Kendal
Kendal, historically known as Kirkby in Kendal and Kirkby Kendal, is a market town and the largest settlement in Westmorland, England with a population of around 30,000. It is located just south of the confluence of the rivers Kent and Mint, west of the Pennines and at the south-east edge of the Lake District. Penrith is around 26 miles to the north and Lancaster is around 18 miles to the south.
| Kendal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | England |
| Shire county | Westmorland |
| Council | Westmorland and Furness Council |
| Population | 28,944 (2021)[1] |
The vernacular architecture in Kendal is characterised by limestone buildings with slate roofs. Kendal has boasted two castles in its history; the motte-and-bailey Castle Howe, which existed in the 11th and 12th centuries, and Kendal Castle, which is late 12th century.[2] The town has significant ties to Quakerism with the Quaker Tapestry, a 1880s work documenting 17th century Quakerism, being housed at Kendal's Friends Meeting House. The popular mint-based confectionary Kendal Mint Cake originates in and is manufactured in the town.
Between 1889 and 1974, Kendal served as the administrative HQ for Westmorland County Council, who met at County Offices. Since 2023, it has served as the admin HQ for Westmorland and Furness Council, who meet at Kendal Town Hall.
History
There was a Roman fort at Watercrook, around 2 miles south of the town centre. Erected around 90 AD, it was long thought that the fort was known as Alavana but is now thought to have instead been Medibogdo.