Kendal Civic Society
“Preserve the best of the past, promote the best of the new”
With this aim the Society began in 1963, embarking on an ambitious programme of street improvement schemes, building conservation projects and traffic studies
The Original Schools of Kendal
Sunday 18 May 2025
'Inkwells, Bare Knuckles and the 3 RS'
Relive the memories of wooden floors, school prayer, warm school milk, Boys and Girls entrances, inkwells, blackboards, playground fights, the cane and the 3 Rs. The Victorian era created an explosion of opportunity for children 5 -13 with the 1870 Education Act. Visit the old school buildings of Kirkland, Dean Gibson, Central (National), Stramongate (Quaker), Castle Street (St Georges) and Kendal High School. Add your own tales to the narrative!
Kendal Parish Church
The Old Canal
Sunday 1 June 2025
'The Black and White'
Take a linear walk along the old horse tow paths of the Kendal Canal and be reminded of leisure boats, the famous Aquatic Procession and the industry of bygone times. Discover the canal's history, architecture, wharfs and construction methods. Understand the role of navigators, promoters and the tremendous boost to Kendal's economy at a time of national downturn and political upheaval.
Hansens Cafe
Castle Howe and Serpentine
Sunday 15 June 2025
Castle Howe, Kendal's first Norman Motte and Bailey Castle, stands on Kendal Fell and was probably the baronial centre of Kirkland until the Reformation. In 1788 a large obelisk, designed by Francis Webster, was erected on the summit of the Motte to celebrate the centenary of the Glorious revolution of 1688. It now overlooks what was a Victorian bowling green. Kendal Fell was also the site of Beast Banks, the first animal market and slaughter area. Higher up the fell there were Tenterframes where Kendal's wool was stretched to dry and be spun. At the summit Serpentine woods is a leafy labyrith of trails and mystery.
Brewery Arts Centre Main Door
Highgate Cross to Kendal Maypole
Sunday 29 June 2025
'Tanning, Hardship, Ale Houses and Black Drop'
Trace the historic links between the Market Borough of Kendal and Kirk Land, the original settlement belonging to the Church. View the surviving architecture, learn about tanning and related industries . Understand the social conditions endured in the South Highgate Yards. Time travel to Norman Kirkland to imagine its markets, fairs, ale houses and Maypole traditions.
The Brewery
Merchant Kendal
Sunday 6 July 2025
Cloth, Shoes, Mintcake and Black Drop are goods that made Kendal famous, but walk the streets of Kendal and remember the businesses of your childhood - Bateman's toffee, Brennand's sausage, Rigg's bakery, Greenbanks vegetables, Briggs boot store, Tognarelli's and Peruzza's ice cream and the original Booths. Remember the incredible Kendal Cooperative Society stores . Walk back in time to discover the older merchants of Kendal.
Stricklandgate House
Chapels, Churches and Meeting House
Sunday 4 May 2025
'Pastors, Priests and Friends'
Discover Kendals' fascinating religious history of Monks, Reformation, Recusants, Quakers, and Non Conformist groups. All of them contributing to the spiritual and economic development of the town. Visit long forgotten sites and hear the echoes of the towns religious past. Finish the walk in the quiet calm of the Unitarian Chapel gardens.
The Brewery
Fellside - 'Brats, Bare Knuckles and Salvation'
Sunday 1 September 2024
Climb the Cobbles of Kendal Fell to what was one of the poorest and yet fascinating areas of the town. Struggling to survive, the community was strong and loyal, but constantly 'cocking a snook' at the establishment. Hear tales of heroism, religious conversion and mischief in Fellside dialect.
The Birdcage. Finkle Street
Merchant Kendal
Sunday 11 August 2024
Cloth, Shoes, Mintcake and Black Drop are goods that made Kendal famous, but walk the streets of Kendal and remember the businesses of your childhood - Bateman's toffee, Brennand's sausage, Rigg's bakery, Greenbanks vegetables, Briggs boot store, Tognarelli's and Peruzza's ice cream and the original Booths. Remember the incredible Kendal Cooperative Society stores . Walk back in time to discover the older merchants of Kendal.
Stricklandgate House
Castle Howe and Serpentine
Sunday 28 July 2024
Castle Howe, Kendal's first Norman Motte and Bailey Castle, stands on Kendal Fell and was probably the baronial centre of Kirkland until the Reformation. In 1788 a large obelisk, designed by Francis Webster, was erected on the summit of the Motte to celebrate the centenary of the Glorious revolution of 1688. It now overlooks what was a Victorian bowling green. Kendal Fell was also the site of Beast Banks, the first animal market and slaughter area. Higher up the fell there were Tenterframes where Kendal's wool was stretched to dry and be spun. At the summit Serpentine woods is a leafy labyrith of trails and mystery.
Brewery Arts Centre Main Door
Industrial Kendal - Trades, Guilds and Development
Sunday 30 June 2024
Trace the development of industry from the water mills and wool trade to the expansion of the yards with dyers, dry salters, tanners, potters, timber and coal merchants and breweries. Note the success of Kendal's snuff and shoe makers - also iron founding, horn works and the famous mint cake!
Kendal Town Hall
Kendals' Yards
Sunday 16 June 2024
Explore the Old Yards of Kendal, once agricultural burgage plots which became the backbone of Kendal’s wool industry. Imagine the tanners, dry salters, shear men dyers, metal works, timber works, potters, brewers and coal merchants working in these narrow lanes. Imagine the social conditions as the Yard population trebled rapidly but still thrived with enterprise and community spirit.
The Town Hall
Inns Taverns & Alehouses - Past & Present
Sunday 2 June 2024
Take a fascinating walk into the past and discover the location and sheer number of the town's public houses. Link their existence to the development of Kendal's industry and social and living conditions from 18c to the present day. Experience a pint at a local brewery at the end of your walk.
Kendal Parish Church Main Door
Kirkland & Parish Church - 'Abbot, Maypole & Black Drop'
Sunday 3 September 2023
Discover the ginnels, yards, and history of the oldest area of the town established in medieval times when the original Abbot Hall was occupied by monks. Hear stories of hermits, opium, grammar schools, Maypole, stocks and taverns. Admire one of the most beautiful churches in the country.
Kendal Parish Church
Kendal Castle & Canal - ‘Barons & The Black and White'
Sunday 13 August 2023
Ascend Kendal Castle Hill to see the breathtaking views of the Kent Valley and the ruined residence of the Barons of Kendal, with the Parr family’s royal connections! Tread the old horse tow paths of the Kendal Canal and be reminded of industry and leisure boats of times gone by.
Market Place
The Market Place - 'Proclamation, Power, Punishment & Piety'
Sunday 30 July 2023
The centre of the Borough of Kendal. Hear tales of the Market Charter, Market Cross, Moot Hall and underground dungeon. Discover the different religious communities contribution to the economic growth of Kendal and visit the beautiful Unitarian Chapel and garden.
Market Place
Fellside & Serpentine - 'Brats, Bare Knuckles and Salvation'
Sunday 16 July 2023
Climb the Cobbles of Kendal Fell to what was one of the poorest and yet fascinating areas of the town. Struggling to survive, the community was strong and loyal, but constantly 'cocking a snook' at the establishment. Hear tales of heroism, religious conversion and mischief in Fellside dialect.
Kendal Town Hall - Main Door
Inns Taverns & Alehouses - 'Public Houses Past and Present'
Sunday 25 June 2023
Take a fascinating walk into the past and discover the location and sheer number of the town's public houses. Link their existence to the development of Kendal's industry and social and living conditions from 18c to the present day. Experience a pint at a local brewery at the end of your walk.
Kendal Town Hall - Main Door
Industrial Kendal - 'Trades, Guilds and Development'
Sunday 4 June 2023
Trace the development of industry from the water mills and wool trade to the expansion of the yards with dyers, dry salters, tanners, potters, timber and coal merchants and breweries. Note the success of Kendal's snuff and shoe makers - also iron founding, horn works and the famous mint cake!
Kendal Town Hall
