7 WONDERS OF CARTMEL

For a village of fewer than 5,000 people, Cartmel has more than its fair share of premium attractions

- Mike Glover

PLACE OF WONDER

At the heart of the village is Cartmel Priory, founded in 1188 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and England’s greatest knight. The priory survived a sacking by Robert the Bruce in 1322 and was spared at the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 because it doubled as the local parish church, even though four monks and 10 laymen were hanged, drawn and quartered at Lancaster for treason.

The priory retains much of its 14th-century architecture and some late 12th century and 13th-century features, including beautiful stained glass windows. It is also known for its modern sculptures and ancient choir stalls.

This year the priory is celebrating the 600th anniversary of the installation of the Great East Window, described as the priory’s ‘greatest architectural glory’.

‘For 600 years this marvel of workmanship, engineering and piety has been flooding the high altar with light. Much of the original glass has gone but the drama of one of Cumbria’s manmade wonders endures,’ says Mike Gibbons, a Cartmel resident who has a stunning view of the east window from his house.

RAISE A GLASS

Directly opposite the priory is Unsworth’s Yard, opened in January 2012 by brothers Peter and David Unsworth, on the site of their family’s haulage and garage business which had operated continuously since 1922.

Peter runs Unsworth’s Yard Brewery which operates an all-stainless steel plant which produces enough beer to supply casks, as permanent house beers, to a number of Cartmel Peninsula pubs and restaurants. The brewery also welcomes visitors to its small tap room bar where beer can be bought or sampled in full view of the brewing vessels and process.