After over three years of research, discovery and dedication by a group of 15 volunteers, the publication of their book, What’s in a name?, was officially launched during a celebration at Graythwaite Hall, Ulverston, on Thursday 31st October. Talks were given by a number of the volunteers, sharing fascinating and historic facts about the Rusland Valley. Over 2500 field-names have now been interpreted and recorded, many of which were derived from ancient Old English, Old Norse and Middle English languages.
The volunteers were part of the Mapped Histories group, just one of 15 projects that made up the Rusland Horizons Landscape Partnership Scheme. Over the last three years, maps were studied, local archives visited and many conversations had with local landowners and farmers to gather the detailed information contained in the book. The local community proved to be a valuable source of information; from the shared memories of older residents, to those who graciously allowed their attics to be raided to retrieve old maps.
What’s in a name?, which can be purchased from The Rusland Horizons Trust, provides a magnificent visual summary of the work carried out by the volunteers. Using OS and estate maps, property records, archived documents and plans, the book illustrates perfectly how the landscape of the Rusland Valley has changed, how it has been worked and how people lived their lives within it.
Mandy Lane, lead author and the volunteer who led the group said, ‘Although over 2500 Field-names have been recorded and their origins interpreted, it is estimated only about 80% of the Rusland Valley area has been completed. It has been a fascinating and enjoyable process, and a privilege to share the dedication and interest of other volunteers to finally publish the What’s in a name? book.’
Angus Winchester, Emeritus Professor in the History Department, Lancaster University, in reviewing the book wrote, ‘The book is a triumph – a visually stunning production, highly informative and full of interest, not only to those who love the Rusland area but to all with an interest in the rural landscape of the Lake District.’
A local history group has now been formed to continue the research and add to the already extensive archive of Rusland Valley Field-names. The interactive map, which displays all Field-names with an explanation of their origins, will also be kept updated and can be found on the Mapped Histories project page of the website http://www.ruslandhorizons.org
About Rusland Horizons
Rusland Horizons was one of the first community-led Landscape Partnership Schemes to be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was supported by a group of organisations. It encompassed the living, working landscape of the Rusland Valley, in the southern region of the Lake District National Park. Working together with local people, partners and organisations to revive traditional skills and to learn about, enhance and enjoy the heritage, habitats and wildlife of the Rusland Valley.
Following three highly successful years of lottery funding, the responsibility for the activities of Rusland Horizons passed to The Rusland Horizons Trust on 1st July 2019, a charitable company run by its members. All the projects and initiatives will continue to be community-led and the broad aims and objectives will remain unchanged. Funding will be provided by monies raised from a variety of sources, including membership fees, donations from members of the community, awards from charities and publicly funded authorities, and from companies and sponsors.
The Rusland Horizons scheme area is a living landscape of ancient semi-natural woodlands, open fell, patchworks of pasture and conifer plantations with scattered settlements and a network of twisting minor roads. Coppiced over many centuries, the woodlands once supported hundreds of jobs and fuelled a large part of the local economy. With the woodlands now undermanaged and traditional skills being forgotten, this important natural and cultural heritage is under threat, with important habitats becoming fragmented and historic landscape features lost.
Contacts
For further details about Rusland Horizons Trust or the What’s in a name? book.
Tel: 07908 986 795. Email: [email protected] or see the website http://www.ruslandhorizons.org
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