AINSTABLE, Cumberland - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

"AINSTABLE, a parish in Leath ward, in the county of Cumberland, 10 miles to the N.E. of Penrith. It is divided into two townships called the High and Low Quarters; and includes the hamlet of Ruckcroft. It is situated on a very pleasant spot on the river Eden, which bounds it on the west, and the Croglin which flows by it on the eastern and southern aides. The scenery, especially in the valley of the Croglin, is beautiful and picturesque, and its natural charm is increased by the construction of cascades and agreeable walks on the banks of the river, adjoining the grounds of the mansion named Nunnery, which stands on the site of the nunnery of Armathwaite, founded by William Rufus, belonging to the Benedictine order. The only remnant of the nunnery is a stone pillar inscribed with a cross, and the words "Sanctuarum, 1088". The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Carlisle, value £225, in the patronage of the representatives of Mrs. Aglionby. The church is an ancient building, in the Norman style, and has been repaired since 1815. It is dedicated to St. Michael, and contains the tomb of John de Dentoren. This parish was the birthplace of Dr. Leake, founder of the Lying-in Hospital at Westminster. There is abundance of freestone, and a chalybeate spring. The new vicarage was erected in 1855. The Earl of Carlisle holds his manorial court here annually." "RUCKCROFT, a village in the parish of Ainstable, county Cumberland, 3 miles N.W. of Kirkoswald, near the Eden." "RUSHROFT, a hamlet in the parish of Ainstable, Leath ward, county Cumberland, 3 miles N.W. of Kirk-Oswald."

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