Kentmere - Kentmere Families

Kentmere Families

For a valley of its size, Kentmere has produced more than its fair share of famous families. Most notably the Gilpin family who were the main land owners in the village. Secondly the family of Airy who are first officially recorded in the 14th century, although in 1692 a history of the Barony of Kendal recorded that the church of St. Cuthbert, which is known to be of Norman date or earlier, was "reported to have been built by one Airay of this dale" but this may refer to the re-roofing in the mid-16th century. The Aireys still have descendants of the same name in the valley today, although many of them were driven out during the Civil War, when they removed to Lincolnshire. Their notable descendants include George Biddell Airy the Astronomer and Henry Airay, who was born in the valley and became Provost of Queen's College, Oxford in 1599. He bequeathed 40 shillings a year to ensure a monthly sermon was held at St. Cuthberts. Postman Pat the cartoon character lived in Greendale which is claimed by his creator to be based on Kentmere and the neighbouring valley of Longsleddale.