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The Town of Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria
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Kirkby Lonsdale is a small town in Cumbria, England,
on the River Lune. It is situated thirteen miles (21 km) south-east from
Kendal along the A65.
The South Lakeland town is noted for the Devil's Bridge over the River Lune,
dating from around 1370 and constructed of well masoned fine gritstone. It
consists of three spans, the western two measuring 17 m (54 ft 8 in) each
and the eastern one 8.8 m (29 ft). The piers are hexagonal, measuring 18 m
(60 ft) round. A great flood will easily reach the base of the arches and
run over the tops of the cutwaters. In common with many bridges of the same
name, legend holds that the Devil appeared to an old woman, promising to
build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross over it. When the
bridge was finished the woman threw bread over the bridge and her dog chased
after it, thereby outwitting the Devil. Several large stones in the
surrounding area, including the Great Stone of Fourstones, are ascribed to
the Devil's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it.
Other notable buildings include St Mary's Church, a Norman structure with
fine carved columns. The view of the River Lune from the churchyard is known
as Ruskin's View; it was praised by John Ruskin and painted by J. M. W.
Turner.
The town is famous as a motorbike enthusiast's meeting place; this happens
every Sunday at Devil's Bridge.
A further feature of Kirkby Lonsdale is Queen Elizabeth School, a secondary
school specialising in the performing arts, sports and languages. The school
is situated on Biggins Road, and takes students from ages 11-18.
A two-day Victorian Fair is hosted in the town each September. The streets
are closed to traffic and filled with traders' stalls, craft demonstrations
and entertainment, while visitors are encouraged to wear Victorian dress.
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