James Clarke of Penrith (1745-1790) - Surveyor and Topographer of the Lake District
Robinsons School, Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT
Born at Watermillock, James Clarke is remembered as author of the ‘Survey of the Lakes of Cumberland and Westmorland and Lancashire, together with an Account, Historical, Topographical, and Descriptive, of the Adjacent Country’. The Museum has one of these folios, which appeared in 1787, containing eleven large engraved maps. They demonstrate his exemplary draughtsmanship and include the first detailed map of Penrith and a diagram of the view from Penrith Beacon. He described the local culture and dialect and inserted a section on ‘The Border History’, which had done much to shape the character of the region.
A more portable, quarto edition ‘by the Late James Clarke’, was published in 1793 titled ‘Plans of the Lakes … with an Accurate Survey of the Roads Leading to them from Penrith, Keswick, &c.’.
The Museum also holds a copy of this rarity, bound in original drab paper-covered boards. The original folio and quarto editions will be displayed, and a free leaflet available.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1000-1600
- Monday 09 September:
- 1000-1600
- Tuesday 10 September:
- 1000-1600
- Wednesday 11 September:
- 1000-1600
- Thursday 12 September:
- 1000-1600
- Friday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
Robinsons School, Middlegate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7PT
- Contact on day:
- The Curator
- Telephone number:
- +441768865105
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The Museum shares the building with the Information Centre who can advise on other facilities and amenities in the vicinity. The Museum displays artefacts, many dating from the18th Century, providing a context for the life and work of James Clarke of Penrith, The nearby Coronation Garden explores the history of Penrith through text and sculpture to further the appreciation of the history and culture of James Clarke's hometown
Additional information
Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm (closed Sundays)
