Wetheral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wetheral |
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| Village and parish | |
 The Cross, Wetheral Village Green |
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 Wetheral
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| Population | 4,541 (for civil parish) (2011) |
| OS grid reference | NY4654 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Carlisle |
| Postcode district | CA4 |
| Dialling code | 01228 |
| Police | Cumbria |
| Fire | Cumbria |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Wetheral is a lovely village in Cumbria, England. It is also a civil parish, which is a local area with its own council. In 2011, about 4,541 people lived here. Wetheral is known for its beautiful views and interesting history.
Contents
Exploring Wetheral's Natural Beauty
Wetheral sits high on a bank, looking down into a deep gorge. This gorge was carved by the River Eden.
Ancient Woodlands and River Views
The riverbanks around Wetheral are covered in very old forests. One of these is Wetheral Woods. The National Trust takes care of these woods. Long ago, a small ferryboat used to cross the river here. It connected Wetheral to the village of Great Corby on the other side. You can still find an old iron ring on the rocks. This is where the ferry used to tie up.
Wetheral's Rich History
Wetheral has a long and fascinating past. Many old buildings and stories tell us about its history.
Early Beginnings of Wetheral
The name 'Wetheral' is very old. It first appeared around the year 1100 AD. Back then, it was called Wetherhala. This name was written in the records of Wetheral Priory.
The Railway and Its Past
The Newcastle to Carlisle Railway runs through Wetheral. There is a train station here. It is at the west end of Corby Bridge. This bridge is often called 'Wetheral Viaduct'. It crosses the River Eden and also has a path for people to walk across. This path connects Wetheral with Great Corby. The station closed in 1967 but reopened in 1981. In 1836, one of the first railway accidents happened near Wetheral station.
The Old Priory
In the Middle Ages, there was a priory in Wetheral. A priory was a type of monastery. Today, only the gatehouse remains. English Heritage looks after this old gatehouse. You can also see some low ruined walls behind the farm buildings. These are all that is left of the old priory.
The Heart of Wetheral Village
The center of Wetheral is its charming village green. This green is surrounded by many interesting buildings.
The Village Green and Cross
In one corner of the village green stands Wetheral Cross. The steps at its base were once part of a maypole. This maypole was put up in 1814. Later, in the 1830s and 1840s, the steps were moved. The cross was added then. Wetheral was not a market town, so it is not a market cross. The top part of the cross looks older than its base. It might be from a Medieval cross.
Buildings Around the Green
Large, old houses in different styles surround the green. You can also find the Fantails restaurant, a shop, and a tea room here. The village church, a hotel called The Crown, the village hall, a hairdresser, and a pub called The Wheatsheaf are all nearby. The northwestern part of the village is called Wetheral Plain. It has houses along Plains Road and two housing areas called Greenacres and Faustin Hill.
Wetheral Parish Church
Wetheral Parish Church is a special place. It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and St Constantine.
Saint Constantine's Legend
St Constantine was said to be a Scottish king. Legend says he gave up his throne to become a monk. He supposedly lived as a hermit in a cave at Wetheral. You can reach this cave by walking along the River Eden.
Unique Sculpture of Faith
The church has a life-size sculpture called 'Faith'. It was made by Joseph Nollekens. Henry Howard asked for this sculpture to remember his wife, Maria. She passed away during childbirth. The sculpture was very expensive when it was made in the late 1700s.
Education and Notable People
Wetheral does not have its own school anymore. Most primary school children go to schools in nearby villages.
Local Schools and Transport
Many children from Wetheral go to school in Scotby. Some also go to Great Corby or Warwick Bridge. For older students, Wetheral is in the area for Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle. However, many students choose to go to William Howard School in Brampton. A bus service takes them there, even though there is a fee for it.
Famous People from Wetheral
Two important women were born near or in Wetheral. Pat Waddell was born near Warwick Bridge. She was an ambulance driver and nurse in World War One. Nancy Roper was born in Wetheral in 1918. She became a famous nursing expert. She developed a nursing method based on Activities of Daily Living. This method is used by nurses all over the UK and beyond.
Wetheral's Wider Community
The Wetheral area includes several other villages and hamlets.
Villages and Hamlets Nearby
The Wetheral area includes Warwick-on-Eden, Aglionby, Scotby, Cotehill, Cumwhinton, Wetheral Shield, and Wetheral Pasture. The civil parish also includes parts of Great Corby and Warwick Bridge.
Animal Refuge
At Wetheral Shield, you can find the Animals' Refuge. This refuge is run by the National Equine (and Smaller Animals) Defence League. They help horses and smaller animals.
Images for kids
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This is the life-size sculpture of 'Faith' by Joseph Nollekens in Wetheral Parish Church. It remembers Henry Howard's wife, Maria.
See also
In Spanish: Wetheral para niños
