Seathwaite, Lancashire

Seathwaite
Lancashire
Seathwaite from Seathwaite Fell
Location
Location:	54°21’15"N, 3°11’18"W
Data
Population:	129  (2001)
Post town:	Broughton-in-Furness
Postcode:	LA20
Dialling code:	01229
Local Government
Council:	Westmorland & Furness
Parliamentary constituency:	Westmorland and Lonsdale

Seathwaite is a quiet village in the Furness region of northern Lancashire with a population of some 130. It lies in Dunnerdale, the valley of the River Duddon. The village lies within the Lake District National Park.

The ancient Walna Scar Road comes down to Dunnerdale at Seathwaite, though the working road is the narrow way that runs down Dunerdale from the Hardknott and Wrynose passes to the north.

The Newfield Inn in the village dates from the 16th century and William Wordsworth is believed to have stayed here when travelling hereabouts. The poet's love of the River Duddon is shown by his having written 35 poems in its honour.

The village's name is from Old Norse words sef þveit, meaning sedge clearing. The name first appeared in written records dating in 1340 as "Seuthwayt".

Seathwaite Tarn

Seathwaite Tarn

Seathwaite Tarn is found high in the bleak fell above the village, in a deep glaciated combe.

In 1904 a dam four hundred yard long was built across one end of the tarn to deepen it and provide a water supply for Barrow-in-Furness with its water. While it was being built the workers came down to the village, but on one occasion they caused a riot at the Newfield Inn. One man was shot dead and the rioters smashed windows in the church.

This tarn also bears a memory that the dale was not always a pristine, unspoiled landscape; above the tarm rise the slopes of Brim Fell on which are the remains of Seathwaite Tarn Mine, where copper was mined in the mid nineteenth century.

Parish church

Holy Trinity Church, Seathwaite

The parish church is the Church of the Holy Trinity. It was originally built in the early 16th century. It was completely rebuilt in 1874 due to its rundown state, and it was reconsecrated in May 1875.

William Wordsworth visited the church and dedicated one of his 35 Duddon Sonnets to the place and to the Reverend Robert Walker (1709–1802) who was parson at the church for 66 years and who died in 1802 at the age of 92. The church contains a memorial plaque to Walker, who was known as "Wonderful Walker" because of his long and exemplary ministry. Wordsworth refers to him in the sonnet as someone "whose good works formed an endless retinue".

References

• A Church Near You - Information on Holy Trinity Church