Mansergh is a village and civil parish in the Westmorland and Furness district of the English county of Cumbria. The parish encompasses the village of Mansergh itself and the hamlet of Old Town. It lies 3.3 mi (5.3 km) north of Kirkby Lonsdale, 9.8 mi (15.8 km) south‑east of Kendal, and 53.2 mi (85.6 km) south of Carlisle. The OS grid reference is SD6082, and the settlement is situated at a latitude of 54°14′17″ N and a longitude of 2°36′43″ W.
Population
According to the United Kingdom censuses, the parish population was 141 in 2001 and decreased to 124 by the 2011 census.
Governance
Mansergh falls within the unitary authority of Westmorland and Furness and the ceremonial county of Cumbria. It is part of the North West England region and is represented in the UK Parliament by the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. Local services are administered by Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and the North West Ambulance Service. The post town is Carnforth (postcode district LA6) and the dialing code is 01524.
Landmarks
The most notable building in the village is St Peter’s Parish Church, constructed in 1880. The church is a Grade II listed building, recognised for its architectural and historic interest. Several other listed structures are recorded within the parish, contributing to its rural heritage.
History
Historical records indicate that Mansergh was originally a hamlet of the Barbon manor during the medieval period. By 1587 it was considered a manor in its own right, changing hands among local gentry such as the Redmayne, Brabyn, Ward, and Godsalve families. The name “Mansergh” is thought to derive from Old Norse or Old English elements meaning “the hill or ridge of a man called Manser” (or similar), reflecting the area’s long settlement history.
Geography and Environment
The parish lies within the upland landscape of the South Lakeland area, characterized by rolling hills, farmland, and proximity to the River Lune’s headwaters. The surrounding countryside offers walking routes and scenic views typical of the former county of Westmorland.
References
- United Kingdom Census data (2001, 2011)
- “Mansergh, Cumbria.” Wikipedia, accessed via r.jina.ai.
- British Listed Buildings, entry for Church of St Peter, Mansergh.
This entry reflects information available from reliable public sources as of the latest census and heritage listings.