Grasmere Sports
The Annual Grasmere Lakeland Sports, now celebrating more than 165 years of existence, has been a regular annual event since 1868, unbroken except for the two periods of the First and Second World Wars.
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Grasmere Sports Details
Grasmere Lakeland Sports had its origins in the mid-19th century at the annual Grasmere Sheep Fair which took place on the first Tuesday in September. The Sports were largely social occasions to round off the working day, but with shepherds, stone-wallers and strong young farmhands for hire, in attendance, it would be natural for a competitive element to be introduced into the Garden Fete atmosphere surrounding these Fairs. Long before any major athletic sports as we know them today were held at Grasmere, wrestling events were a favourite at many venues in the North of England. In 1811, the Marquis of Queensbury and Lord Lonsdale were among the 12,000 people who watched the wrestling at Carlisle Races. In 1851, Ulverston was the location of at least one major wrestling match for the championship of all England (with a side bet of '300). It was watched by 10,000 people. This was in the days when factory workers were lucky to earn 15 shillings in a week. With the coming of the industrial revolution and the demand for wool in the Lancashire mills, sheep fairs became even more of a focal point for local farmers, farm hands and employers, and also provided an annual opportunity for families to socialise. Grasmere Sports had a style which became the envy of similar Northern events. The invitation for Lord Lonsdale and others to become "Patrons" added the icing to the cake and was guaranteed to attract large crowds of 10,000 or more spectators to what became the Blue Riband Sports event of Northern England. Grasmere soon became the place for athletes to compete, and the place for ladies to parade their latest fashions. The 3 main sports attractions at Grasmere have always been the Fell Race, or to give it its correct name The Guide's Race, Cumberland and Westmorland style Wrestling, and the Hound Trails. Grid Reference: NY 34047 07308 Address (near): The Showfield, Grasmere, A591, Ambleside LA22 9QY, UK
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Nearby Parks Around Grasmere Sports
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Grasmere Sports
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Grasmere Sports while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Jerwood Centre, Grasmere
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Dove Cottage
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Wordsworth's Grave
St. Oswald's Church is the final resting place of the renowned Romantic poet William Wordsworth.
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Wordsworth Museum
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0.6 mi away
Grasmere Hikes
The village of Grasmere sits near the center of the Lake District and is the starting point for several popular hikes.
