64 X3El0untam ^^iZfcTalft from T2a2"mt(£rmere. 



vale for about three miles, and, as we ride along, we are 

 constantly delighted with new glimpses of wood, rock, and 

 waterfall in the foreground, and long stretches of heath and 

 pasture on the heights at the head of the valley. 



The tarn or mere was very imperfectly drained a few years 

 ago, and its place is now occupied by swampy fields which 

 are covered with water in flood-time. There are two farms 

 near, and a path-way between them leads up to a wild and 

 desolate tarn called jSfee^tjIeg l^S^ater, lying in the direc- 

 tion of Long Sleddale. It is said to afford very good perch- 

 fishing, and is two miles from our track. 



At the head of the tarn-basin is the small Low Bridge 

 Inn, where we have to leave our carriage, as the road higher 

 up the vale is usually considered unfit for any other con- 

 veyance than slate-carts. We may, before proceeding further, 

 stroll through the church-yard and to ^K^entmere ^Kall, the 

 birthplace of Bernard Gilpin,* one of the most able and most 

 gentle of the Reformers. The Hall has gone out of the 

 Gilpin family, but there are several of the name in the vale 

 who boast of their relationship to Bernard. There are few 

 finer specimens of the old Westmorland Hall to be seen 

 than this one. Its square tower, rising out of a noble grove 

 of sycamore, is a beautiful object at all times, but more 



* He was bom in 15 17, and was one of a large family. It is said 

 that he showed extraordinary genius in his childhood, and an early dis- 

 position to seriousness and a contemplative life ; but, as he grew older, 

 he became more energetic and practical, and was none the less pious. 

 In beginning his career he suffered from religious persecution, and, if 

 Queen Mary had lived a little longer, there is small doubt but that he 

 would have been martyred. He remained rector of Houghton-le-Spring 

 during the whole of his later life, and from his gentleness and kindness 

 he was greatly beloved and obtained the name of the Apostle of the 

 North. He built a school, and picked up intelligent boys and educated 

 them, becoming their friend and guardian in after life. He had extra- 

 ordinary influence over the wild border-people, going fearlessly among 

 them. 



