1000 Years of Culture and Heritage in Westmorland & Furness

Written by: Alex

Date posted: 06 October, 2025

Centuries of history have shaped culture and heritage in Westmorland & Furness: a beautiful area stretching across Cumbria from Alston in the north to Barrow in the far southwest. Join us as we take a look back at the last 1000 years, steeped in history and sparking the creation of some of the area’s finest culture and heritage venues open today.

11^th Century

In 1069, Greystoke Castle began as a timber frame structure after the Norman invasions.

Photo Credit: Tom Nash

12^th Century

Furness Abbey was founded – it became the largest and wealthiest monastery in the north west of England.

13^th Century

The first owners of Acorn Bank were the Knights Templar in 1228 – they established a religious house on the site.

14^th Century

Due to the constant threat of raids by the Border Reivers, unique defensive structures known as Pele Towers were built across the region. Hutton-in-the-Forest and Sizergh Castle are both home to Pele Towers dating from 1350s.

15^th Century

Unrest in the region continues and defensive structures continue to be built including those at Brougham Hall. Today the hall houses a thriving community of artisans and is open to the public 7 days a week.

16^th Century

In 1585, Hawkshead Grammar School was founded. The current school building, where William Wordsworth was educated, dates from 1675 and is now open as a museum.

17^th Century

The Elizabethan Levens Hall (built around an earlier Pele Tower) has heart shapes on its downpipes. This is not a romantic gesture - in 1688 the property was sold due to the owner amassing debts on cards. He lost Levens Hall on the turn of a card – the ace of hearts.

Quakerism started in England in the second half of the 17^th Century following the English Civil War. Visit Swarthmoor Hall, which was home to Margaret Fell, one of the early Quaker Leaders.

18^th Century

During this period, the Lake District landscapes inspire a generation of outstanding creatives.

In 1797, JMW Turner tours the north of England and visits the Lake District. Abbot Hall in Kendal holds a significant collection of his watercolours.

William Wordsworth and his siter Dorothy move into Dove Cottage in 1799, where he wrote many of his famous works. Visit Wordsworth Grasmere to visit the cottage and modern museum which celebrates his life and works.

19^th Century

The Royal Navy’s first submarine, HMS Holland 1, was built in Barrow-in-Furness. Discover more about Barrow’s rich ship and sub-marine building history at the Dock Museum in Barrow, which is free to visit.

1871 sees Victorian art critic John Ruskin buy Brantwood on the shores of Coniston; today, it’s open to visitors with a gallery space hosting temporary exhibitions and a café overlooking Coniston water.

20^th Century

Housed in a converted mill, Lakeland Motor Museum is home to over 30,000 exhibits that trace the development of transport throughout the 20^th century.

21^st Century

In 2019, a collection of 40 boats covering the history of sailing on Windermere go on permanent display in the newly built Windermere Jetty Museum.

Discover more www.visitlakedistrict.com/lets-go-culture

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The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus