Kirkoswald Genealogical Records

Kirkoswald Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Cumbria Birth Index (1837-2009)

A growing index of births registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

British Birth and Baptism Records (1400-2010)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

FreeBMD Births (1837-1957)

An index to births registered at the central authority for England & Wales. The index provides the area where the birth was registered, mother's maiden name from September 1911 and a reference to order a birth certificate.

British Army Birth Index (1761-2005)

An index to births registered to British Army personal at home and abroad.

Kirkoswald Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Kirkoswald Marriage Index (1626-1650)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1626 and 1650.

Kirkoswald Marriage Index (1601-1700)

An index to marriages in between 1601 and 1700, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

Cumbria Marriage Index (1837-2009)

A growing index of marriages registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

Quaker Marriages in Cumberland (1772-1910)

Marriages recorded in the register of the meetinghouse at Beckfoot. Most records list the name of both parents.

Kirkoswald Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Cumbria Death Index (1837-2009)

A growing index of deaths registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

British Death and Burial Records (1379-2014)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of death and burial records that cover over 140 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

FreeBMD Deaths (1837-1964)

An index to deaths registered at the central authority for England and Wales. To 1866, only the locality the death was registered in was listed. Age was listed until 1969, when the deceased's date of birth was listed. Provides a reference to order a death certificate, which has further details.

Kirkoswald Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Cumberland Lay Subsidy (1332-1333)

A tax levied on the wealthier inhabitants of Cumberland.

1901 British Census (1901)

The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

1891 British Census (1891)

The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Newspapers Covering Kirkoswald

Carlisle Journal (1833-1866)

A local newspaper including news from the Carlisle area, family announcements, business notices, advertisements, legal & governmental proceedings and more.

Carlisle Patriot (1817-1855)

This fully searchable newspaper will provide a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Carlisle district. Includes family announcements.

Northern Echo (1870-1900)

Britain's most popular provincial newspaper, covering local & national news, family announcements, government & local proceedings and more.

Cumberland & Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions (1781-1959)

A collection of transcribed extracts, particularly BMD columns, from over 20 newspapers.

Furness Railway Magazine Index (1921-1923)

An index to personal notices in a railway employee magazine.

Kirkoswald Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

York Peculiar Probate Records (1383-1883)

Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.

Cumbria Will and Probate Index (1751-1941)

An index to wills, administrations and inventories proved by the Diocese of Durham and Carlisle District Probate Registry. The index provides a reference, which can be used to view original documents.

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1688-1858)

An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

York Prerogative & Exchequer Court Probate Index (1267-1500)

An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).

Kirkoswald Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Kirkoswald Military Records

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Silver War Badges (1914-1920)

An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.

Register & Records of Holm Cultram (1150-1400)

The cartulary and other records of the important Cistercian house of Holm Cultram. The records cover many places in Cumberland.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Central Criminal Court After-trial Calendars (1855-1931)

Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.

England & Wales Electoral Registers (1832-1932)

Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.

Prison Hulk Registers (1802-1849)

From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.

Kirkoswald Taxation Records

Cumberland Lay Subsidy (1332-1333)

A tax levied on the wealthier inhabitants of Cumberland.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures (1710-1811)

An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.

Red Book of the Exchequer (1066-1230)

A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.

Kirkoswald Land & Property Records

Register & Records of Holm Cultram (1150-1400)

The cartulary and other records of the important Cistercian house of Holm Cultram. The records cover many places in Cumberland.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

UK Poll Books and Electoral Rolls (1538-1893)

Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem (1236-1291)

Abstracts of records detailing the estates and families of deceased tenants from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.

Kirkoswald Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Cumberland & Westmorland Directory (1929)

A directory of settlements in Cumberland & Westmorland detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland (1929)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland (1925)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland (1921)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland & Westmorland (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kirkoswald Cemeteries

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Maritime Memorials (1588-1950)

Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.

Rail & Canal Photographs Catalog (1880-1970)

A searchable database of photographs relating to railways and canals in Britain.

Kirkoswald Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Kirkoswald Histories & Books

Kirkoswald History (1314-1547)

A short history of Kirkoswald, including contemporary photographs and a map.

Cumbria Image Bank (1870-2000)

A collection of thousands of images, largely postcards and photographs of the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland.

Photographs of Cumbria (1865-2009)

A large collection of photographs depicting the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, arranged by place.

Cumbria Gazetteer (1845-1851)

Detailed descriptions of Cumbria parishes from Mannix & Whellan, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Cumberland and Westmorland.

The Ejected Cumberland & Westmorland (1660-1662)

A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.

Kirkoswald School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Kirkoswald Occupation & Business Records

Industrial History of Cumbria (1500-1950)

An extensive website detailing over forty different industries connected with the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland.

Collieries of The North (1869-1991)

Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.

Cumbria Railway Images (1940-1980)

Over 1,000 photographs relating to railways in the former counties of Westmorland and Cumbria.

Cumbria Railway Employees (1821-1929)

An index to records detailing hundreds of railway employees in Westmorland and Cumberland.

Northern Mining Disasters (1705-1975)

Reports of mining distastes, includes lists of the deceased and photographs of monuments.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Kirkoswald

Cumberland & Westmorland Heraldic Visitation (1666)

Pedigrees of gentry families from Cumberland and Westmorland. Also describes their coats of arms.

Victoria County History: Cumberland (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Cumberland Quakers (1634-1740)

Biographic and genealogical information of early Quakers in Cumberland.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Kirkoswald Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Cumberland & Westmorland Heraldic Visitation (1666)

Pedigrees of gentry families from Cumberland and Westmorland. Also describes their coats of arms.

Victoria County History: Cumberland (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Kirkoswald Church Records

The Ejected Cumberland & Westmorland (1660-1662)

A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.

Churches of Cumberland and Westmorland (600 BC-1910)

Historical and architectural dictionary to churches in the two counties. Contains numerous sketches of church features.

Cumbria Church Histories (651-Present)

Histories and photographs of churches in Cumbria and the Lake District.

England Parish Registers (1914-2013)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at England. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

England Parish Registers (1538-1934)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though extremely useful to the present. Their records can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Biographical Directories Covering Kirkoswald

The Ejected Cumberland & Westmorland (1660-1662)

A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.

Cumberland and Westmorland M.P.'s (1660-1867)

A history of Cumberland and Westmorland's influence and affairs in Westminster. Also contains short biographies of the counties' members of Parliament.

Who's Who in Northern Mining (1852-1910)

Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Kirkoswald Maps

Cumberland and Westmorland Parish Map (1851)

A map delineating Church of England parishes in the two counties.

Guides to the Lakes (1576-1865)

A collection of maps and descriptions of the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland – their settlements and features.

Maps of Cumberland (1608-1897)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

Maps of Cumbria (1307-1899)

Several maps depicting parts of Cumbria.

Collery Maps of The North (1807-1951)

A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.

Kirkoswald Reference Works

Cumbrian Manorial Records (2008)

Two guides for locating and using manorial records for family and property history.

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

Historical Description

Kirkoswald is an ancient market-town, pleasantly situated on the east side of the river Eden. The town derives its name from the church, which is dedicated to St. Oswald, the celebrated king and martyr of Northumberland. The church is an irregular old building, in which is an elegant monument to the memory of Sir Timothy Featherstonhaugh, an active supporter of Charles I. At the west end of the church issues an excellent spring of water, supposed to have been the motive for its being founded in this place, as several instances of the same kind are observable in this county. The belfry is placed, distant from the church, on the top of a hill, that the sound of the bells may be more easily heard by the circumjacent villages. Previous to the Dissolution, a college was established here for 12 secular priests, but it is at present a noble mansion-house, in the possession of Featherstonhaugh, Esq. Here is a Dissenting meeting-house, and a Charity-school. The market is on Thursday. The town is situated 290 miles from London. About a quarter of a mile east from the town, on an elevated spot, are the ruins of a castle, the only remains of which are a small tower and some dreary vaults. It is a very ancient structure, being repaired by Sir Hugh Morvil, in the reign of King John; it now, together with the demesne lands, belongs to Sir J. C. Musgrave, of Eden Hall.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

KIRKOSWALD is a small market town and parish, 6 miles east from Plumpton station on the Lancaster and Carlisle section of the London and North Western railway, and about one mile north-east from Lazonby and Kirkoswald station on the Midland railway, 8 north-east from Penrith, 15 south-south-east from Carlisle, and 15 south from Brampton, in the Mid division of the county, Leath ward and petty sessional division, Penrith union and county court district, and in the rural deanery of Penrith East, and archdeaconry and diocese of Carlisle. The town is pleasantly seated on rising ground, half a mile east of the river Eden, over which there is a narrow and lofty bridge of sis arches. After the battle of Bannockburn (24 June, 1314) the Scots, led by Edward Bruce, made an incursion into England, and on their return burned Kirkoswald, and in 1597—8 the town suffered severely from the plague. The church of St. Oswald, made collegiate about 1523, stands near the town at the foot of a conical bill, and is approached through a fine avenue of trees; it is an edifice of stone in the Transition Norman and Early English styles, with Perpendicular insertions, and consists of choir, clerestoried nave of three bays, aisles and north porch; the tower, standing detached on the top of the hill and 200 yards distant from the church, contains 3 bells, which can be heard for a long distance: the east window and others in the choir are square-headed, and some of these are memorials to members of the Dacre, Musgrave and Fetherstonhaugh families: the chancel and nave are divided by a lofty pointed arch: some of the ancient oak benches with carved poppy-heads remain, but others were removed, and are now in Wetheral church: the carved oak screen in the south aisle is a memorial to the late Charles Fetherstonhaugh esq. J.P., D.L. of Staffield Hall, d. 1885: on the east wall are marble monuments to Sir Timothy Fetherstonhaugh, kt. a devoted Royalist, executed at Chester, 22 Oct. 1651, and to Timothy Fetherstonhaugh esq. d. 21 June, 1797; on the pavement of the choir are inscribed slabs to Thomas Fetherstonhauprh, gentleman, d. 3 Oct. 1747; Dorothy, daughter of Timothy Fetherstonhaugh, d. 27 July, 1729; and to Timothy, son of Thomas Fetherstonhaugh, d. 10 Dec. 1728, besides other memorials to this family from 1736 to 1823, and one to Margaret (Brougham), wife of Thomas Bartram, d. 1609, and there is also a monument to the Rev. Charles Smalwood, vicar hers 1761—71, who died 4 March, 1771: the church plate includes a chalice and paten given in 1660 by Stephen Bowman, “Donum Dei et Deo”: the church was restored in 1878—9, at a cost of about £1,500, and affords 420 sittings. In the churchyard lie several ancient, grave slabs, carved with a cross fleuree, a sword, and a pair of shears, and bearing inscriptions now nearly illegible. At the west end of the church is a drinking well, supplied by a pure spring of water which issues from the hill above-mentioned, and flows under the nave of the church: the drinking cup was presented by Lieut.-Col. Henry Dundas Maclean, of Lazonby Hall. The register dates from the year 1577. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value about £293, with 36 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Carlisle, and held since 1892 by the Rev. John James Thornley M.A, of St. John’s College, Cambridge, hon. canon of Carlisle, and surrogate. There is a Wesleyan chapel in the town, built in 1871. with about 400 sittings, and a Sunday school attached. The Congregational chapel, built in 1856, will seat about 200. At Park Head is an endowed Congregational chapel, originally founded in 1662, and of which the Rev. George Nicholson, the ejected vicar of Kirkoswald, was the first pastor. The poor’s stock and a rent-charge of 34s. a year have been added to the school fund; John Lowthian’s charity, left by will, 11 March, 1742, produces £2 12s. yearly, for bread for the poor, which is distributed by the vicar every Sunday; the benefaction of Richard Lowthian, of Staffield Hall, consisting of £5 annually for the use of the poor, left in 1782, appears to have lapsed. The market for corn, formerly held weekly, has long leen discontinued. A fair was held on the 5th of August (St. Oswald's Day). The Kirkoswald Agricultural Society holds its annual show in August, and the Floral and Horticultural Society’s show is held during the same month. There is a woollen manufactory on the Raven Beck, and also a cornmill.

West of the town, on the higher ground, girt about with trees, and approached by an old causeway on its western side, stand the remains of the ancient castle of Kirkoswald, founded, it appears, at the beginning of the 12th century by Randolph Engayne, whose granddaughter Ada carried it in marriage to the de Moreville family, and in the 2nd King John (1200—1) Sir Hugh de Moreville, lord of Burgh and Kirkoswald, obtained a license to crenellate or fortify the place and enclose the park; from this family the lordship descended to the Multons; in the reign of Edward II. the castle was extended and strengthened by Thomas de Multon, whose daughter and sole heiress, Margaret, married Ranulph, 1st Baron Dacre by writ of summons (1321), and thus the fortress was conveyed to the Dacres, who held it during the 15th and 16th centuries, and Thomas, Lord Dacre, 2nd baron of the Gillesland branch (1485—1525) greatly improved the castle and surrounded it with a moat; the possessions of this family were at this time divided between this nobleman and Sir Richard Fiennes kt. who has married Joan, heiress of the Dacres, and was created and styled Lord Dacre simply, the two branches being respectively styled Lords Dacre of Gillesland, or the North, and Lords Dacre of the South, and the castle of Kirkoswald was assigned to the latter. On the death in 1594, without issue, of Gregory, 10th baron, the title was claimed by his sister, Margaret, wife of Sampson Lennard esq. of Chevening, Kent, and eventually allowed in 1604; Thomas, 15th baron, was created in 1674 Earl of Sussex, but the title lapsed at his death in 1715; the barony continued, but has been several times transferred by heiresses, and is now held by Henry Robert (Brand), 2nd Viscount Hampden, and 24th Baron Dacre. The barony of Dacre of Gillesland, on the death, in 1569, of the last heir, fell into abeyance, between his two sisters, and so continues among their descendants. Kirkoswald Castle and estate were sold in the 18th century to Sir Christopher Musgrave bart. of Edenhall, and are now the property of Sir R. G. Musgrave bart. The dismantling of the castle, owing to the poverty and absence of its owners, was begun early in the 17th century; much of the fine carved oak and panelled wainscotting, as well as stained glass, were transferred to Naworth Castle, only, however, to perish in the fire by which it was devastated in 1844; and other glass and objects were removed to Wetheral church, Lowther Castle and Corby. In 1688 the fortress was little more than a roofless shell, and quantities of the fine ashlar of which it was built have since been taken away for local purposes; the existing remains comprise the wall of the south front, with vaulted chambers, and a lofty and massive turret on the north, with a spiral staircase and various fragments of the connecting walls; the towers stood 50 feet apart, each about 30 by 35 feet, and consisted of a basement with two floors above; the turret, 65 feet high and about 14 feet square, is fairly entire, but has lost its embattled parapet; the fortress, when perfect, appears to have formed a quadrangle about 150 feet on each side, the chief apartments, including a great ball, 100 feet long, and the chapel, being on the north side; traces of the site of the gatehouse remain on the western front. The moat, still intact, and surrounding the castle on every side, has an average width of from 30 to 40 feet, and at its western angle is a mound or outwork, 40 by 45 feet, with a separate ditch. Two miles from Kirkoswald is the fine and remarkable stone circle, known as “Long Meg and her daughters,” an account of which will be found under Little Salkeld. About 1830 a quantity of Saxon stycas, of Eanbald (796—812), Wigmund (837—854), and Wulfhere (854—895), Archbishops of York, and of several contemporary Northumbrian kings, as well as a triangular silver ornament, were found here. A Roman water jar, about 16 inches in height, was found off the Market place, May 21st, 1894. Two “incense cups” have been found near Mr. Potter's farm at Old Parks, one of which contained twelve small beads, made of cannel coal. The College, the property of Timothy Fetherstonhaugh esq. and the residence of James Mark Wood esq. occupies the site of the college founded here about 1523 by Roland Threlkeld, the first Provost, for twelve secular priests. Many alterations were made in the buildings about the year 1696, but some part of the original structure still remains, and on one of the walls is a shield with the arms of Dacre, quartering three other coats, and encircled by the garter; on either side are supporters, and below is the motto: “Forte en loialte.” Col. Arthur Aglionby C.B. of Staffield Hall, Sir Richard Musgrave bart. of Eden Hall, and Timothy Fetherstonhaugh esq. are the principal landowners. The soil is very fertile and well cultivated, generally of a light gravelly nature, the bottom lands loam and clayey, and the subsoil clay and gravel. The principal crops are turnips, potatoes, oats and barley. The parish consists of Kirkoswald and Staffield. The area of Kirkoswald is 5,706 acres; rateable value, £4,921; the population in 1891 was 594.

National School (mixed), established about 1745, built on its present site, in 1855, & endowed in the former year by John Lowthian with £100; this endowment, now represented by rather more than five acres of land, & £37 10s. of invested money, produces £19 18s. yearly. The school will hold 125 children; average attendance, 96.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland (1897)

Most Common Surnames in Kirkoswald

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Leath Ward
1Watson331:251.85%16
2Nicholson271:311.84%17
3Thompson231:360.78%4
4Little201:420.99%11
5Wilson171:490.51%3
6Graham161:520.40%1
6Elliot161:523.18%64
8Dixon151:560.79%14
9Harrison131:651.03%20
9Davidson131:651.14%22
9Ellwood131:655.14%170
12Marshall121:704.78%171
12Armstrong121:700.43%5
12Bird121:704.35%151
12Ransome121:7092.31%2,156
12Blenkinship121:7023.08%778
17Beattie101:842.84%110
17Cass101:849.35%400
17Blenkinsop101:8421.28%839
17Brownrigg101:8411.90%506
21Lee91:933.25%150
21Holliday91:931.36%43
21Blacklock91:936.08%300
21Lowis91:9332.14%1,273
21Robley91:9312.16%574
21Threlkeld91:9314.29%650
27Smith81:1050.31%6
27Robinson81:1050.32%7
27Mason81:1052.34%116
27Hardy81:1055.30%294
27Chambers81:1054.26%235
27Allison81:1053.35%182
27Earl81:1057.92%433
27Bowes81:1054.35%241
27Coulthard81:1051.54%63
27Bellas81:10519.51%951
37Bell71:1200.19%2
37Garnett71:1207.53%474
39Richardson61:1400.41%18
39Foster61:1401.08%56
39Hamilton61:1402.20%154
39Hope61:1401.47%95
39Bowman61:1401.06%54
39Routledge61:1400.79%36
39Messenger61:1401.99%132
39Chaplow61:14019.35%1,174
39Mavis61:14060.00%2,597
48Taylor51:1680.48%24
48Johnson51:1681.12%82
48Anderson51:1681.09%80
48James51:1681.14%87
48Hogg51:1681.92%164
48Nixon51:1680.58%32
48Warwick51:1682.16%187
48Greenhow51:1682.89%256
48Bracken51:16826.32%1,660
48Boustead51:1683.82%330
48Thoburn51:16814.29%1,057
48Longrigg51:1685.88%502
48Parmley51:16810.87%855
48Ashburne51:168100.00%4,423
62Scott41:2100.21%13
62Simpson41:2100.47%33
62Murray41:2100.44%28
62Johnston41:2100.18%9
62Stevenson41:2107.41%747
62Hodgson41:2100.17%8
62Potter41:2104.49%489
62Moor41:2101.77%195
62Wharton41:2103.77%405
62Pattinson41:2100.44%29
62Fairbairn41:21014.29%1,273
62Workman41:2106.67%678
62Monkhouse41:2102.13%235
62Beaty41:2101.34%135
62Able41:21025.00%1,869
62Tiffin41:2102.86%314
62Burney41:2107.27%733
79Walker31:2800.24%21
79White31:2800.55%60
79Jackson31:2800.15%12
79Miller31:2800.52%52
79Gill31:2800.74%93
79Lawson31:2800.57%62
79Douglas31:2800.83%107
79Savage31:2801.70%251
79McArthur31:28033.33%2,793
79Petrie31:28030.00%2,597
79Edmondson31:2801.86%279
79Story31:2800.86%112
79Maughan31:2808.57%1,057
79Bulman31:2801.06%142
79Holms31:28021.43%2,034
79Barnfather31:2802.78%394
79Rowney31:280100.00%5,889
79Dures31:28018.75%1,869
79Lattin31:28012.00%1,379
79Taping31:280100.00%5,889
99Jones21:4200.42%72
99Clark21:4200.20%25
99Turner21:4200.36%59
99Paterson21:4203.39%690
99Robson21:4200.38%61
99Hewitt21:4201.09%242
99Watt21:4203.51%711
99Donaldson21:4202.50%535
99Cairns21:4201.96%428
99Whitfield21:4201.04%225
99Horner21:42015.38%2,156
99Dudley21:42040.00%4,423
99Forrester21:4201.03%223
99Hetherington21:4200.19%23
99Granger21:42050.00%5,112
99Lawrance21:42010.53%1,660
99Whitham21:42011.76%1,791
99Yeates21:4205.41%1,022
99Longman21:42040.00%4,423
99Idle21:42066.67%5,889
99Willock21:420100.00%6,688
99Kegg21:42010.00%1,609
99Illingsworth21:420100.00%6,688
99Fetherstonhaugh21:420100.00%6,688
99Nocher21:420100.00%6,688
124Evans11:8390.58%259
124Hall11:8390.18%55
124McDonald11:8390.29%115
124Cook11:8390.30%119
124Parker11:8390.14%40
124Wilkinson11:8390.11%31
124Russell11:8390.73%317
124Pearson11:8390.11%27
124Howard11:8391.33%565
124Atkinson11:8390.07%19
124Spencer11:8392.00%798
124Wells11:8390.86%366
124McLean11:8391.10%480
124McLeod11:8393.13%1,144
124Walton11:8390.21%70
124Long11:8390.58%259
124Kennedy11:8390.22%77
124Baxter11:8390.39%166
124Kay11:8392.17%855
124Norman11:8390.32%123
124Dickson11:8391.52%625
124Boyd11:8390.57%253
124Park11:8390.17%51
124Charlton11:8391.11%484
124Vickers11:8390.52%226
124McKinnon11:83950.00%6,688
124Lancaster11:8390.21%69
124Kendall11:8390.36%147
124Metcalf11:8390.66%292
124Cochrane11:8393.70%1,314
124Shields11:8390.68%300
124Edgar11:8390.25%93
124FitzPatrick11:8391.11%484
124Urquhart11:83950.00%6,688
124Temple11:8390.94%405
124Farley11:8397.69%2,156
124Kelley11:8392.94%1,081
124Busby11:83912.50%3,079
124Pool11:8391.22%514
124Goulding11:8390.83%360
124Livingston11:8393.23%1,174
124Cottrell11:839100.00%7,784
124Heslop11:8390.60%267
124Teasdale11:8390.30%118
124Doherty11:83910.00%2,597
124Carrick11:8390.50%219
124Whitby11:83950.00%6,688
124Grierson11:8391.22%514
124Dowson11:8392.22%876
124Sowerby11:8390.41%176
124Crampton11:83920.00%4,423
124Birrell11:8391.67%678
124Kendal11:8391.27%542
124Powley11:8397.14%2,034
124Mounsey11:8390.38%159
124Railton11:8390.67%297
124Ruddick11:8390.38%162
124O'Gilvy11:839100.00%7,784
124Cartmell11:8391.69%690
124Mullan11:83916.67%3,884
124Thomlinson11:8390.55%243
124Dufton11:8393.85%1,340
124Hebblethwaite11:839100.00%7,784
124Varty11:8390.71%311
124McVittie11:8391.41%595
124Lowthian11:8390.72%316
124Bradey11:8398.33%2,282
124Hagarty11:839100.00%7,784
124Thornburn11:8392.50%967
124Carradus11:839100.00%7,784
124Hillon11:83925.00%5,112
124Hawthornthwaite11:839100.00%7,784
124Spottiswood11:8395.00%1,609
124Fairbairns11:83950.00%6,688
124Leadam11:839100.00%7,784
124Cossor11:839100.00%7,784
124Lowerby11:83950.00%6,688
124Louthian11:839100.00%7,784
124Kister11:839100.00%7,784