GRASMERE, a parish in KENDAL ward, county of WESTMORLAND, comprising the chapelries of Ambleside and Langdales, and the townships of Grasmere and Rydal with Loughbrigg, and containing 1778 inhabitants, of which number, 324 are in the township of Grasmere, 4 miles (N.W. by W.) from Ambleside. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Richmond, and diocese of Chester, rated in the king's books at £28. 11. 5., and in the patronage of Lady Le Fleming. The church is dedicated to St. Oswald. Grasmere anciently formed part of the extensive parish of Kendal, in which it was a chapelry. A fair for sheep, on the first Tuesday in September, is held at the village, which is pleasantly situated upon the Rotha, a river connecting the lakes Grasmere, Rydal, and Winandermere. A school-house was built by subscription in 1685, and endowed by the then rector with £ 50, which, with various subsequent bequests, produces about £11 per annum, and is applied to the education of children. At the back of the village is Helm Crag, composed of huge and lofty masses of rock.