In search of Kendal's Belgian refugees

SIR, Following the publication of our book Kendal Green, we wish to follow-up the question of Belgian refugees who came to South Lakeland when their country was occupied by the German army during the First World War. Articles in The Wesmorland Gazette and Kendal Mercury and Times in October 1914 referred to a group of about 70 refugees in Kendal most of whom were accommodated in two pairs of semi-detached houses: Silverhow/ Overdale and Hollycroft (now 23-24 and 25-26 Kendal Green respectively). Others lived at Prospect on Queen's Road. A further 12 refugees were lodged in the village of Cunsey near Sawrey - for whom arrangements were made by the Misses Edmondson of Briers Wood - and four at Rothay Manor, Ambleside, with Mrs McKay.