Keswick – Cumbria Houses The Famous Singing Stones.
The city of Keswick – Cumbria is a small town located in central England with a population of less than 5000. Keswick lies within the historic Columbia County. The name originally derived from the word Cese-Wic which translates to the cheese market. This market received a grant in 1276 by Edward I. This market is still ongoing today over 700 years later and is held every Saturday in the street of the downtown area.
The marketplace is the center of town which features an historic building known as Moot Hall. Moot Hall is now the meeting hall or assembly Hall was once the town hall. It was here that the elders of the hundred would meet to discuss important issues. The elders of the hundred were the political figures of the area. It is believed that this name derives from the fact that there were originally 100 men or a hundred households within a territory.
During the 16th century Keswick was involved in small-scale mining. Including this mining with graphite, and in fact it is believed that this is the birthplace of the graphite pencil. An industry developed around the graphite pencil and was an integral part of the city until last year at what point the pencil manufacturer moved to the Irish Coast.
The major industry within the city now is tourism. Tourism is a major part of all businesses within Keswick. There are numerous festivals to bring in tourists every year, including a beer festival held by the rugby team. This event is usually very popular as are some of the other festivals that take place within the city limits.
Beyond the festivals and the historic buildings the number one thing that attracts tourists to the area is incredible natural beauty. This area is nestled in a valley on a large lake nestled between beautiful rolling green hills, tucked between the mountains. Few other locations offer this natural beauty. While the beauty brings in the tourists it is many of the other attractions that provide entertainment and education.
One of the most popular attractions in the city is the theater by the Lake. The theater houses a repertoire company and also holds numerous festivals. This theater continues the traditions that were first set in place by the Century Theater. The Century Theater was a traveling theater that made this area home for an extended period of time.
There are also other attractions that can provide hours of enjoyment. Included in these are the Keswick Art Gallery and the Cars of the Stars auto museum. Keswick also houses the famous Stones of Skidaw. This unique instrument is crafted from rocks and consists of rocks that sing much in the manner of a xylophone.
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