Bowbank Wood

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Carlisle

England

Bowbank Wood

Footbridge at Brampton Junction on the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway Credit: Les Hull

Bowbank Wood is a picturesque forest located in Cumberland, a historical county in northwest England. Spanning an area of approximately 500 acres, the wood is nestled in the heart of the stunning Lake District National Park. It is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The wood is primarily composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a stunning display of colors during the autumn months. The dense foliage and towering trees create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

Numerous walking trails crisscross the wood, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its beauty and discover hidden gems within. These pathways range from easy strolls along well-maintained tracks to more challenging hikes for the adventurous. Along the way, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, such as red squirrels, deer, and a wide range of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls.

Bowbank Wood also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Archaeological sites within the wood include ancient burial mounds and remnants of Iron Age settlements, providing a glimpse into the area's past.

Overall, Bowbank Wood in Cumberland is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest, explore its trails, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

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Bowbank Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.92753/-2.6804075 or Grid Reference NY5659. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge at Brampton Junction on the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway

Les Hull

Railway towards Carlisle

Taken from footbridge at Brampton Junction

Les Hull

Train at Brampton Junction

Les Hull

Brampton Station

Peter Moore

Kirkhouse Farm

From the mid 18th to early 19th centuries, the Earl of Carlisle's coal and mineral operations were managed by successive colliery agents, who lived at this property in Kirkhouse. They were also responsible for running the farm, which provided food for the workers and horses. The last agent became a leaseholder, creating the firm of Thompson & Sons, which carried on until 1908 (information from 'Colliery settlements in east Cumberland', Harris 1974 Link

). The front of the Grade II listed farmhouse can be seen here NY5659 : Kirkhouse Farmhouse .

Rose and Trev Clough

Office Cottage, Kirkhouse

This house with a clock on the wall, built around 1836, was originally the office for the Earl of Carlisle's collieries. Kirkhouse is a quiet hamlet today, compared to the 19th century when there was a busy depot here servicing the coal and mineral industries Link

. The cottage is a listed building - more information at Historic England Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Victorian postbox, Kirkhouse

It is on the farmhouse wall at Kirkhouse Farm.

Rose and Trev Clough

Field walls, Kirkhouse

The near wall, beside the road, is covered in mosses and ferns but there is practically no vegetation on the far wall. At the end of the latter is an unusual little square building, bearing some resemblance to a dovecote.

Rose and Trev Clough

Lowthian Hall, Kirkhouse

There is a stone plaque over the door, inscribed 'LOWTHIAN CHURCH HALL 1928'. This fooled us for a bit into thinking it was a converted building, but since found out the church hall was demolished, and this house built in around 2003.

Rose and Trev Clough

Telephone box at Kirkhouse

Next to an entrance to the old graveyard of Farlam parish church.

Rose and Trev Clough

Farlam Old Churchyard

Belonging to the parish church of St Thomas a Becket, Farlam, which is situated at Kirkhouse.

Rose and Trev Clough

Family headstone of Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer, Titanic

Joseph Bell was born in Farlam in 1861. He joined the White Star Line in 1885, and worked his way up to the position of Chief Engineer on the Titanic. He, and all the engineering crew, went down with the ship when it sunk in 1912. This is the gravestone of Joseph's mother, brother and great grandfather. An inscription in memory of the engineer was added - presumably shortly after the disaster. See NY5659 : Memorial inscription to Joseph Bell - Titanic victim . For more information about Joseph Bell, see Link

and Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Memorial inscription to Joseph Bell - Titanic victim

Joseph Bell was Chief Engineer on the Titanic. As the stricken ship began to flood, he and his staff remained at their posts. Their efforts prevented the boilers from exploding and maintained power for the wireless and lighting, buying time for others to escape. All 35 engineers and electricians perished (information from Wikipedia Link

). A tribute to Joseph was added to the headstone of his family's grave in Farlam churchyard, shortly after his death (photos of site here Link & Link ). The stone had eroded over the years, and was restored in 2014 Link

. Note the unconventional spelling of 'grater' - 2nd row from bottom.

Rose and Trev Clough

Joseph Bell memorial, Farlam Old Churchyard

Showing the surroundings of the red sandstone grave marker described in this photo NY5659 : Family headstone of Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer, Titanic .

Rose and Trev Clough