Brampton

The pretty market town of Brampton stands just a short distance from the city of Carlisle, in north Cumbria. Home to independent shops and eateries, and much smaller than Carlisle, it’s a great place to base yourself while exploring the surrounding areas, including Hadrian’s Wall. 

History & Heritage of Brampton

The original 7th-century Anglian settlement of Brampton (from the Old English ‘brom tun’ meaning ‘town where broom grew’) is thought to have sprung up by the old church (on the site of an old Roman fort). In 1252, the town was cleared and re-established a short distance away in order to build a deer park for the local lord. King Henry III granted the new town a market charter in 1252, and it grew up around the Moot Hall, which was replaced in 1817 by an octagonal structure which can still be seen today.  

The town was frequently targeted by the Border Reivers – raiders on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish border. Locals weren’t all that enthused about their methods and built a series of fortified pele towers as an advance warning system, while the Wardens of the Marches were appointed to keep the peace. In the ‘Western March’ the job fell to the Lords Dacre of Naworth Castle, who held the title for nearly 300 years, until reiving as a way of life disappeared in the 1600s.

There was more trouble during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart laid claim to the throne and decided to march on London. First though, he successfully besieged Carlisle but chose to ‘rest’ in Brampton. After his defeat at the hands of the Duke of Cumberland many of his Jacobites were captured and hanged – six of them from a tree on Capon Tree Road. A monument marks the spot where the tree once stood.

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Nature & Wildlife in Brampton

Surrounding Brampton is the gently rolling countryside of the Irthing Valley and Geltsdale, leading up to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines National Landscape. A rich mosaic of woods, fields and moorlands crossed by numerous footpaths, bridleways and quiet roads makes for perfect walking and cycling country.

Close to the town are pockets of woodland and forest with open access and crisscrossed by waymarked routes and handy information panels – at Gelt Woods, Miltonrigg Wood, Rowbank Wood, Talkin Tarn and The Mote/Ridge Wood. A little further away are the beautiful hanging woodlands along the Irthing gorge at Combe Crag Wood and Gilsland Spa.
 
The low rolling hills conceal the outlying rural villages of Laversdale, Irthington, Walton, Lanercost, Talkin, Low Row, Hallbankgate and the former mining communities of Tindale and Midgeholme on the Pennines, whilst Gilsland, a spa town on the eastern edge of the county, straddles Cumbria and Northumberland.
 
To the north is Hadrian’s Wall: stretching from Wallsend in the east to the Solway Firth in the west, it signified the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Its strategically placed forts, fascinating milecastles, turrets and signal stations can be easily accessed from Brampton.

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FAQs

Where is Brampton located?

Brampton is a pretty market town in the north of Cumbria, located a short distance from Carlisle to the east.

Where is there to stay in Brampton?

There are several good accommodation options in Brampton, with self catering accommodation as well as B&Bs, country inns and hotels both in and around the town centre. The Howard Arms, Farlam Hall (with its own Michelin starred restaurant), Abbey Farm House B&B and Garthside Holidays are just a few examples.

Where is there to eat in Brampton?

Brampton may be small, but it’s home to a good selection of eateries to suit a range of tastes. From hearty pub food to fish & chips, local produce to friendly cafes, take your pick.

How to get to Brampton?

Brampton can be reached by car, with parking available in the town. It’s also accessible by bus, with services from Carlisle. Brampton train station is located on the Newcastle and Carlisle railway, or the Tyne Valley Line, and is around a mile outside of the town centre.

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Surrounding Areas

Longtown - A short 20 minute drive from Brampton, the market town of Longtown makes a good starting point for walks along the River Esk and through the surrounding countryside. Built in 1776, St Andrew’s church - located a short distance from the town centre - is a red sandstone building with a impressive interior, which was remodelled in 1892 / 3 by renowned architect Temple Moore.

The Solway Firth - The Solway Firth is also popular with birdwatchers looking for wading birds and wildfowl. A 60-acre country park, Oakbank, offers fishing, a bird sanctuary, lakes, and walks. 

Lanercost Priory - Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, the Augustinian Lanercost Priory was much involved in the Anglo-Scottish wars. During his last campaign in 1306-7 the mortally sick King Edward I rested here for 6 months before dying at Burgh-by-Sands as he prepared to enter Scotland. The Abbey suffered terribly from Scottish raids, being sacked four times. It was finally dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537 but today its beautiful 13th century church remains remarkably well-preserved, standing to its full height; part is now in use as the parish church.

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Did you know?

BRAMPTON OLD CHURCH

This tiny church on the banks of the River Irthing overlooks an ancient crossing point to Irthington. The church lies within the ramparts of a Roman fort – one of a series along the Stanegate and is partly built of Roman stone. Only the chancel remains, as the nave and tower were demolished in 1788. Many trades are recorded on the gravestones – shoemakers, butchers, glovers, even a violin maker!

SIR WALTER SCOTT

The famous poet and novelist, stayed in Gilsland in 1796 whilst seeking inspiration for his narrative poems. He met his future wife here and proposed to her at the Popping Stone in the Irthing Gorge. Scott wrote ‘The Bridal of Triermain’ and ‘Guy Mannering’, among other works.

ST MARTIN’S CHURCH

19th century Pre-Raphaelite church commissioned by George Howard, the 9th Earl of Carlisle and a patron of the arts. The architect was Philip Webb who employed Edward Burne-Jones to design a series of magnificent stained glass windows, which were installed by William Morris. The Pre-Raphaelites were noted for their strong use of colour and detailing, with emphasis on natural and medieval themes.

NAWORTH CASTLE

Stronghold of the Dacre family from 1335, before passing to Lord William Howard though marriage. Since 1660, Naworth has been the home of the Earls of Carlisle. The castle is generally not open to the public (except during special events) but can be easily viewed from a public road which passes through the estate.

BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE

At the far end of Capon Tree Road in Brampton is a memorial to six of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites, who were hanged on 21 October 1746 from a ‘capon tree’ that once grew here. Now a quiet cul-de-sac, Capon Tree Road was once the main route to Carlisle (via Low Gelt Bridge).

THE ROCKET

George Stevenson’s famous ‘Rocket’ was used on the Midgeholme to Brampton line between 1837 and 1844 and is now on display in the Science Museum, London.