Penrith in Westmorland and Furness, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
A Bustling Market Town
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024
1. A Bustling Market Town Marker
Produce and animals were sold in different parts of town. The market cross stood in this square in the 18th century, along with the butchers' shambles (meat market) and barley market.
Seeing red
Look around at the distinctive red sandstone buildings here, so different from the green slate buildings of Keswick and grey limestone of Kendal. The red stone is quarried locally. Some people believe the name Penrith translates as the 'red hill'.
The Musgrave Monument
The clock tower here was erected as a tribute to Sir George and Lady Musgrave after their eldest son, Philip died in Madrid in 1859, aged just 26. The Musgraves were an old local family who owned Musgrave Hall on Middlegate.
Wordsworth connections
Look right to see Amison's shop. Poet William Wordsworth's grandfather owned a house on this, and William's mother died there when he was just seven years old.
A hive of industry
Cross the square to find Rowcliffe Lane. This narrow street was the heart of industrial Perth in the 17th century, and was filed with tailors coopers, saddlers, rope-makers and metalworkers.
Did you know?
Penrith's distinctive red sandstone is the remains of a baking hot desert, which formed around 250 million years ago.
Erected by Eden District Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 54° 39.84′ N, 2° 45.096′ W. Marker is in Penrith, England, in Westmorland and Furness. It is on A6, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 King Street, Penrith, England CA11, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St Andrew's Churchyard (a few steps from this marker); A Long Tradition (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Great Dockray (about 120 meters away); The Board & Elbow (about 120 meters away); Sign of the Times (about 150 meters away); The Water of Life (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Penrith Castle (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Welcome to Penrith Castle (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penrith.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024
2. Penrith
Photographed by John Valentine and Son, circa 1905
3. Market Place, Penrith
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on July 24, 2024. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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