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LONGTOWN, Cumberland - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

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[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]
"LONGTOWN, a township and small market and post town in the parish of Arthuret, ward of Eskdale, county Cumberland, 8 miles N.W. of Carlisle, and 309 N.N.W. of London. It is a station on the North British railway, and is about 5 miles from the Rockcliffe station on the Caledonian line. It is situated on the south bank of the river Esk, over which is a stone bridge near the junction of that river with the Liddel. It was founded a long time back by the family of Graham, of Netherby, to whom the property belongs, but, until recently, was only a poor village. It now contains upwards of 2,717 inhabitants. Petty sessions are held in the town, also courts leet and baron at Easter and Michaelmas, at the former of which constables are appointed for the government of the town. It is a polling place for the Eastern division of the county. The streets are spacious, and the houses in general well built. The workhouse for Longtown Poor-law Union, comprising 14 parishes, is in this township. Many of the people are employed in weaving for the manufacturers at Carlisle. There is a chapel belonging to the Presbyterians, also a free school, founded by Lady Widdington in 1754. Monday and Thursday are the market days. Fairs are held on Thursday previous to Whitsun Day for the sale of horses, and on the Thursdays in Whitsun week and Martinmas for hiring servants."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]