Explore the history around Wildman Street

Explore the history around Wildman Street. . Stramongate links Finkle Street in the heart of Kendal with Wildman Street. It was one of the only roads into the town from the north east, and is all the chief entrance from Scotland and the north., Stramongate Bridge is very ancient, probably dating from the 13th century and replacing a ford. It spans the river Kent which gives Kendel (Kent-Dale) its name, and is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the country, quick to rise and quick to fall, and floods have always been a frequent hazard., In 1781 the bridge needed and rebuilding, but the original structure was so substantial that demolition proved impossible. It was widened and its three arches re-cased in dressed limestone. It has since been strengthened again, this time with concrete, but much of the bridge remains as it was built, to carry pack horses and carts. You can see the newer sections under the arches., During the many times when the river Kent flooded over its banks, the water came up to the tops of the arches of the bridge and covered the adjacent roads and buildings on each side with up to eight feet of water. Swans were seen swimming in Stramongate and stranded people were evacuated from their homes by boat in the winter the river sometimes froze over completely., Castle Dairy in Wildman Street is Kendal's oldest occupied house. It was in existence in the 14th century but was much altered in Tudor times when its owner was Anthony Garnett., Across the road is Sleddall Hall dating from around 1600. The interior of the Hall and the little spinning gallery down the yard remain unspoilt. There is priest hole in the thickness of the chimney; these were common in old houses of note, for travelling priests to hide in as they made their unlawful visits., St George's Church was built in 1841. The ground on which it stands was raised four feet to avoid damage when the river flooded. The tall spires were removed in 1927 and the towers again reduced to the present height in 1978., Photograph captions , Customers of the Prince of Wales Feathers in Wildman Street about to leave for Keswick., St George's Church was built 4ft above ground to avoid flood damage., Swans swimmming on flooded Stramongate., Castle Dairy is Kendall's oldest house, continuously occupied since the 14th century., Nearby was a ducking stool, a punishment for women deemed 'disorderly'., Gas drill with Sergeant Herbert Wilson prior to his promotion to inspector in 1939.