Eden Valley • Cumbria • North Yorkshire

Bosomworth Family History

Faith, family, farming and reflection across the generations — rooted in North Yorkshire and the Eden Valley.

I would like to introduce you to a place I call home. The Eden Valley situated between the Pennines and the Lakeland Mountains, Cumbria, UK. Named after the river that flows through: the River Eden.

Overlooking the Eden Valley towards the Pennines from Little Asby fell. This beautiful valley is still our home after leaving our first home at Kirkby Thore Hall.

Overlooking the Eden Valley towards the Pennines from Little Asby fell

Overlooking the Eden Valley towards the Pennines from Little Asby fell

It is a magical spiritual place rich in history from the ancient stone circles. There are more stone circles built on ley lines around the Eden Valley than anywhere else in the country, from the most well known Long Meg and her daughters to Castlerigg and many lesser known sites that are well worth a visit.

Legends abound from the Scottish raiders which brought about the many fortified medieval Halls spread through the valley to King Arthur at Pendragon Castle, which is reputed to have been founded by Uther Pendragon, the father of King Arthur.

Ancient Stone Circles

Long Meg and her Daughters stone circle

Long Meg and her Daughters

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castles & Legends

Pendragon Castle

Pendragon Castle

Appleby Castle

Appleby Castle with its Norman Tower overlooking Appleby towards the Pennines.

Appleby, county town of Westmorland.

Appleby Horse Fair — riders crossing the River Eden with crowds watching from the bank

Appleby Horse Fair

The Appleby Horse Fair, held annually in early June in Cumbria, England, is Europe’s largest traditional gathering of Gypsies and Travellers. While oral tradition and some historical accounts suggest origins dating back to a 1685 Royal Charter granted by King James II, rigorous historical analysis confirms the fair actually began in 1775 as the “New Fair” to compete with the town's chartered medieval fair, which ceased in 1885.

The event started as a market for sheep and cattle drovers and horse dealers on unenclosed land near Gallows Hill. It evolved into a major Romani and Traveller occasion by the 1900s, becoming a critical social and economic hub for horse trading and community connection. The fair is not organized by any single group but relies on prescriptive rights and custom, with the Shera Rom (Head Romani) acting as a liaison for the Traveller community.

Explore the Family Site

Photographs, ancestor pages, farming stories, spiritual writings and more — all part of one family history.

What does the name Bosomworth mean? (pronounced bosom, as in chest) One explanation from the family research →
Family & Ancestors

Robinson, Clifford, Austin, Bertram, Hubert, Vivian, Olivia and many more — with photographs and stories from the family bible.

Open Family Pages →
Brian & Elizabeth

Our family — wedding, children Charles and Angela, and life after Kirkby Thore Hall.

Brian's Family Page →
Charles's Writings

Articles on rural life, faith, sleep paralysis, reincarnation and more by Charles H. Bosomworth.

Charles Site →
Spiritual Reflections

Salvation, belief, the Church, predestination, cosmic redemption and the Turin Shroud.

Spiritual Pages →
Farming & Tractors

A lifetime working the land — Fergusons, Massey Fergusons, John Deere, combines and Leyburn shows.

Agriculture Pages →
Ghosts & Experiences

Personal observations and experiences at Kirkby Thore Hall and beyond.

Ghosts Section →
Full Site Overview →