Crosby Low village, occupies a pleasant situation on the
Newcastle road, 4 miles E.N.E. of Carlisle. After the barony of Linstock had been given to
Carlisle, there was a grange erected here, and called Crosby, on account of its belonging
to the church. The present church1, a small ancient building,
dedicated to St. John, is about being rebuilt in the pure Gothic style of architecture, at
a cost of about £1500, which is to be raised by subscription amongst the parishioners.
The benefice is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £7 11s. 4d., in the patronage
of the bishop of Carlisle, and incumbency of the Rev. Joseph Thomlinson. The tithes have
not yet been commuted, but are valued at about £250; the living is worth £150 per annum.
Adjoining the church yard is a neat school, built in 1844, at the cost of £350 raised by
subscription, aided by a grant from the National Society, and the Committee of Council on
Education. The school is not endowed, but £16 a year are raised by subscription, for
which the master instructs the children of the poor for 2d. a week, each. It is conducted
on the national system.
Brunstock, a hamlet and township, three miles N.N.E. of Carlisle. Here stands the beautiful seat of George Saul, Esq. It is in the Gothic style, and the pleasure grounds are very tastefully laid out.
High Crosby is a small village and township, about half a mile east of Low Crosby. The vicarage house, and Crosby House, are in the village. The latter is a fine mansion, the residence of Rev. Thos. L. Hervey.
Walby township is about four miles N.E. of Carlisle.
Mannix & Whellan, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Cumberland, 1847
