CURIOSITY about their new home sparked a journey of discovery through one of Kendal's most beautiful parts for husband and wife John and Jean Coopey.

The fruits of their research have now been published in an illustrated book, Kendal Green A Georgian Wasteland Transformed.

The Coopeys moved to Kendal Green around six years ago and snippets of history they discovered whetted their appetite, such as the great ceremony on the day in April 1864 when Kendal Green was named, and an oak tree that was planted to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth.

By that time, handsome dwellings were already being built at Kendal Green following the Kendal Fell Amendment Act of 1861.

Kendal Green was part of the Kendal Fell lands granted to the town by George III to be used for grazing, tenterfells for the wool industry, and quarrying. As the Coopeys explain, by the time the act was amended, the outdoor tenterfells were no longer being used because cloth was being processed indoors, so some of the land was freed up for housing.

The land for the Coopeys' own home was bought in 1899, with the property completed in 1904. The first tenant was Charles Fildes, a somewhat eccentric designer of steamboats. At one time the property was known as St John's Manse and was home to the vicar of the Presbyterian church on Sandes Avenue. During the First World War it housed Belgian refugees, who made sabot clogs in the workshop of Arthur Simpson, renowned furniture designer and wood-carver.

Kendal Green was the chosen address for many of Kendal's most notable business families, from tobacco manufacturers Gawith and Illingworth, to outfitters Blacow, and brush-makers Crossley. It was also home to Lakeland guide author Alfred Wainwright.

Former secondary school teacher Mrs Coopey and her husband, a personnel manager who became an academic, are grateful for all the help they have received with their research. Their sources ranged from neighbours' house deeds to the archives at Kendal County Hall, the local studies section at Kendal Library, responses to letters in The Westmorland Gazette, and reminiscences from people they have met.

l The book is available from local bookshops, some post offices, and direct from the publishers, Helm Press, tel 015395-61321.

January 2, 2003 15:00