The Parish
The Parish of Ireby & Uldale covers the areas of Ireby, High Ireby, Uldale, Aughertree and Ruthwaite. It is situated on the edge of the Northern Fells of the Lake District, in an area known locally as "Back o'Skiddaw", and has a population of around 500. Administratively it lies in the parliamentary constituency of Penrith & Solway, and for local government it is in the ward of Bothel and Wharrels, within the unitary authority of Cumberland Council (https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/)
The Parish Map shows the boundary administered by Ireby & Uldale Parish Council.
Ireby
Ireby is a village in Cumbria with a population of around 200. It is located above the river Ellen, just outside the Lake District National Park. It was granted a market charter in 1237. Ireby has a school, Ireby Church of England Primary School, which was established in the 1700's and moved to its present building in 1881; a church, St James'; and two village halls: the main Globe Hall and the smaller WI Hall. There are a number of listed buildings, including Ireby Old Church (12th century) and Standingstone Cottage and Eardon Cottage (1684).
In 1858 there were four public houses. One of them, the Sun Inn, was a haunt of John Peel but closed and was converted into a private dwelling. Emily’s Black Lion is now the only remaining public house in the village.
The name Ireby is derived from old Norse and means farmstead or village of the Irishman or Irishmen. Ireby was originally two manors, one called High Ireby because of its position and the other known variously as Nether Ireby, Market Ireby, Ireby Base or Low Ireby.
High Ireby – The de Ireby family held the manor for several generations. By the 15th century the manor was owned by the Barwise family. In 1829 Sir Frederick Fletcher Vane owned the hamlets of High Ireby and Ruthwaite.
Low Ireby – William de Ireby was granted the right to hold a fair and a market in 1236 and in 1275 a market cross was erected. The current cross is estimated to be 17th century and was restored in 1847 by Henry Grainger of High Ireby Grange.
More information on the history of Ireby can be found in the book Ireby by Maureen Allen (revised edition April 2004; ISBN-10 0952604930).
Uldale
Uldale is a small village in Cumbria at the northern edge of the Lake District National Park. It is just less than two miles from Ireby and about five miles from Caldbeck. The Uldale Fells are in the vicinity and the small lake of Overwater, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lies to the south.
Uldale Church (St. James'), a Grade II listed building dating from the 12th century, is located on the road between Uldale and Ireby, one mile outside Uldale and just over half a mile from Ireby.
The Old School in Uldale was opened in 1895 but closed in 1990 and transformed into Mae’s tea rooms, restaurant and gallery.