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All the United Kingdom England Cumbria Hampsfell Hospice

Hampsfell Hospice

This tower was created by the area's vicar as a shelter for exhausted travelers, complete with a fireplace and breathtaking views.

Cumbria, England

Added By
Jack Eccleston
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Hampsfell Hospice   jackeccleston / Atlas Obscura User
Hampsfell Hospice   jackeccleston / Atlas Obscura User
Toposcope on top of the shelter.   jackeccleston / Atlas Obscura User
Hampsfell Hospice   jackeccleston / Atlas Obscura User
Hampsfell Hospice   jackeccleston / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Residing atop the grasslands and limestone rocks of Cumbria is what has been a welcome sight for weary travelers for more than a century. The Hampsfell Hospice was constructed as a shelter for travelers to the region. The small tower and shelter were built by the Vicar of Cartmel around 1846.

The location served as a refuge for those attempting to escape the elements, or looking to enjoy the views from atop the tower. Inside the shelter are a few stone benches, as well as a fireplace for travelers to warm themselves. There are also several plaques inside gracing the walls that hold poems declaring the shelter as a place for all, no matter how rich or poor, young or old. 

Also atop the shelter, visitors will find a toposcope, which is believed to have been added to the structure much later. This orientation table features angles, that when aligned with the corresponding chart, allows visitors to know exactly what they are looking at off in the distance. 

Above the entrance to the hospice is the Homeric phrase, "RODODAKTYLOS EOS." This generally translates into Rosy-fingered Dawn, which Homer often used to describe Eos, the Titanic goddess of the dawn. 

Related Tags

Towers Architecture History & Culture 19th Century

Know Before You Go

The Hospice is located between the towns of Cartmel and Grange over Sands. The walk to the top can be slippy in wet conditions.   

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jackeccleston

Published

March 2, 2020

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Hampsfell Hospice
Hampsfell Rd
Cumbria, England, LA11 6EE
United Kingdom
54.206519, -2.922458
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Nearby Places

Grange Lido

Grange-over-Sands, England

miles away

Arnside Bore

Arnside, England

miles away

Fairy Steps

Slack Head, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Cumbria

Cumbria

England

Places 10
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Grange Lido

Grange-over-Sands, England

miles away

Arnside Bore

Arnside, England

miles away

Fairy Steps

Slack Head, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Cumbria

Cumbria

England

Places 10
Stories 1

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