How Was the Lake District Formed?

Delve deep into the past, spanning over an astonishing 500 million years, and witness the earth’s turbulent dance of volcanic eruptions, glacial forces, and tectonic shifts that have shaped this magnificent landscape with its rugged mountains and glistening lakes, a testament to the might of ancient glaciers during the last Ice Age!

But the story of The Lake District is not merely written in stone; it’s etched in the heart of human civilisation. Step into the footsteps of ancient souls as we reveal traces of Stone Age habitation, intertwined with the rich tapestry of Celtic, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon tribes that once thrived here.

Today, The Lake District beckons adventurers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe, offering a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural beauty, exhilarating outdoor activities, and an unforgettable immersion in its cultural treasures!

The collision of tectonic plates

About 500 million years ago, the Lake District was located at the edge of a continent called Laurentia. This continent collided with another continent, Gondwana, and the force of this collision caused the rocks in the Lake District to be folded and uplifted. This uplift created the mountains that we see today.

Volcanic activity

About 450 million years ago, there was a period of intense volcanic activity in the Lake District. This volcanic activity produced the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, which is a group of rocks that make up the base of the mountains in the Lake District.

Erosion by glaciers

During the last ice age (around 12,000 years ago), glaciers covered much of the Lake District. These glaciers were very powerful and they were able to erode the mountains, carving out the deep valleys that we see today.

The combination of these geological processes has created the beautiful and varied landscape of the Lake District. The mountains, lakes, and valleys are all a result of millions of years of geological activity.

What are your favourite Lake District fells?

Details of the geology

• The rocks in the Lake District are made up of a variety of different types, including slate, sandstone, limestone, and volcanic rocks.
• The mountains in the Lake District are made up of hard, resistant rocks, such as granite and gneiss. These rocks have been able to withstand the forces of erosion for millions of years.
• The lakes in the Lake District were formed by glaciers, meaning many of these lakes are ribbon lakes.
• The valleys in the Lake District are U-shaped, which is a characteristic of valleys that have been carved out by glaciers.

Take a listen to Coutrystride episode 91, in which they brave dark skies for a windy wander over Sale Fell to unearth the history of rock and glaciation in the Lake District.

Skilled Stoneworkers

The Neolithic people in the Lake District were skilled stoneworkers, and they made a variety of tools and weapons from stone. They also made pottery, and they used it to store food and water.

The Neolithic people in the Lake District also built a number of impressive monuments, including stone circles, standing stones, and cairns. These monuments are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

The Neolithic period in the Lake District came to an end around 2350 BC, when the people who lived there began to adopt a farming lifestyle. This change in lifestyle led to a number of changes in the way that people lived, including the development of permanent settlements and the growth of social hierarchies.

The Neolithic people who lived in the Lake District made a significant impact on the landscape. Their stone axes and monuments are still visible today, and they provide a glimpse into a way of life that is long gone.

Examples

• Stone axes. The Lake District is famous for its greenstone axe factories, where thousands of axes were made from volcanic tuff. These axes were traded all over Britain, and they are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Neolithic people who lived in the Lake District.
• Stone circles. The Lake District is home to some of the most impressive stone circles in Britain, including Castlerigg Stone Circle and Swinside Stone Circle. These circles are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes, but their exact purpose is still unknown.
• Cairns. Cairns are piles of stones that were often used to mark graves or other important places. There are many cairns in the Lake District, and they provide a valuable record of Neolithic life.

Metal worker and crafts people

The Celts were skilled in crafting intricate metalwork, and evidence of their craftsmanship can be found in the artefacts discovered throughout the Lake District. From ornate jewellery to impressive weaponry, their craftsmanship reflected their artistic flair and technical expertise.

Their connection to the land was profound, evident in the way they revered nature and its elements. The majestic lakes, rugged mountains, and lush valleys of the Lake District likely held spiritual significance for these ancient inhabitants.

Exploring the remnants of Celtic occupation in the Lake District offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting you to imagine their daily lives, traditions, and the unique way they interacted with this breathtaking landscape. It’s a chance to step back in time and appreciate the cultural heritage that has shaped this enchanting region.

Carvetii Celtic Tribe

The Carvetii tribe occupied/inhabited all of Cumbria and parts of north Lancashire, south-west Durham and south-east Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland).

At first, the Carvetii were grouped together with the Brigantes but they were later granted their own tribal council.

A fusion of cultures

Their arrival brought about a fusion of cultures, blending the existing Celtic influences with Norse customs and language. Place names such as “Thwaite,” “Knott,” and “Force” bear testament to their Norse heritage, adding layers of history to the landscape, arriving in enough force to obliterate much of the earlier place names and replace them with their own Norse names.

The Vikings were skilled craftsmen, leaving behind artefacts and remnants of their settlements that continue to be discovered to this day. Their impact on the region extended beyond material remnants; they influenced the socio-cultural fabric, adding their own traditions, beliefs, and agricultural practices to the local tapestry.

Their presence in the Lake District speaks of resilience and adaptability, as they navigated the rugged terrain and embraced the challenges of the landscape. The merging of Norse and existing cultures resulted in a unique blend that shaped the identity of the region.

Exploring the Norse Occupation in The Lake District

Uncover tales of exploration, settlement, and the intermingling of diverse cultures against the backdrop of this stunning natural landscape.

It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the Vikings and their impact on the fabric of Cumbria’s history.

A Viking’s adventure in Lakeland

Names and records

Though not as prominent as in other parts of England, some Anglo-Saxon influence is reflected in place names and historical records. Place names like “Kirkby” and “Braithwaite” hint at their settlement and influence, often indicating the establishment of settlements, farms, or religious sites.

The Anglo-Saxons were known for their agricultural expertise, and their impact might be seen in land use practices that shaped the landscape for farming and cultivation.

However, compared to the significant Celtic and Norse influences, the Anglo-Saxon footprint in the Lake District appears to be less pronounced. The area’s rugged terrain and the existing presence of Celtic and later Norse communities might have limited their expansion and long-term settlement.

Exploring the Anglo-Saxon History in The Lake District

Though it might not yield as much tangible evidence as the Celtic or Norse periods.

Still, it’s an intriguing part of the region’s story, adding nuance to its rich tapestry of diverse cultural influences over the centuries.

History of medieval Cumbria.

• The publication of books and poems about the Lake District, such as A Guide to the Lakes by Thomas West (1778) and Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798). These books and poems helped to promote the beauty of the Lake District and to encourage people to visit.
• The development of the railways made it easier for people to travel to the Lake District from other parts of the country. The first railway line to reach the Lake District was the Kendal and Windermere Railway, which opened in 1847.
• The growth of the middle class, which had more disposable income and was able to afford to travel to the Lake District for leisure.

In the 19th century, the Lake District became a popular destination for artists, writers, and other creative people. They were attracted to the beauty of the landscape and the sense of peace and tranquillity that it offered. The Lake District was also a popular destination for people who were seeking to improve their health. The fresh air and clean water were thought to be beneficial for people with respiratory problems and other health conditions.

Today, the Lake District is still a popular tourist destination. It is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in England, and it offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The Lake District is also a popular destination for cultural tourists, who come to visit the many museums, art galleries, and historic sites in the area.

The popularity of the Lake District as a tourist destination has continued to grow in the 20th and 21st centuries. The area is now home to millions of visitors each year, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.

Examples

• Thomas West’s Guide to the Lakes. This book was published in 1778 and it was one of the first books to promote the beauty of the Lake District. West described the lakes, mountains, and valleys in great detail, and he encouraged people to visit the area.
• Lyrical Ballads. This book of poems was published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The poems in this book were inspired by the Lake District, and they helped to promote the area as a place of beauty and inspiration.
• The development of the railways. The first railway line to reach the Lake District was the Kendal and Windermere Railway, which opened in 1847. This made it much easier for people to travel to the Lake District from other parts of the country (something Wordsworth seems to have had conflicting feelings about in the interests of conservation).
• The growth of the middle class. In the 19th century, the middle class grew in size and wealth. This group of people had more disposable income and was able to afford to travel to the Lake District for leisure.

Cultural Attractions of The Lake District

The central Lake District in Cumbria, England, is home to a variety of cultural attractions that showcase the region’s rich history and heritage.

The magic of The Lake District extends beyond geological wonders. It has sparked flames of creativity and inspired masterpieces of English literature and art! Immerse yourself in the same landscapes that ignited the imaginations of literary giants like William Wordsworth, the whimsy of Beatrix Potter, and the profound insights of John Ruskin.

Here are a few examples:

The History of Trade and Markets 

The history of trade and markets in the Lake District of Cumbria, England, is a long and rich one, dating back to at least the medieval period.

Today, the Lake District continues to be a hub for trade and commerce, with a thriving local economy and a strong tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation.