Hawkshead: A Picturesque Perfect Lake District Village:
Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Hawkshead is a charming and picture-perfect village located between Lake Windermere and Coniston Water in the Vale of Esthwaite.
It has been attracting visitors for centuries. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings, whitewashed cottages, and stunning scenery, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Hawkshead remains unlike any other Lakeland town or village.
Hawkshead is the much-loved village of William Wordsworth and several of the buildings were gifted to the National Trust by the children’s author- Beatrix Potter.
History
Hawkshead has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to the 12th century. Over the years, it has been a thriving market town. There has been a market in Hawkshead since letters patent were granted during the reign of James I.
The wool and leather trade had many ups and downs but it would seem that in its heyday it was a thriving community enterprise.
At that time, most families produced their own yarn and garments and sold their extra produce at the local market.
Wool merchants were known to have come to Hawkshead from as far away as Kendal and Cockermouth.
Today, Hawkshead is a thriving community that is home to around 1,000 people.
Attractions
One of the main attractions of Hawkshead is its beautiful architecture. The village is home to a number of historic buildings, including the 15th century St Michael and All Angels Church, the Old Grammar School (where the famous poet William Wordsworth studied), and a number of traditional stone cottages and houses.
Hawkshead Methodist Church is the oldest building presently used for methodist worship anywhere in the world.
It was originally built in the 15th century as a cottage used for residential purposes. In 1862, it was converted to a church and opened in November 1862.
Another popular attraction in Hawkshead is the Beatrix Potter Gallery. Located in a 17th-century building that was once home to the author, the gallery features a collection of her original illustrations, as well as displays on her life and work.
Grasmere Gingerbread have opened their second shop in Hawkshead June 2023. Similar to the original Grasmere shop, they sell freshly baked Grasmere Gingerbread and locally roasted takeaway coffee.
Hawkshead Parish Church is a broad rectangular building with a square tower at its western end.
It is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels.
The church stands in a commanding position on the crown of an oval-shaped hillock of glacial origin. It rises sharply from the main road to a further height of 30 to 40 feet.
Up until 1875, Hawkshead Church was roughcast outside and whitewashed.
This is how Wordsworth pictured it as he wrote The Prelude of his return to Hawkshead in the summer of 1788 at the end of his first year at Cambridge.
“I saw the snow-white church upon her hill
Sit like a throned lady sending out
A gracious look over all her domain”
In fact, the church dominates the little town below.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside.
The village is situated just a few miles from Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, and there are numerous walking and cycling trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills and valleys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hawkshead is a beautiful and charming village that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or outdoor activities, there is plenty to see and do in this picturesque corner of the Lake District.
So why not plan a visit and experience the magic of Hawkshead for yourself?
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