Rottington

Formerly a township in St. Bees parish, both for civil and ecclesiastical purposes, has for the former been made a distinct parish, though it still remains united for the latter. It is comprised within Allerdale-above-Derwent ward, and petty sessional division; the poor law union, rural and county court districts of Whitehaven; and the electoral division of St. Bees. Within its limits 608 ratable acres are embraced, of the assessment value of £773; and it had, in 1891, 64 inhabitants. In olden times it was held by a family to whom it gave its name. From the Rottingtons it passed in marriage to the Sands or Sandys, originally of Burgh-by-Sands. By this family it was sold to the Curwens for £700. It was afterwards devised to Henry Pelham, Esq., from whom it was purchased in 1692 by Sir James Lowther, created Earl of Lonsdale, and still belongs to that noble family. The tithes have been commuted for £24, payable to the lord of the manor. There is said to have been here in Catholic times a small nunnery, in connection with St. Bees, but every vestige of it has disappeared.

Bulmer's History & Directory Of Cumberland, 1901

30 July 2006

© Steve Bulman