It’s been a busy month for The Northish Lass, with plenty of things going on. From National Volunteers Week, Lancaster Day, Lake District Book Festival, a Week in Northumberland, and last but definitely not least: Publication in July’s Edition of Living North!
A Day at the Lake District Book Festival
It was the inaugural Lake District Book Festival this year but, fear not, if you missed out, it’s already been booked into the diary for 2027, so you can head along next year! The dates haven’t yet been confirmed on their website, but I’m sure it won’t be too long before information becomes available.
I went along to see a talk on William Marshal (1146/7 – 1219) and his links to the village of Cartmel. He founded Cartmel Priory, and his world view on chivalry, knighthood, and his experiences on crusade, can be seen in decoration and features of the church itself. The talk was chaired by the Sunday Times’ Literary Supplement Editor for History, introducing Dr John Marshall (no relation to the subject) and Dr Sophie Ambler (who teaches at my alma mater – Lancaster University). It was a very interesting talk for history nerds like me, despite being a little before my primary interest period (I tend to favour the fourteenth/fifteenth centuries when I’m being picky), and it was really interesting to learn more about the almost mythologised character of William Marshal.
There was also a bookshop, local artisans and food producers, as well as free-to-enter talks and debates. I can’t wait to see the festival grow and develop over the coming years!
Lancaster Day
Lancaster celebrates its birthday in the middle of June each year. Only 833 years young (officially. Lancaster as a town has been here much longer than that, but it was granted the official city/market charter in 1193), the city deserves a good birthday party! With many things going on such as walks and tours by Lancaster Walks, Talks and Tours, stalls, performances, and much more, it’s always a great excuse to get out and about around the city and explore what our historic home has to offer. You can read my piece about the History of the Duchy of Lancaster here, if you want to know more about it!
A Week In Northumberland
I spent a wonderfully peaceful week in central Northumberland, in and around Hexham/Haltwhistle area. Mum and I returned to our friends at Hideaway Huts/Stable Cottage, which is a brilliant base to explore the beautiful Northumberland National Park and the historic towns in the area.
I did a series of Instagram reels about what I got up to whilst away in Northumberland, which you can view here. I’ll be heading back up to Northumberland in July because there’s just so many things to see and do, and the area is just so peaceful, I can’t stay away!
Publication in July Edition of Living North!
And lastly, you can find The Northish Lass in this month’s edition of Living North! This is a very exciting development for me, and I hope that it’s just the first stepping stone for many more things to come…
I hope June has been good to you, and that July is shaping up to be a brilliant month!
