°31′34″W / 54.322°N 2.526°W / 54.322; -2.526

Ingmire Hall, from the south

Sedbergh ( SED-bər or SEB-ər) is a town and civil parish in Cumbria, England. The 2001 census gave the parish a population of 2,705, increasing at the 2011 census to 2,765. Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, it lies about 10 miles (16 km) east of Kendal, 28 miles (45 km) north of Lancaster and about 10 miles (16 km) north of Kirkby Lonsdale, just within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It stands at the foot of Howgill Fells, on the north bank of the River Rawthey, which joins the River Lune 2 miles (3 km) below the town.

History
Economy and amenities
Landmarks
Location grid
Images for kids
See also

History

Sedbergh's parish church dedicated to St Andrew dates from the 12th century, though restored periodically since then. There is at least one house in the village dating from the 14th century, and there are the remains of a motte and bailey castle believed to date from Saxon times.

Sedbergh's main industries for many years were farming and the production of woollen garments. Wool was taken to mills where it was turned into yarn from which people in their homes knitted clothing, including hats and socks. The garments were sold by local merchants to, among other places, the coal miners of the North East of England. This trade has long since disappeared. It is remembered at Farfield Mill, just outside the town, where there is an exhibition of weaving equipment, and workshops for a number of artists and crafts workers.

The town was served by Sedbergh railway station from 1861 to 1954.

Economy and amenities

Personal incomes come from a range of sources: the schools are major employers. Sedbergh is also England's official book town (like Hay-on-Wye in Wales and Wigtown in Scotland). Though smaller than these, it has several independent bookshops and dealers. Employment in small to medium manufacturing and wholesale companies may match or exceed that of schools – a growing feature of the economy. Other major sources are farming, retail and tourism. The profile of Sedbergh improved after it featured in a BBC documentary series, The Town that Wants a Twin, airing for twelve episodes in January and February 2005. One result was for Sedbergh to twin with Zreče in north-eastern Slovenia.

The town suffered an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001. As livestock farming declined, it was promoted as a destination for walkers and ramblers. In 2015 the town was accepted as a Walkers are Welcome town.

The town golf club is located at Catholes-Abbott Holme.

A monthly booklet "Sedbergh and District Lookaround" gives details of local events and activities, including bus times and religious services.

Landmarks

About two miles west of the town, near Marthwaite, Ingmire Hall comprises the remains of a 16th-century house, incorporating a pele tower, altered and enlarged in the 19th century by Kendalian architect George Webster and again in the 20th century. The hall was partially destroyed by fire in the 1920s but was extended and partially remodelled in 1989. The property is built of coursed rubble with quoins and has slate roofs. Although the hall is within private grounds, there is a public footpath running alongside the drive-way.

St Gregory's Church is a redundant Anglican church situated on the A684 road about 1.5 miles (2 km) to the west of Sedbergh. It has been designated a Grade II listed building and is now recorded in the National Heritage List for England, maintained by Historic England and is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.