History societies are like yellow buses. We wait 1,000 years and 2 come along at once. Anyone wishing to learn about the local history of Ravenstonedale and its surroundings should look at both initiatives, the Ravenstonedale Parish History Group and the Ravenstonedale Independent History Archive. In addition the following suggestions may be of interest.
Elizabeth Gaunt (nee Fothergill) was the last woman to be burnt at the stake on October 4th 1685. She was the daughter of Anthony Fothergill of Brownber and lived at Tower House, next to Brownber Hall. An altar window in St Oswald's Church, Ravenstonedale, is dedicated to her.
Gamelands Stone Circle (grid ref NY640082) can be found a short distance distance away.
Gilbertine excavations in the grounds of St Oswald’s Church in Ravenstonedale have revealed a small monastic house established by the Gilbertine Order which was founded about the year 1131 by Gilbert of Sempringham in Lincolnshire.
Stainmore Railway, closed in 1962 and now dismantled, was used to transport minerals between Tebay and Darlington. The line passed nearby and the old Ravenstonedale station, now a private house, still remains in Newbiggin-on-Lune.
Disused lime kilns, used to convert limestone (calcium carbonate) into lime (calcium oxide), can be found throughout this region of Cumbria. There are excellent examples in nearby Smardale.
Pendragon Castle, according to legend, was built by Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur. It is situated in Mallerstang, a very picturesque valley which is a pleasant drive away across the local fells.
