Lake District Heritage

April 13th - 18th 2008

PROGRAMME

Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Lake District
The Lake District has an historical and cultural heritage reaching back for at least four thousand years. The programme will review the background to this and explore in greater detail the more recent “discovery” of the Lake District by the early travellers, artists and writers. We shall also be studying the Lakeland landscape as we see it today in terms of the “picturesque”, traditional farming and past industries.
  

* Overview – the layers of Lakeland history
This illustrated talk will peel back the layers of Lakeland history. It will be a brief but informative review of the long history of this region and its fascinating and unique cultural heritage. The scene will be set for the exciting programme that follows.
   

* Architecture and Landscape of the Lake District
The Lake District’s distinctive architecture and world famous landscape are explored in this illustrated talk. The vernacular architecture is an integral part of the character of the area and compliments the landscape. The landscape will be studied in terms of its “picturesque” qualities and how it reflects traditional farming and past industries.
    

* The Discovery of the Lake District
This illustrated talk explores how the Lake District was discovered by the wider world through the early travellers, artists, writers and the railways. Remote and largely inaccessible, it was not until the late eighteenth century when adventurous travellers, who wrote about and painted the sublime scenery of the Lake District, brought this region to the notice of the greater population of England. The nineteenth century railways enabled interested visitors to travel to the Lake District in large numbers.
   

* Mills and Milling in the Lake District
This ancient and traditional Lakeland industry is examined in an illustrated talk. Dating back to the early wool industry and carrying on through the great nineteenth century period of bobbin making – mills abounded in the Lake District. Many are still identifiable today and add their own special appeal to the landscape and heritage of the region.
    

* Tales, Trials and Tribulations of the Early Visitors
This is a lively presentation, given through readings by your resident tutors, of the experiences of the early visitors to the Lake District. Hear of their exaggerated apprehension of the landscape which soon turned to extolment; and hear amusing tales and narratives from some of the famous people associated with the area.
    

* Cumbrian Dialect
An entertaining and fascinating exploration of the rich heritage of the local dialect of the county. A local expert will explain the meaning and source of the many descriptive words and sayings that add so much colour to the language.
    

* Exploring the Landscape around Windermere
An afternoon tour through the beautiful landscape around Windermere. We will be exploring architectural gems, such as Blackwell – one of the outstanding Arts and Crafts houses in the country, situated high above the eastern side of Lake Windermere. We will also enjoy the exceptional landscape and discover how traditional farming and past industries have left their mark.

* Coniston – the Study of a Lakeland Village
This will be an in depth look at a traditional Lakeland village bringing together the many historical and cultural aspects already discussed. Coniston, with its traditional stone and slate buildings, historic church, ancient inn and mining and quarrying heritage, set at the northern end of Coniston Water, is an ideal example. We will visit the exceptional Ruskin Museum where an expert will describe some of the architectural, farming and mining exhibits featured.
   

* Ambleside and the Armitt
The renowned Armitt Museum and Library, founded by enterprising sisters, is one of the highlights of Ambleside. The museum tells the story of Ambleside through local and famous associations, including John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and the artist Kurt Schwitters. You will be able to handle unique and rare documents and drawings during this specially arranged visit.
Afterwards there is an option of a walking tour around this popular town - discovering some of its hidden secrets.
   

* Muncaster Castle and Gardens
This will be a full day starting with a scenic drive to the west coast and Muncaster Castle. This historic castle, overlooking the beautiful Eskdale valley, and set in its magnificent grounds, has been the ancestral home of the Pennington family for 800 years.
You will meet the owners and discover how an estate such as Muncaster is run. This is a unique experience and a fitting end to the holiday.

THE TUTORS

Richard Hyde is a freelance Blue Badge Guide for Cumbria and Northumbria. He has been living in Cumbria since 1976 and has a great love for, and interest in, this region. He has particular experience in leading tours and giving presentations for alumni and museum groups.Richard has been involved in the Heritage Tours at Rothay Manor for the past three years, and amongst his interests are walking and photography. Many of his photographs are used in his illustrated lectures.
   

Nicky Godfrey-Evans has been a freelance Blue badge Guide since 1977 and has been living in Cumbria since 1979. She is a nationally recognised guide trainer.
Nicky established a tour operating and guiding business that she has run for nearly twenty years with the help of her husband Richard Hyde. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of Cumbria with visitors and is delighted to be a part of this excellent heritage programme.

* The ‘Single’ rate refers to the single occupancy of a Standard double room. The Gunroom is our only actual single room and is £560, whilst the single occupancy of a Superior double room is £635

The 5-night holiday runs from Sunday evening through to mid-day Friday, and the price is per person and includes early morning tea, full English breakfast, morning coffee, 4 course dinner and V.A.T. for the 5 night stay.

Non-participating partners are welcome, and the cost for them is £50 less than above. A limited number of places are available for Non-residents, with the items of the holiday and Dinner each evening included.

We ask for a deposit of £150 per person for the 5-night holiday, which can be by cheque or credit card. This is non-refundable unless the room is subsequently relet, and cancellation insurance is available.