History
Keswick at the head of Derwentwater derives its name from old English meaning cheese farm. The K at the beginning of the name signifies a Norse influence, as do local names ending in 'thwaite', 'seat', and 'dale'. The history of the area around the town goes back to Neolithic times as witnessed by the existence of the nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle where primitive man made stone weapons and implements. The circle is in fact slightly oval with an entrance on the north side, composed of 38 outside stones and ten inner stones. It lies directly between the summits of Skiddaw and Helvellyn.  There is also some sketchy evidence for a roman camp having been established nearby, guarding the northern extremities of the Roman Empire.

In 1563 Queen Elizabeth first brought skilled German miners to the area to work in Keswick to dig for copper ore in the nearby Newlands Valley. The later discovery in Seathwaite of graphite in the sixteenth century started the pencil making tradition in Keswick. This continues until today, a visit to the Pencil Museum is a must for most visitors, where you can see the world's biggest pencil. Tourism started in the late 1800's with visitors following in the footsteps of the Romantic Poets Coleridge, Southey (Robert Southey 1774-1843, Poet Laureate, 1813) and Wordsworth.

The arrival of train travel and the opening of Keswick Station in the mid 1800's boosted the reputation of the town  far and wide. Ever increasing numbers of tourists from this time have ensured that Keswick has remained at the forefront of Lake District popularity ever since. The timeless beauty of the surrounding fells reflected on the surface of Derwentwater, gave it the nickname 'Queen of the Lakes'.

It is thought that St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne fame visited St Herbert's Island every year. St. Cuthbert and St.Herbert were the very best of friends and often prayed that they would die together. Their prayer was answered as they were both to die at the same time on the same day in A.D.687.

In modern times Keswick has remained a centre of Christian worship with the founding of The Keswick convention in 1875 by the vicar of St John's church, the Rev Thomas Harford-Battersby and his Quaker friend Robert Wilson. First held in a tent on the vicarage back lawn, it has grown to attract over 10,000 participants for two weeks every July. The town becomes a vibrant meeting place not just with those interested in bible teaching and worship, but also for the curious onlooker.