DURING the twentieth century, emigration, wartime, national service, university entrance and gap years accustomed families to losing their young people for a time.
Earlier on, six-monthly hirings induced farm labourers to leave home, but most only strayed within 20 miles of their native villages.
An exception was Henry Davis, whose family lived in Kirkby Lonsdale for four generations.
In around 1840, he expressed his goodbyes in verse:
"Farewell! Lovely valley! Bright river, farewell!
"To forest and fountain, and heath-blooming fell!
"There's a voice in my spirit I silence in vain,
"Which whispers, I never shall see thee again!
"O stream of my childhood! Thou beautiful Lune!
"Through meadow and wild wood still murmur thy tune;
"O'er grey rock and pebbles rush gladsomely on,
"Though thy gleam from my vision be vanished and gone!
"Farewell, and forever! For ever we part!
"But your beauties are graven full deep in my heart,
"And wherever I wander, on land or sea,
"My own native Lonsdale, I'll think of thee!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel