What is Ravenglass Famous for?
The coastal town of Ravenglass is an ancient settlement dating back the 2nd century and was an important naval base for the Romans for over 300 years. Evidence of their reign is scattered about the town in the form of old roman roads and ruins. The area is also home to one of the countries oldest railway lines, which is still in operation today, transporting and attracting visitors from near and far for over 100 years.
Roman History
Ravenglass was occupied by the Romans for over 300 years and had a Roman garrison of over 500 soldiers, some of which served in Emperor Hadrian’s fleet. It is believed the fort at Ravenglass was an extension of Hadrian’s Wall and the most western section of the Roman frontier. The Roman road from Ravenglass was once linked to the neighbouring forts of Hardknott and Ambleside. The villages Roman bath house remains are one of the largest surviving Roman structures in England, still standing at around 4 metres high. A short distance away from the bath house, stands Muncaster Castle, which is believed to have been built partly using the remains of the nearby Roman fort.
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway
The 7 mile long railway starting at Ravenglass is known for being the oldest and longest narrow gauge railway in England. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway was established in 1913 and is locally known as ‘La’al Ratty’ which translates from old Cumbrian dialect to ‘little railway.’ The steam engine transports travellers from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, around 210ft above sea level. Alfred Wainwright made the route more popular in 1978 by writing ‘Walks from Ratty’; a guidebook describing 10 walks that could be accessed from stops along the railway line.
Tom Fool of Muncaster Castle
Muncaster Castle’s last historic jester was named Thomas Skelton and was the castles court jester during the 1600s. His legend is well known in the area, with his portrait hanging on a wall inside the castle as he was believed to be the original ‘Tom Fool ‘ and inspired Shakespeare’s Fool in the famous play King Lear. Despite his role to entertain, his history is dark with legend claiming he was enlisted by Wild Will of Whitbeck to behead a servant at the castle who was betrothed to a woman he wished to marry. It is rumoured Tom hid the man’s head beneath a heap of shavings at the castle.