TORPENHOW, a parish in ALLERDALE ward below
Darwent, county of CUMBERLAND, comprising the
townships of Bewaldeth with Snittlegarth, Blennerhasaet
with Kirldand, Bothel with Threapland, and Torpenhow
with Whitrjgg, and containing 961 inhabitants,
of which number, 256 are in the township of .Torpenhow
with Whitrigg, 2 miles (W. by N.) from Ireby.
The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry and diocese
of Carlisle, rated in the king's books at £33. 6. 8.,
and in the patronage of the Bishop of Carlisle. The
church, dedicated to St. Michael, is principally in the
Norman style; the ceiling is of wood, painted and very
curious. The parish is bounded on the north by the
river Ellen; it abounds with freestone and limestone,
and, it is supposed, with coal also. The ancient free
school at Bothel was founded and endowed by subscription,
and-was rebuilt about thirty years ago; the annual
income is about £50, for which eighty children are instructed.