Fleece the Past: Kendal's History
Welcome, dear reader, to Kendal’s history – a tale so rich it could put even the finest wool to shame. If medieval sheep and financial shenanigans aren’t your cup of mint tea, well, then you’re in the wrong place! But if you’re still here, get comfortable and enjoy the ride through Kendal’s past.
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The Rich History of Kendal: From Roman Roots to Wool and Mint Cake |
Kendal Unveiled: From Togas to Towers – A Historical Soiree
In the haze of ancient times, Kendal rose when the Romans swaggered in like the toga-clad trendsetters they were. Around the first century AD, they looked over the land and decided, “What Kendal needs is a fort.” So, they set up camp at Watercrook, a bend in the River Kent, south of what would later become the modern town.
Maintaining a Roman fort wasn’t a stroll through the Colosseum. It took constant attention. Those soldiers had needs - needs that the Brigantes, the original locals, found themselves reluctantly supplying. Thus began the epic saga of trade in Kendal, a legacy still kicking around today.
Time passed, and by the fourth century AD, the Romans were out. Kendal went through an identity crisis until the Normans rode in like medieval rockstars, carving their names into the Domesday Book. Meanwhile, Castle Howe, the OG fortress, stood stoically to the west, doing its best impression of a castle.
The Normans, ever the drama kings, took control of Kendal’s politics. They built Kendal Castle at Castle Hill sometime after 1183, though the date’s as elusive as a knight in armor at a Renaissance fair.
In the chaos, religion and commerce decided to crash the party. The Normans, with their flair for turning everything upside down, made their mark on the town’s political landscape. And there it is – Kendal’s origin tale, starring Romans, Normans, castles, and a sprinkle of ancient humor, fermented like fine wine for centuries.
Woolly Wisdom and Market Mayhem: The Kendal Charter Odyssey
The game-changer for Kendal came in 1189 – the Market Charter. Picture this: Richard I, running low on cash thanks to the Crusades, throws a bone to the Baron of Kendal, Gilbert Fitz-Renfried. “Here’s a license for a Saturday market,” he says, passing the financial hat to fund his adventures. Kingly funds flowed to the Crusades, while the Baron lined his pockets with trading fees. And just like that, "Market Kendal" was born, laying the foundation for what we now know.
Fast forward to the ecclesiastical drama at Allhallows – the Parish Church rising like a phoenix in 1201, replacing a worn-out Saxon version. But in 1210, a darker chapter unfolded when Scottish marauders led by the Earl of Fife tore through Kendal. The Parish Church, once a refuge, became a battleground, with townsfolk—women and children among them—falling victim to the onslaught.
The thirteenth century saw Kendal’s markets thrive, mirroring the boom in England’s towns. The church, not satisfied with holy matters alone, turned the town’s fairs into religious spectacles. Sunday trading? Sure, as long as people stayed devout.
Enter Peter de Brus, the Baron of Kendal, with a Charter between 1246 and 1260 confirming the rights of burgesses. Common pasture, firewood for all, and prime land – it was the full medieval package. And there’s more. The Charter also laid out agreements with fullers and dyers, giving the wool industry its first stirrings. Little did they know that wool would one day hold Kendal’s economic future in its hands. And so began Kendal's journey, woven with trade, tragedy, and the tenacity of a town destined for greatness.
Spinning Yarns to Minty Triumphs: Kendal's Story of Change
As the years passed, Kendal slowly slipped into the wool business during the 14th century. The town, sitting at the heart of Westmorland’s wool trade, saw fortunes soar. The monks joined in, and suddenly, Kendal's prospects were as high as a shepherd’s staff.
The wool industry weaved its magic, and Kendal grew fat with prosperity, like a sheep after a long, good season. But the Industrial Revolution came, and the wool trade packed its bags, heading for the mills in Yorkshire and Lancashire. But don’t worry, the wool left a mark. If you stroll through Kendal today, you'll see street names like Tenterfell, named for the tenter—a medieval frame where wool was stretched and dried. And yes, that’s where the phrase “on tenterhooks” comes from, meaning under tension. Who knew wool could be so stressful?
Enter the Kendal Pattern Book of 1769. Unearthed by Mr. Jimmy Rigg during World War II salvage operations, the book passed hands until it landed with local historian Jack O'Connor. This book, a relic of Kendal’s woolen past, was a gem. John Kemp, a Flemish weaver with a “Letter of Protection” from Edward III, kick-started the wool trade in the 14th century. The book was put on display in 2010, a result of two years of labor by the Lancashire and Lakes Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers. Spinning history into gold, indeed.
Fast forward to Kendal’s more recent tales, where industries played hopscotch with fate. Snuff-making and shoe production had their day in the sun, with K Shoes stepping into the spotlight like a local fashion icon. But the story takes a familiar twist—takeover troubles, and the manufacturing crown moving elsewhere. It’s like Cinderella, but with more leather and fewer glass slippers.
Now, let’s talk money. Kendal went from snuff to stocks, becoming a hub for banks, insurance companies, and building societies. Some industries cling to the town like Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon with their industrial pumps, Goodacres with carpets, and Farleys offering the town’s signature foodstuffs. And let’s not forget the iconic Kendal Mint Cake, that sugary superhero made by several companies in town—because every hero needs a minty sidekick.
The Conclusion: Kendal’s Resilient Legacy
So here we are, standing tall in the proud history of Kendal. Through the highs and lows, this town flexed its resilience, proving it’s a “Town for All Seasons.” From woolly adventures to financial fandangos, Kendal danced through history with flair, proving that change is the only constant, even in a town with a taste for minty triumphs and woolly drama.
Further Reading:
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Historic England – Kendal Castle – Dive deeper into the official history and preservation of Kendal Castle, one of the town's oldest landmarks.
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English Heritage – Kendal’s Historic Sites – Explore the history behind Kendal’s historic sites, including the ruins of the famous Kendal Castle and surrounding areas.
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The Lake District National Park Authority – Discover more about Kendal’s location in the Lake District, and how the region’s natural beauty and history are interwoven.
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Cumbria History Society – Learn about Kendal’s rich heritage from the Cumbria History Society, covering everything from medieval times to modern-day developments.
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Kendal Museum – Take a deeper dive into Kendal’s local museum to see artifacts and exhibitions that tell the town’s fascinating story.
Main image is Kendal Castle Ruins From Above, with the town sprawling behind. Image courtesy of Anglovirtual.