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Kirkoswald.org

Last updated 28/01/2020

You will find local information, information about Kirkoswald's entry into Royal Horticultural Society Cumbria in Bloom Competition and the National Britain in Bloom competition.There is also information about Kirkoswald Parish Council and Kirkoswald Environmental Group.

Kirkoswald means the Church (Kirk) of Saint Oswald. Kirkoswald is about nine miles to the North East of Penrith. It is a small but vibrant village in the Eden Valley. The River Eden runs north from south of Kirkby Stephen to eventually join the Solway Firth.The valley is crisscrossed by a number of smaller roads as well as the M6, the A6 and the Carlisle to Settle Railway.

The village is approached by a narrow road that crosses the Eden by way of an impressive Georgian sandstone bridge.Traffic lights have been installed in recent years as a response to local concerns. The road sweeps up from the river passing the church and the College with its imposing gateway and walls.

The village itself is built up a quite steep hill with houses lining the roads to Brampton and Armathwaite. A lot of the older buildings are based around a cobbled square. K’o, as it is known locally, used to be a very important market town holding regular hiring fairs. It has the remains of Kirkoswald Castle and the term College refers to the training of priests. The importance of K’o declined after the railway came to neighbouring Lazonby. The Raven Beck flows through the village and gives its name to the shop, roads, houses, and the community magazine.