Newton-Reigny1 Parish
Is within the forest of Inglewood, and comprises the two
townships of Newton and Catterlen, extending about four miles and a half in
length, and two in breadth. It is bounded by the parishes of Penrith, Greystoke, Skelton,
Hutton, and Lazonby, and contains 2436A., of which 44 are roads, rivers, &c., and the
rateable value of the parish is £1915. The soil is a good heavy loam, except near
Catterlen Hall, where it is rather light and gravelly. Previous to the enclosure of
Penrith Fell, which took place in 1812, the parishioners had the privilege of grazing 1000
sheep on it during the summer months. The earl of Lonsdale is the largest proprietor in
this parish, which contains 310 inhabitants. Newton-Reigny is a neat village, on an eminence, 3 miles
N.W. by W. of Penrith. It derives its distinctive appellation from the family of De
Reigny, who had the manor in the reign of Henry II, and long held it by the service of
finding a horseman to serve against Scotland, armed with a coat of mail, an iron helmet, a
lance, and a long sword. The Catterlen is a hamlet, township, and manor, 3 miles N.W. by N. of Penrith. The manor of Catterlen was long held by the family of the Vaux, whose heiress bequeathed it to John Christian Curwen, Esq. of Workington Hall, from whom it passed by sale to the duke of Norfolk, and now belongs to Henry Howard, Esq. of Greystoke Castle. Catterlen Hall is a very ancient building erected by Rowland Vaux, in 1577, but as well as the old manor house at Newton, is now converted into a farm house. This township contains 1414 acres, of the rateable value of £889; and the township of Newton contains 978 acres, of the rateable value of £1026. Population, in 1841, 147 souls.
Mannix & Whellan, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Cumberland, 1847
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Notes
1. The parish name is pronounced as
Newton Rainy.
2. The church, which is dedicated to St. John, is largely Norman in date,
but underwent some restoration in the 19th century.
Photos © Steve Bulman.
30 April 2008
© Steve Bulman