Latrigg and the early mass trespasses

I very much enjoyed reading about the part played by Benny Rothman in the quest for access to Kinder Scout (In praise of ? Benny Rothman, 25 April). But mass trespasses were held much earlier at Fawe Park and on Latrigg, Keswick, in August 1887 by the travel writer Henry Irwin Jenkinson and thousands of Keswick residents.Members of the Keswick and District Footpaths Preservation Society successfully opened, against strong opposition from the landowner, the path from Nichol End with the support of 400-500 supporters.Latrigg presented a more difficult task. On this occasion among around 2,000 supporters was Samuel Plimsoll, member of parliament for Derby. The trespassers eventually attained the top of Latrigg, but several "worthies" were taken to court in Carlisle (the co-founder of the National Trust, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, among them). An agreement was reached. One footpath was closed and another, by Spooney Green Lane, was declared open to walkers.On all occasions the trespassers were asked by Jenkinson to behave responsibly, which they did. Jenkinson and Plimsoll told the crowd that they were showing the world a spirit that would kindle such a fire as would light up the British Isles. It is sad that the world had to wait so long for Benny Rothman and friends to make their mark on Kinder Scout.Jenkinson was involved in many schemes for the benefit of the people of Keswick. They are recounted in the book Keswick Characters, Volume Three, which is to be published by the Keswick History Group later this year.Brian WilkinsonKeswick, CumbriaWalking holidaysLake Districtguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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