Drigg is a long village of scattered houses near the coast, it has fine views of the mountains towering up to the east.A long straight beach terminates in an extensive area of sand dunes and salt marsh between the River Irt and the sea, it is a bird sanctuary which may be visited, with a permit, during nesting time.
Here on a little hilltop the Normans built a church which was added to by 13th century builders, but what we see is a plain little structure refashioned in the last century, in which ancient masonry was used again. It has an arcade in 13th century style,and attractive woodwork in the door and reredos.
At one time Drigg had an annual fair which would have been held on Drigg Sands. A contemporary writer of the time described it as a fine sight that lasted for three days, and included such activities as horse racing. The description explains how officials from Egremont, the Sergeant and bailiffs would all meet the tenants of 'His Lordship' on the outskirts of Ravenglass and went in procession to open the fair. This eventually started a 'great trade' in cattle and produce, between the local people and those who came from as far afield as Ireland and Scotland, with the majority of them coming by sea.
Visitors to Cumbria are shore to hear the story of how Herdwick sheep first came to the County.
Legend has it that there was a shipwreck on the coast at Drigg many centuries ago and about forty sheep which were being carried in the Spanish vessel managed to make their way to land, upon which they were subsequently taken possession of by the Lord of the Manor. The animals evinced a propensity for high ground and noting that they were capable of taking care of themselves the practice was started of letting them out in small herds to farms...and this apparently is the origin of the name Herdwick.
|
