The history of the Joiner's Shop

The Joiners Shop is the derelict building opposite Church Row in the middle of Threlkeld. It is a listed building, and is reputed to be the oldest building in the village. I think it is possible to show there was a cottage on this site in 1634 when it belonged to Thomas Scott. It was part of the Church of Kirkstile tenement, later called East Scott Croft; and from its position would appear to be a cottage in Towngate, Threlkeld, subject to payment of the customary rent of 1s 1d to the Lord of the Manor. It was not church property. In fact it remained customary property until well into the last century. The last record I have of it is a transfer of ownership to Edward Blaymire, Solicitor of Penrith, on 8 December 1866; and for his admittance to the tenement in the general fine of 1878 where it is described as a Joiner’s Shop, formerly a dwelling house, at the north end of a close called Church Stile off East Scott Croft. Edward Blaymire had the property on the surrender of William Mandale, but by this date the cottage had become separated from the field behind it. Previously it had formed part of a distinct farm holding, first of all in the ownership of Ann Walker and her descendants, then from 1741 in the ownership of John Greenhow, Blacksmith of Threlkeld and his descendants. The last Scott to live in the property was Thomas Scott who died in 1702 and whose will was proved in that year. B C Jones, Cumbria County Archivist