Commemorative plaque 88048

This green commemorative plaque records: GARTH HEADS. This is a mediaeval pathway from Beast Banks to Captain French Lane, past Castle Howe, and down to the ancient village of Kirkland. The path gave access to burgage plots and, later, the yards on Highgate. There may have been an early settlement on Beast Banks, where cattle were pastured before being taken to market. Cattle were baited and slaughtered there until 1779 when the Old Shambles was built off Highgate. In 2016, at the instigation of Kendal Civic Society, Cumbria County Council restored the lane and replaced the lighting. When you walk on this path you are really walking in history! Recorded plaque organisation: Kendal Civic Society.

Garth Heads is a medieval pathway connecting Beast Banks to Captain French Lane, passing by Castle Howe and leading down to Kirkland; it served as an essential route for accessing burgage plots and later yards on Highgate, reflecting the area's historical agricultural and market activities.