The Manor House is a charming but imposing
18th Century house in a pleasant village location, set in the stunning Eden Valley, boasting an abundance of rural character. It lies approximately 11 miles west of the Yorkshire Dales and only a short drive of 26 miles from the Lake District If you enjoy long walks in the countryside or perhaps the challenge of climbing the magnificent fells then The Manor House is the ideal place for you to stay. Cumbria is of course famous for its beautiful lakes (Wordsworth country) and its undulating lofty fells, hills and mountains and these can be taken full advantage of in this lovely house in this wonderful part of the world.
If walking is not necessarily for you, then there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as visiting the many abbeys, monasteries, churches and of course castles that Cumbria has to offer. Many of them only a short drive away. Closer to home is our local town, Kirkby Stephen where you will find plenty of places to eat lunch or afternoon tea or perhaps enjoy a warming cup of cocoa on those colder days or a pot of tea and a slice of cake. It is quaint and as well as the many choices of cafes and pubs there are also antique shops offering both fine antiques as well as more affordable country antiques. There are also, of course, shops where you can purchase your groceries, newspapers and essentials.
Every Monday there is a farmer’s market which has been held in the town centre since 1530. Certainly worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere of this ancient town and get a feel for the farming community, agriculture being the main occupation for the people of Cumbria. Cumbria is known for its country fairs as well as its tradition of sheepdog trials, dry-stone walling contests, hound trailing, fell racing to mention but a few. Watch out for the Cumberland sausage (no they won’t jump up and attack!) - these sausages can measure up to 4 feet long and are baked whole, of course having previously been wrapped up in a coil! Also, look out for the Cumberland Ham, another traditional and popular Cumbrian delight.
The house itself has a fascinating history. There is a plaque above the door dating it at 1726, although this was when the house was façaded, as there is evidence of an old peel tower dating the house to medieval times. In the early 19th Century it was run as one of the famous academies that Charles Dickens based his findings on when he wrote Nicholas Nickelby. The Reverend John Adamthwaite, owner of the house at the time would adertise in The Times newspaper. Below is an exert from the The Times dated 22nd June 1815...
“EDUCATION - At Winton, near Brough, in Westmorland. BOYS are EDUCATED, furnished with books, boarded, and clothed, by the Rev. J. Adamthwaite, D.D.beneficed Curate of Radly, at 22 guineas a year; and Parlour Boarders at 40 guineas. There are no vacations at this school, and from the close attention of Dr. A. and his assistants to the education of the scholars, no school in the kingdom can boast of finer boys. Dr A. who was for many years an usher in the public schools, and tutor to a nobleman’s family, attends each day, between the hours of 11 and 1, at the Chapter Coffee-house. St Paul’s : references to bishops, clergymen, and laymen of equal eminence.”
Unfortunately for the boys, their stay at the school wasn’t always a pleasant experience and the reason there were “no vacations” was that the Rev was paranoid that his treatment of the boys would become known to their parents. I have found a census for the area dated 1841 and judging by this census there were up to 40 boys boarding at the house at any one time. Charles Dickens visited many of these Academies and it is believed that The Manor House was one of the Academies he researched. Fortunately he highlighted a very sorry plight and with ardent campaigning succeeded in closing these schools down. Thank goodness for Charles Dickens!
When we first lived in The Manor House some nine years ago with our three children, and number four on the way, my biggest fear was being awoken at night by children crying and it not being my own! Well I am very pleased to be able to tell you that this did not happen, although one or two other strange occurrences have… Those are stories for another time, although should you decide you would like to stay at this great house, do look out for the resident ghost - she likes to climb what was once a stair case near our piano. Many guests have sighted her but I admit not I, nor the family, as yet! Should you be faint hearted please do not despair this house has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and no-one has been scared witless yet! Should you be of the more courageous nature, perhaps you could run a murder mystery here or even plan your very own ghost hunt?
Hopefully the above will have whet your appetite and you will by now be sharing our excitement of what the Manor House has to offer and would like to stay in this beautiful house. There is so much to enjoy both inside the house and in the nearby countryside. We would love to have you as our guests and look forward to hearing from you.
