53 min listen
Countrystride #71: A Lake District Christmas
FromCountrystride
ratings:
Length:
43 minutes
Released:
Dec 16, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
...in which we take a seasonal Grasmere wander in the company of historian, journalist and collector of Cumbrian cultural traditions, Alan Cleaver. Striking up moss-cloistered Huntingstile ('stile' means steep), we discuss the seasonal ballad 'Down t' Lonnin', recited each year by the Grasmere Players – and read to us by Elaine Nelson of Sam Read bookshop. Failing to persuade Alan to sing Arthur Somervell's 'Grasmere Carol', we arrive above Red Bank to reflect on seasonal misrule and authority attempts to ban all manner of Cumbrian fun – from snowball fights in 1840s Workington, to bringing pistols to school in 1700s Carlisle. Descending down icy Easedale, we learn about the Christmas tragedy of the Green family, and consider how the children – fending for themselves as their parents perished – became a model of Victorian fortitude. In fading light, we arrive at Allan Bank, where local lad Paul Nelson reads Hardwicke Rawnsley's evocative description of the Keswick 'old folks Christmas do'.
You can buy Alan's book 'A Lake District Christmas' at www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk/products/a-lake-district-christmas
Alan is on Twitter at twitter.com/thelonningsguy
Elaine owns Sam Read bookshop in Grasmere. www.samreadbooks.co.uk
With thanks to Elaine and Paul for their contributions to the podcast.
You can buy Alan's book 'A Lake District Christmas' at www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk/products/a-lake-district-christmas
Alan is on Twitter at twitter.com/thelonningsguy
Elaine owns Sam Read bookshop in Grasmere. www.samreadbooks.co.uk
With thanks to Elaine and Paul for their contributions to the podcast.
Released:
Dec 16, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Countrystride #12: Great Langdale - A heritage landscape: ...in which we celebrate World Heritage Day by exploring Great Langdale with National Trust archaeologist Jamie Lund. Setting out from Sticklebarn, we talk dry stone walls, the remarkable Cumbrian commons and the legacy of campaigner George Trevelyan, be... by Countrystride