10 interesting things you may not have known about Kendal in North West England

Sandwiched between two of England’s most beautiful national parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales – it’s no wonder Kendal is more than just a stopover on the M6 ​​motorway. This market town has enjoyed a rich array of Roman legacies, medieval castles and Quaker heritage, not to mention its wool, snuff and other crafts. Today the adventurous spirit of the settlement lives on, with visitors appreciating not only what Kendal has to offer, but also the tranquility of nature and the green spaces that surround it. Read on to learn more about this perfectly located city.

Alternative names

Kendal is sometimes affectionately referred to as ‘Ye Auld Gray Town’ – despite being surrounded by lush, green fields – because many of the houses and buildings are made of gray limestone. It is also often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Lakes’ due to its proximity to the Lake District National Park. It is often the first town you pass when arriving by road or rail. These nicknames highlight Kendal’s historic charm and its role as a starting point for exploring the beautiful Lake District.

Kendal mint cake

Kendal is perhaps best known for Kendal Mint Cake, a sugary sweet used during the very first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, as well as by Sir Ernest Shackleton in Antarctica. Legend has it that it was discovered accidentally when Joseph Wiper attempted to make a clear glacial coin in 1869. You can buy it at a number of shops in the city and it comes in different forms: white, brown or chocolate-coated.

Kendal Castle

Kendal Castle is a historic ruin from the 12th century that you can visit on foot. He played a key role in defending against raids and invasions over the years, including during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The Parr family lived there from the early 17th century and it is thought that Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife and the only one to survive him, may have been born there. Kendal actually had two castles, the other being a wooden motte and bailey fort (now replaced by a monument) across the River Kent.

Kendal Green

Historically, Kendal Green was a type of green cloth made in Kendal, which gained fame through its association with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, who was known for his striking green attire. It is mentioned in several pieces of literature. A bit confusingly, there is also a place in Kendal called Kendal Green (the name probably refers to the open green space there and not the sheet), where Alfred Wainwright (who created the famous pictorial guides to the lakes) once lived .

The Brewery Art Center

Housed in a former brewery, this dynamic arts center is a cultural gem and offers a wide range of events from theater and live music to cinema and exhibitions, making it a vibrant hub for the arts in Kendal. Used by locals and visitors alike, it hosts everything from lectures to comedy nights, art exhibitions to theater and dance, and is also home to a bar and restaurant.

Market charter

King Richard I granted Kendal the right to hold a weekly market in 1189. The granting of the charter heralded the beginning of the city as we know it today. Kendal continues to host traditional weekly open-air markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a variety of goods from local produce to crafts and clothing. There is also a regular farmers market, which takes place every last Friday of the month.

Quaker heritage

In the 17th century, at a time of significant social unrest, Kendal developed as a center for Quakerism. George Fox, an English dissenter who rebelled against the religious and political authorities of the time, founded the Religious Society of Friends (also known as the Quakers). He preached throughout the country, including in Kendal, and must have had quite an impact as the town’s Quakers were actively involved in several social reforms, including the abolition of slavery, prison reform and the promotion of education . Even today, the Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal displays embroidered panels depicting the history of Quakerism and its impact on society.

Snuff trade

In the 18th century, Kendal became a leading center for the production of snuff, a finely ground form of tobacco sniffed through the nose (but less fashionable today). The industry was pioneered by the famous Kendal Brown snuff, which became very popular throughout Britain due to its unique quality and distinctive aroma. The production process, which involved grinding and flavoring tobacco, was perfected by local manufacturers. If you look closely when you visit, you may still see signs of Kendal’s snuff industry.

Festivals and events

Kendal hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. These include the Kendal Torchlight Carnival, the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and, on the outskirts of the town, the Westmorland County Show and the Cumbrian Wool Gathering. Most notable of all, however, is the Kendal Mountain Festival, the world’s largest mountain film festival, which attracts adventurers and filmmakers from all over the world not only to see incredible films, but also to visit the temporary ‘base camp’ of the event, where numerous outdoor activities take place. names from the industry will be on display.

Kendal’s weapon

The Kendal coat of arms is rich in symbolism, with a gold background representing a cowhide, while the teasel and bale hooks in each of the parts of the shield represent the wool trade. The city’s motto, pannus mihi panisis often translated as ‘wool is my bread’, underscoring the importance of an industry that has supported the population of this busy city for centuries.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is director of Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. offers luxury riverside holiday accommodation, perfectly situated between two of Britain’s most beautiful national parks: the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.