Welcome to Ravenstonedale village

The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland, written in 1777 by Joseph Nicolson and Richard Burn, says that 'this parish hath its appellation from a brook of the name of the Raven running through it; in like manner as the village of Renwick (Ravenwick) in Cumberland. It was commonly of old time written Ravenstandale ... And contains about 225 families.

'The church is said to be dedicated to St. Oswald. [It] was rebuilt in the year 1744, in an elegant manner. It hath a square tower steeple, with three bells. In the old church there were two rows of seats below the communion table, where (it is said) the steward and jury of the manor sate formerly, in their court of judicature. And the malefactors were imprisoned in a hollow arched vault, the ruins whereof are still to be seen, on the north side of the church ...

As with every Cumbrian community, there's plenty of history to be uncovered. But there's plenty going on in this beautiful Eden village right now too, as these pages will show. And we'll welcome any stories, pictures and contributions from writers (fledgling or not) who would like to add to this section.