Books

The Records of Patterdale
by Rev. W. P. Morris - Published 1903

William Prosser Morris was the Rector of Patterdale from 1899 to 1923. The book covers lots of interesting local topics, such as ancient houses, mines and quarries, hunting, notable people and anecdotes.

Chronicles of Patterdale
by Elizabeth A Little - Published 1961

Elizabeth Little (1900-1975) lived at the family home of Daweswood in Patterdale . She wrote the 'Chronicles', very much in the style of Rev. Morris's book of 1903, in 1957 for the Patterdale Women's Institute entry in a 'Village Histories' competition and was awarded first place.

A Survey of the Lakes
by James Clarke - Published 1789

Chapter IV 'Ulswater' is the most relevant to this area and begins on digitised page number 64. 
An interesting piece can be found on digital page 74, which lists the bounty, paid by the church warden, for the killing of 'vermin', such as Eagles and Wild Cats!

The Remains of John Briggs
Published 1820

John Briggs had been the editor of two Westmorland publications. This book is a selection of articles from those publications and was published following his death, to befit his widow and children. Reproduced here are extracts of local interest from the section 'Letters from Lakes' include two written by a gentleman named Arthur Atkins who toured the Lake District in 1820 with his sister.

Patterdale Pledge Roll
1883-1912

This book was found in the attic of 'Rookings' in 2023. It contains the names and addresses of villagers who 'Signed the Pledge' each year, pledging to refrain from intoxicating drinks. It was organised by the Wesleyan Band of Hope.

Views of the Lakes
by John Robinson - Published 1833

Two sections of this short book contain historical descriptions relating to various locations around Ullswater (pages 1 to 8 and pages 21 to 26). John Robinson D.D. (1774–1840) was an English cleric and scholar Born of poor parentage at Temple Sowerby, Westmorland. At the time this book was published, he was Rector of Cliburn.

A Fortnight's Ramble in the Lakes
by 'A Rambler' 1792

It seems like every traveller to the Lakes around this time published a book. This one has been chosen because of conversations the writer had with the 'King and Queen' of Patterdale at the King's Arms Inn, with the Queen getting even more drunk and noisier.
Pages 68 to 99, and 147 to 161 are most relevant to this area .

A Guide Through District of the Lakes in the North of England
by William Wordsworth (1770-1850) - Published 1835

This is the 5th edition of the guide he wrote in 1810.
Book pages 119 to 134 describe an interesting excursion to Ullswater that Dorothy and he made from Grasmere in November 1805. Staying at a friend's house in Patterdale they explore the area.