Muncaster Genealogical Records

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

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.

British Marriage Records (1392-2011)

A collection of indexes and transcripts of marriage records that cover over 160 million people. Includes digital images of many records.

UK Divorce Records (1858-1911)

Digital images of documents from civil divorce cases. The cases cover both the cause of the case and the outcome, such as division of property and visitation rights. These records also contain details of illegitimate children. Cases can be searched by a name index.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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 Muncaster

Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser (1848-1862)

A newspaper recording on (among other topics) births, marriages & deaths, sports, shows, shipping and business news in the Ulverston area.

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.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Muncaster 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.).

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster Histories & Books

Ravenglass History (100-2000)

A short history of Ravenglass, 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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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 Muncaster

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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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 Muncaster

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.

Muncaster 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.

Muncaster 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

Ravenglass a little town in the parish of Muncaster, situated on a bay, at the influx of the Esk, Irt, and Mute, into the Irish Sea, which forms an excellent harbour for shipping. The town is well built, and has a good charity school, and extensive fishery, with a market on Saturday; by the returns of 1821, the inhabited houses were found to be 82, and the inhabitants 510.

The oysters on the coast are extremely fine, and the inhabitants are much employed in attending to the beds. This manor was originally part of the barony of Egremont, but was granted by Richard Lucy to the Penningtons, from whom the present owner, Lord Muncaster, is a lineal descendant. The fair is still held by the Earl of Egremont, or his representative for this purpose, on the eve, day, and morrow, of St. James. The ceremonies attending this fair are singular. On the first day the lord or his proxy, attends accompanied by the serjeant of the Borough, with the insignia, called the Bow of Egremont, by the foresters, with their bows and arrows, and by all the tenants of the forest of Copeland, who hold their estates by the special service of thus attending the Earl during Ravenglass fair.

On the third day at noon, the Earl’s officers and tenants of the forest depart, after proclamation, and Lord Muncaster and his tenants take formal re-possession of the place, when the day is concluded by horse-racing, and various rustic diversions.

The children of this manor observe an ancient custom of going from house to house, singing a ditty, which craves the bounty they were wont to have in old King Edward’s days. The donation is two-pence, or a pie, at each house. There is much unchaste language in this annual salutation, more fit for the orgies of savages than for the utterance of youth.

The harbour of Ravenglass has lately been examined in order that it might be improved; by which means this little port will become an important asylum to the shipping belonging to the neighbouring coast, and may be the means of saving much property, and many valuable lives.

Near this town, on the northern bank of the Esk, is Muncaster House, the principal residence of Lord Muncaster.

About one mile and a half to the east of Muncaster House, on the opposite banks of the Esk, are some considerable ruins, called the City of Barnscar; though no historical documents appear to exist relative to this place, tradition ascribes it to the Danes, who are said to have peopled it from the village of Drig and Beckermont, in confirmation of which they give the popular saying of, "Let us go together like lads of Drig and lasses of Beckermont." Mr. Hutchinson, in describing this place, says it "is about 300 yards long, from east to west, and 100 broad, from north to south: it is walled round, save at the east end, near three feet in height.—There appears to have been a long street, with several cross ones: the remains of house-steads, within the walls, are not very numerous; but on the outside they are innumerable, especially at the south side and west end. The circumference of the city and suburbs is nearly three computed miles: the figure is an oblong square. There is an ancient road through the city leading from Ulpha to Ravenglass. About the year 1730, a considerable quantity of silver coin was discovered in the ruins of one of the houses, concealed in a cavity formed in a beam."

One mile and a half to the east of these ruins is the small lake of Devock water, which occupies about 300 acres, and is reported to contain the finest trout in the north of England.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

MUNCASTER, anciently called “Meolcastre” and “Mulcaster,” is a parish and township on the river Esk, with a station 1 ½ miles west on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway and about the same distance from Rvenglass station on the Furness railway, 6 miles north of Bootle, and 17 south-east from Whitehaven, in the Western division of the county, ward of Allerdale-above-Derwent, Bootle union and petty sessional division, county court district of Whitehaven, rural deanery of Gosforth, archdeaconry of Furness and diocese of Carlisle. The church of St. Michael, standing in the park, and apparently of remote origin, is now an embattled structure, chiefly in the Perpendicular style, and consisting of chancel, nave, north transept, south porch, a bell-turret at the east end of the nave, and a western turret containing two bells. The stained east window is a memorial to Gamel Augustus, 4th baron Muncaster, who died at Castellamere, Italy, 18 June, 1862: the stained west window was given by the parishioners at the restoration, at a cost of £130, and the chancel retains its piscina: the other windows on both sides are square-beaded and of two lights: a semi-circular arch divides the chancel and nave, and on the south side of the latter is another piscina. In the transept are a number of monuments and mural tablets to the Penningtons, Barons Muncaster, and commemorating the following:-Sir William Penyton, 1301; Sir John Penyngton kt. who fought at Fiodden Field, 9 Sept. 1513, and died in 1518, and to Jane (Ogle), bis wife; Sir John de Penyngton kt. and Elizabeth (Ratcliffe), his wife; in 1461 this good knight received Henry VI. at “Molecastre,” and the King then gave him a “brauve workyd glasse cuppe,” now called “the luck of Muncaster”; Sir John Penyngton kt. Lord High Admiral, ob. Sept. 1646; Sir Joseph Pennington bart. M.P. for Cumberland, d. 1743, and Margaret (Lowther), his wife; Sir William Pennington bart. d. 1 July, 1730, and Isabel (Stapleton), his wife; Sir John Pennington bart. M.P. for Cumberland in 1744, d. 24 March, 1768, and Sir John Pennington bart. 1st Baron Muncaster, and sometime M.P. for Westmorland, d. 8 Oct. 1813: there are also brasses to William de Penyton, Elizabeth (de Multon), his wife, and his son Alan, 1390; to Syr William Penyngton kt. and Frances (Pagrave), his wife, 1533, and to William Penyngton, Armiger, 1543: and other memorials to the Rev. Thomas Poole, d. 1766, and to John Caddy, of Roughholm, d. 1870: over the north chancel door is the inscription, “Ite vive quod summun nec metries diem nec optes.” The font was given by the late Lord Muncaster in 1860 and the organ by the present Lord Muncaster in 1883. In 1874 the church was restored and a north transept added by the present Lord Muncaster at a cost of £2,540: there are 300 sittings. On the south side of the churchyard stands the shaft of an ancient cross, 4 feet 9 inches in height, carved with the triquetra ornament and interlaced work. The register dates from the year 1580. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value £203, with 88 acres of glebe in Yorkshire, and residence, in the gift of Lord Muncaster, and held since 1873 by the Rev. Henry Bell Lic.Th. of Durham University, hon. canon of Carlisle, rural dean of Gosforth, proctor for the archdeaconry, and chaplain to Lord Muncaster. Muncaster Castle, the seat of Lord Muncaster, lord lieutenant of the county, is finely seated on an eminence surrounded with beautiful walks, and embosomed in woods. It was originally built during or about the 12th century, but is now for the most part a modern structure, incorporating one of the principal towers of the ancient fabric; in 1865 it was repaired and enlarged under the direction of Mr. Salvin, architect, and the various apartments contain some fine chimney pieces, good oak carving and pictures; the latter include a picture of Caxton presenting to Edward IV. the first, English printed book, a portrait of the Lord High Admiral Pennington, already mentioned, and a large painting representing King Henry VI. giving to Sir John Pennington, on leaving the castle in 1461, the cup or rather bowl called “the Luck of Muncaster”; this relic is a curious and probably unique glass bowl, 2 ½ inches in height and 5 5/8 inches in diameter; its outer surface is ornamented with two rows of lilac-coloured spots, arranged in groups of three, placed pyramidically above, and conversely below, and between these is a banding of spots in white enamel, and under it another of small gold squares; and the tradition is that so long as the vessel remains unbroken the family will greatly thrive and never want a male heir. Henry VI. was again at the castle after the battle of Hexham, 15 May, 1464 and on this occasion was conducted hither by some shepherds whom he chanced to meet; the spot where the meeting is said to have taken place is now indicated by a spire-like monument; in the mansion is a bedroom called “the King’s room,” and containing an ancient, bedstead with finely carved oak posts; the grounds contain several stone towers and obelisks, built on various rocky eminences; the park extends over 500 acres, and contains a herd of deer and a heronry. The terrace, a magnificent stretch of level greensward nearly a quarter of a mile in length, affords one of the finest prospects in the county, including among the mountains Hard Knott, Scaw Fell pike and Wrynose; a splendid view is also afforded of Eskdale and of the river which flows below; near the castle, on the road to the Forge, are remains of Roman tile kilns. Muncaster was the site of a Roman camp, the materials of which have been largely used in building the town of Ravenglass; in the autumn of 1886 the site was excavated by Lord Muncaster, with, the assistance of Dr. Collingwood Bruce and Mr. R. S. Ferguson F.S.A. About 50 yards distant are the remains of the Roman villa called “Walls Castle”, and there are traces of a Roman road. This place gives the title of baron to the Pennington family. Lord Muncaster L.L. who is lord of the manor, the trustees of the late Mr. Caddy, the trustees of the late Mr. Bibby and Stephen Nicholson esqs. are the chief landed proprietors. The soil is clayey; subsoil, granite. The principal crops are wheat, oats, barley and turnips. The area is 7,191 acres of land, 18 of water, 78 of tidal water and 201 of foreshore; rateable value, £4,394; the population in 1891 was 571.

Parish School (mixed), built for 100 children; average attendance, 63.

Kelly's Directory of Cumberland (1897)

Most Common Surnames in Muncaster

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Allerdale Above Derwent Ward
1Sim271:2419.85%321
2Jackson211:301.08%12
2Postlethwaite211:3011.80%246
4Clark181:351.78%25
4Steel181:353.90%79
6Wilson171:380.51%3
7Thompson151:430.51%4
7Stable151:4338.46%985
9Bibby141:4632.56%914
10Lightfoot121:533.68%121
11Taylor111:581.06%24
11Walker111:580.88%21
11Tyson111:581.65%42
11Askew111:587.86%314
15Caddy91:7137.50%1,423
15Southward91:713.63%173
15Massicks91:7132.14%1,273
18Griffith81:8066.67%2,282
18Townson81:8012.70%650
18Kitchin81:808.00%439
18Farren81:8027.59%1,235
18Shackley81:8010.96%579
23Turner71:911.28%59
23Scott71:910.36%13
23Nicholson71:910.48%17
23Hodgson71:910.30%8
23Braithwaite71:913.06%191
23Relph71:915.74%355
23Ashburner71:9111.11%650
23Quan71:91100.00%3,452
31Parker61:1060.85%40
31Graham61:1060.15%1
31Hesketh61:106100.00%3,884
31Furniss61:106100.00%3,884
31Gunson61:1065.61%400
31Whitten61:10615.00%967
31Phizacklea61:10660.00%2,597
38Harrison51:1280.40%20
38Wilkinson51:1280.56%31
38Chapman51:1286.49%552
38Knowles51:1284.90%428
38Skinner51:1286.25%535
38Forbes51:12818.52%1,314
38Benson51:1281.42%111
38Nichol51:1282.06%179
38Newby51:1286.17%524
38Satterthwaite51:1284.00%343
38Allonby51:128100.00%4,423
49Green41:1601.15%112
49Watson41:1600.22%16
49Bell41:1600.11%2
49Shaw41:1601.57%169
49Miller41:1600.69%52
49Davidson41:1600.35%22
49Bowes41:1602.17%241
49Leishman41:16050.00%3,079
49Kneale41:16014.81%1,314
49Couperthwaite41:16080.00%4,423
49Gillgan41:160100.00%5,112
60Rogers31:2133.33%484
60Ross31:2132.50%360
60Dixon31:2130.16%14
60Reynolds31:2133.33%484
60Sharp31:2130.79%101
60Herbert31:2133.13%462
60Vickers31:2131.56%226
60Irving31:2130.16%15
60Walls31:21310.71%1,273
60Birkett31:2130.66%81
60Troughton31:2134.23%595
60Haile31:2134.84%661
60Eilbeck31:2132.94%428
73Brown21:3190.10%10
73Thomas21:3190.94%209
73Young21:3190.30%44
73Knight21:3191.50%326
73Russell21:3191.46%317
73McLean21:3192.20%480
73Cameron21:3191.03%223
73Ferguson21:3190.32%46
73Gardner21:3191.61%349
73Lamb21:3190.75%156
73Lucas21:3194.88%951
73Terry21:319100.00%6,688
73Ainsworth21:3195.88%1,081
73Rawlinson21:31918.18%2,421
73Eason21:319100.00%6,688
73McAlister21:31915.38%2,156
73Brockbank21:3191.92%420
73Elwood21:3199.52%1,566
73Leece21:3192.47%524
73Knipe21:3195.00%967
73Pharaoh21:31914.29%2,034
73Simner21:319100.00%6,688
73Frears21:3194.65%914
73Helem21:319100.00%6,688
73Dennathorn21:319100.00%6,688
98Smith11:6380.04%6
98Robinson11:6380.04%7
98Lewis11:6380.52%230
98Martin11:6380.11%30
98Marshall11:6380.40%171
98Mason11:6380.29%116
98Atkinson11:6380.07%19
98Kennedy11:6380.22%77
98Hammond11:6383.85%1,340
98Briggs11:6380.41%181
98Banks11:6380.28%108
98Abbott11:6380.93%400
98Dickinson11:6380.25%96
98Morley11:6380.82%355
98Clegg11:6386.67%1,948
98North11:6389.09%2,421
98Lindsay11:6381.03%457
98Park11:6380.17%51
98Allison11:6380.42%182
98Buchanan11:6383.03%1,112
98Bateman11:6380.62%279
98Lancaster11:6380.21%69
98Fawcett11:6380.52%226
98Harrington11:6380.70%309
98Kitchen11:6380.40%173
98Shields11:6380.68%300
98Cornish11:63833.33%5,889
98Keenan11:6381.03%457
98Whitley11:63812.50%3,079
98Dalby11:638100.00%7,784
98Whiteside11:6385.26%1,660
98Backhouse11:6382.50%967
98Garbutt11:63810.00%2,597
98Gregg11:6381.82%733
98Brannan11:6381.59%650
98Barns11:6383.70%1,314
98Eddy11:6381.89%761
98Redhead11:6382.38%932
98Hartwell11:638100.00%7,784
98Rawling11:6385.00%1,609
98McLay11:638100.00%7,784
98Woodburn11:6380.98%428
98Mossop11:6380.21%73
98McCubbin11:63850.00%6,688
98Houlden11:63833.33%5,889
98Vicars11:6382.56%985
98Grave11:6380.80%343
98Remington11:638100.00%7,784
98Dockray11:6380.95%411
98Corr11:63850.00%6,688
98Barran11:638100.00%7,784
98Pharoah11:6384.35%1,485
98Botton11:638100.00%7,784
98Brow11:6385.88%1,791
98Rily11:638100.00%7,784
98Hodgin11:63833.33%5,889
98Hool11:638100.00%7,784
98McDonal11:638100.00%7,784
98Blakie11:638100.00%7,784
98Abbotson11:63850.00%6,688
98Cannal11:63825.00%5,112
98McIntyer11:638100.00%7,784