IREBY, Cumberland - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

"IREBY, a parish in the ward of Allerdale-below-Derwent, county Cumberland, 7 miles S.W. of Wigton, and about the same distance S.E. of Aspatria. It contains the townships of High and Low Ireby, and the hamlet of Ruthwaite. The soil is clay and light loam, with limestone and freestone subsoil. It is situated in a bleak spot, and is believed to be the Roman Arbeia. Tho village of Low Ireby is situated on the river Ellen, and on the high road between Carlisle and Keswick. It was formerly a market town, and is now a village of some importance. The river Ellen takes its rise in the neighbouring lake of Overwater. The living is a perpetual curacy* in the diocese of Carlisle, value £64, in the patronage of the dean and chapter. The church, dedicated to St. James, is a modern structure erected in 1847. In the interior is a stained-glass window. The charities produce £8 per annum, which goes towards the support of a free, grammar school. There is a Sunday-school. Ellenside House, the principal residence, is a mansion situated on the banks of the Ellen. F. L. B. Dykes, Esq., is lord of the manor. High Ireby is situated about 1 mile from the church. It contains only a few houses. Sir H. Vane, Bart., is lord of the manor." "LANGLANDS, a hamlet in the parish of Ireby, ward of Allerdale-below-Derwent, county Cumberland, 16 miles S.W. of Carlisle. It is situated near the river Ellen."

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