Penrith in Westmorland and Furness, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
A Long Tradition
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024
1. A Long Tradition Marker
Different grains were sold outside the inns here. Coal butter, bacon, cattle and tea were also traded. The landlords included farmers, masons, quarry owners and a vet!
A bright spark
The light in these pictures was one of the towns first gas lamps. In 1850 there were 57 lamps in Penrith. Every night, lamplighters had to run to each one, climb a ladder and light it with a lantern! The Market Cross, built in 1983, now stands on the site.
Paying your dues
Oats were sold outside the Fish Hotel, now Poets Walk. Traders were charged a toll for selling goods at the market, originally paid in kind. See the special 'toll-dishes' used to measure grain at the Penrith & Eden Museum on Middlegate.
Running dry
The white building behind you was the Back Bull, where rye was sold. In the 1830s the innkeeper produced his own ale, rivaling that of the established breweries. As you can see, the inn later became an alcohol-free temperance hotel!
Did you know?
The Griffin Inn once stood at the bottom of the hill. The landlord in the 1860 was a wrestler, said to be 'more like a polar bear than a human being'!
Wheat and work
Have you noticed that the Board & Elbow pub on your right is made up of two buildings? The smaller was the Black Lion, dated 1624, where wheat was sold.
Walk past the Board & Elbow to reach Great Dockray, the largest of Penrith's market spaces. Until a century ago, hiring fairs were held here twice a year so that farm servants could hire themselves to a new employer.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 54° 39.814′ N, 2° 45.201′ W. Marker is in Penrith, England, in Westmorland
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Board & Elbow (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Dockray (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bustling Market Town (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); St Andrew's Churchyard (about 120 meters away); Sign of the Times (about 150 meters away); The Water of Life (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Penrith Castle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Welcome to Penrith Castle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penrith.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024
2. The Penrith Market Square
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
