Saturday, February 1, 2014

Sawrey, Near and Far, circa 1913

I love maps.  So when I found an old book called English Lakes, a "Baddeley's Guide" from 1913, I couldn't resist.  Here is a detail from one of the many lovely plates.


Here is the description of Sawrey, page 52.  Nothing is mentioned about its famous inhabitant or her farms.

"From the Ferry the road ascends sharply round the south end of Claife Heights, and, passing through Far Sawrey (pretty little hotel) and Near Sawrey (pub.-ho.) drops down again to the shore of Esthwaite Water.  From between the two Sawreys Black Brow, a crag somewhat like Helm Crag over Grasmere, is conspicuous on the left, and in front Bowfell presents a very striking outline."

When I first read this description, I thought that "pub.-ho." meant "Pub, Ho!"  But on closer look, it is an abbreviation of "public house."  Too bad.  Fans of Near Sawrey and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck know that the guidebook refers to the Tower Bank Arms.