19 Burneside Road Kendal Cumbria LA9 4RL Tel/Fax 01539 732290 (24 Hour)

The Historic Market town of Kendal dates back to Roman times and had a substantial settlement by the year 1189 when it was granted its Market Charter. The Prosperity of Kendal was based on the Medieval wool trade, and flocks of sheep still graze the hills surrounding the area. Kendal Castle Pictured above was built in the 12th century and was the home of Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII.

John Kemp of Flanders settled in Kendal around 1331, bringing knowledge and expertise in weaving. He taught others and eventually the prosperity of the whole town became based on the making of the Kendal Green Cloth which was worn by English Archers. 300 packhorse left Kendal every week at the height of the wool trade and made for all parts of the country, even as far as London. The woolen trade gave Kendal its motto of Pannus Mihi Panis which translates as Wool is my bread.

Today the town of Kendal with its bustling centre and twice weekly market (Wednesday & Saturday), is full of Georgian and Victorian properties built from local grey limestone.