BOWNESS, a village in the parish of WINDERMERE,
KENDAL ward, county of WESTMORLAND, 9 miles (W.
N. W.) from Kendal. The population is returned with
the township of Undermilbeck. This village is agreeably
situated on the eastern shore of Windermere lake, in a
district abounding with picturesque scenery, and is the
principal place in the parish, the church of which stands
within it. A few fishing vessels, and several pleasure
boats are kept here; and there is some traffic in slate
and charcoal. A small customary market, principally for
butchers' meat, is held on Wednesday: a fair, formerly
on the 18th of October, has been discontinued. A free
school has been established by subscription among the
inhabitants of Applethwaite and Undermilbeck, -who,
about 1637, erected a school-house, placing the institution
under four trustees and ten feoffees; the endowment,
arising from land, is about £ 50 a year.