Hawkshead

The village of Hawkshead was originally owned by the monks of Furness Abbey, nearby Colthouse, derives its name from the stables owned by the Abbey. Hawkshead grew to be an important wool market in medieval times & later as a market town after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1608. In 1585 Hawkshead Grammar School was established by Archbishop Edwin Sandys of York.

William Wordsworth was educated at the Grammar School whilst Beatrix Potter lived in Near Sawrey.

In the 18th & 19th centuries, Hawkshead became a village of local importance & Hawkshead Market Hall was completed in 1790.

With the formation of the Lake District National Park in 1951, tourism grew in importance, though traditional farming still goes on around the village. Hawkshead has a timeless atmosphere & consists of a characterful warren of alleys & a mediaeval square. It is eloquently described in William Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Prelude’.

You can visit the Hawkshead shop to purchase your art. Find us here.