Ponsonby, Cumberland

Description
Ponsonby, a village and a parish in Cumberland, on the river Calder, 2 1/2 miles from Sellafield railway station, and 4 SE by S of Egremont. Post town and money order and telegraph office, Calder Bridge. Acreage, 2422 of land and 25 of foreshore and water; population, 169. The manor was held at the Norman Conquest by the Ponsonbys, ancestors of the Earl of Bessborough, and, with Ponsonby Hall, belongs now to the Stanleys. The hall was built about 1786; contains many old curiosities brought from Dalegarth, and stands in a finely-wooded park, through which the river Calder flows, with picturesque features, and commanding extensive views. A Roman camp is at Ponsonby FelL The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Carlisle; gross value, £81 with residence. The church is ancient, has some old stained glass, consists of chancel, nave, a tower and spire, and contains monuments of the Stanleys. It was thoroughly restored in 1874.