CARK - THEN AND NOW

I had a lovely morning.  I have an ongoing photographic project for the Grange U3A Camera Club of comparing old photos with the current day.  They were looking for someone to do Cark and a  couple of churches across the Bay (ie one in Silverdale and one in Arnside), so I said I would try, couldn't promise anything but would give it a go. 

Cark-in-Cartmel
Well of course there is now Brooke Supplies right on the edge of Flookburgh and almost in Cark so I took myself off there this morning.  Stopping of in Flookburgh Market Square this morning to take a photo of the Market Cross (see extras).  This is actually in Flookburgh not Cark, but that is what is requested.

Then I parked up at Brooke Supplies and took myself off for a lovely walk through Cark.  I go  through Cark at least 3 or 4 times a month but, apart from Brooke Supplies and the church next door have never really stopped to explore.

It is so lovely when you get away from that B Road.  I took photos of the landmarks I could easilly identify and then headed up the hill as if going to Cartmel, looking for Cark Hall* (see below). 

I couldn't see it, but just as I was about to turn round this lady with a cute Westie (not as cute as Fletch or Robbie obviously) came towards and the lady stopped for a chat.  She is Cark born and bred and knew a lot about Cark.  Cark Hall (which is Elizabethan) was just round the corner so that was good.  She also told me that there used to be Shrimp factory!!! Now I thought the shrimp connection was with Flookburgh so I will have to investigate that.

After that I then went back and walked up past the Engine Pub (which is right on the bed by the bridge going through Cark and went past.  Behind there are some lovely houses and the Mill Stream has some nice little bridges and two of my "then" photos were from this area.

* CARK HALL
NOTE:  This information was obtained by visiting the Kentsbankholiday page, but not wanting to send advertisements out I just learned of some of the interesting historical facts, which are below. 

Most people who visit the area know of Holker Hall because it is open to the public. However historically wise Cark Hall has been almost forgotten.  However it is much older than Holker and goes back to 1582, and is therefore Elizabethan. It was built by Thomas Pickering (who was married in Cartmel in 1571).
Cark Hall passed by marriage to the Curwens of Myreside Hall in Flookburgh and then later to the Rawlinson family who held the property for nine generations, extending through 300 years.
It was the home to a man who was an ardent Royalist, ‘popish Catholic recusant’ erudite and Anglo-Saxon scholar.  He was also a cruel persecutor of all Quakers, including their great leader, George Fox who was imprisoned in Cark Hall before his trial at Lancaster.
The Hall has mullioned windows and a magnificent entrance with Ionic columns supporting a large arch.
On the imposing doorway (which is not so imposing these days) is a now very weathered coat-of-arms belonging to Robert Rawlinson.  This coat-of-arms was granted in 1662 when he became a Justice of Charles II.  On the western side, a wing was added, probably in the 17th century.
Waved to the Postie (a nice young lady) and a DPD van driver who was actually friendly and lovely.  Then headed off back to Brooke Supplies for coffee and light bite before coming home.

I literally just parked the car in our drive when the heavens opened, so I was very lucky.  It's just been close and muggy today with some sunshine.

All in all a lovely morning where I learnt quite a lot about Cark.  Going to go back for another walk around and learn a bit more about it I think.

That's all for today.  Thank you, as always, for dropping by and all your hearts, stars and comments, all very gratefully received and read and enjoyed.

See you all tomorrow.