Visit Ancient Appleby
Located in the north of Cumbria, the historic market town of Appleby is a unique cultural treasure offering an array of attractions, shops, and venues to be explored.
This charming town is nestled in the curve of the River Eden, with the ancient market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, to give it its full name, just 15 miles away from Penrith.
The River Eden has influenced the development of Appleby since shortly after the Norman Conquest.
The protective loop of the river was a natural defence from attack, but it also deterred trade.
To ensure the new town prospered, a bridge was built (pictured) across the river, forming a right-angled approach to defend the town.
Today, it’s a sleepy, charming town which has kept its old-world charm.
The Vikings were probably the first settlers of Appleby, followed by the Norman conquerors, who built the first stone castle.
For several centuries, Appleby was the county town of Westmorland.
With the creation of Cumbria in 1974, the name of the town changed to preserve the ancient county as a reminder of its heritage.
Take a walk up the picturesque main street of Boroughgate, which is described as one of the finest in England.
Lady Anne Clifford — Appleby’s Great Benefactress
No visit to Appleby is complete without an appreciation of the remarkable woman whose influence shaped so much of what you see around you.
Lady Anne Clifford (1590–1676) stands as one of the most formidable figures in the history of the north of England, and her legacy endures to this day in the churches and castles she restored across Cumbria and Yorkshire.
She was the only surviving child of George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, but the conventions of the time meant that his estates passed to his brother rather than to his daughter.
Nevertheless, Anne’s dowry was substantial enough to secure marriages to two of the most powerful noblemen in England — the Earls of Dorset and Pembroke respectively.
It was not until she was fifty-eight that the male line of inheritance finally died out, and she was at last able to claim the Westmorland estates that she had always believed were rightfully hers.
By that point, the Civil Wars had left most of her castles and churches in a sorry state of ruin.
Undaunted, and in open defiance of the Puritan regime then in power, she set about restoring her churches for Anglican worship.
These included churches at Skipton, Appleby, Bolton Abbey, Brougham, Kirkby Stephen, Mallerstang, and the charming little riverside chapel known as Ninekirks.
As well as her churches, she rebuilt Barden Tower and her castles at Skipton, Appleby, Brougham, and Pendragon. At Skipton Castle, a stone inscription records its deliberate demolition by Parliament as punishment for its role as a Royalist garrison during the Civil Wars — a piece of history Anne refused to let be forgotten.
Lady Anne’s Hospital
Halfway up Boroughgate, you will see the attractive almshouses, known as Lady Anne’s Hospital.
They were founded in the middle of the seventeenth century by the local landowner Lady Anne, Countess Dowager of Dorset, Pembroke and Montgomery.
Provision was made for the accommodation of twelve Sisters and a Mother (so-called to this day). The latter is to be responsible for the general administration according to a set of rules drawn up.
The 13 almshouses are set around a cobbled courtyard with a chapel tucked into one corner.
To this day, a trust fund set up by Lady Anne Clifford pays for the maintenance and provides homes for 13 widows.
The cottages are still occupied to this day.
If you chance upon one of the residents, you may be able to peep inside the corner chapel.
Undoubtedly, as you wander around, you will be transported back to medieval times, with the peace and quiet of beautiful riverside walks and picnic areas.
Along with the peace and quiet of Appleby, there are 147 listed buildings within one square mile.
Appleby Castle
Appleby’s Norman castle stands protectively above the town, with the church at the bottom.
Most of the castle dates back to the 17th century when Lady Anne Clifford restored it.
Conversely, the castle has an impressive 11th-century keep.
Outside the castle gates is a handsome market cross known as High Cross, sited on the same spot where a ‘stately scaffold’ was erected to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. On one side is the motto: Retain your Loyalty, Preserve your rights.
A cheese market was held here every week, and during Whitsuntide, people would gather around the cross to seek work at the annual hiring fair.
Appleby Manor
Appleby Manor Country House Hotel was built in 1877 for a wealthy solicitor, John Heelis, who was related to Beatrix Potter through marriage.
The house was originally named Garbridge House.
The location of the building affords unparalleled views over Appleby Castle and the Eden Valley.
Appleby Hub Café
Active Hub in Appleby is a vibrant community space offering fitness classes, workshops, and wellness events.
The café serves fresh, nutritious options, with vegetarian and vegan choices available: cosy seating areas, Wi-Fi, and local crafts for sale.
Most of the food is made on the premises, including fresh bread and scones every day.
Local produce is used where possible, including fruit and veg from customers’ gardens and allotments.
The staff pride themselves on being warm and welcoming to both regular and local customers and holidaymakers alike, while also helping to support those who feel socially isolated, lonely or bereaved.
The Hub offers work experience opportunities and training for those with learning difficulties.
This new facility is dog-friendly, with accessible facilities, baby-changing amenities, and outdoor seating provided.
St Lawrence’s Church
St Lawrence’s Church at the foot of Boroughgate was built in 1150. It was severely damaged twice by Scottish assaults, but Lady Anne Clifford repaired it in 1654.
There is a black marble monument (picture below) to her in the North aisle. Her lead coffin is in a vault nearby. Next to her Monument is an Alabaster Figure as a memorial by Lady Anne to her mother, Margaret, Countess of Cumberland.
The church organ, a gift to Appleby from Carlisle Cathedral in 1683, contains parts dating from the 16th Century, and is the oldest working English organ in the country. It was restored in 1976.
Furthermore, Appleby has links to George Washington, Earl Grey, and Lady Anne Clifford.
Horse Fair
Each June, the town hosts the famous Appleby Horse Fair, the largest horse trading fair in the world.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pet-friendly holiday cottage in Grange-over-Sands with easy access to Appleby, look no further. Click here or ring 07785944194 to contact us.