Ireby Parish, 1848

IREBY, a parish, in the union of Wigton, Allerdale ward below Derwent, W. division of Cumberland; containing 472 inhabitants, of whom 158 are in the town of High Ireby, and 314 in that of Low Ireby, in which is the decayed market-town of Ireby, 6½ miles (S. by W.) from Wigton. This place is supposed by Camden to have been the Roman station called Arbeia, but no vestiges have been discovered to support the conjecture, nor is there any other evidence except the similarity of the ancient and modern names. The town, which is irregularly built, is situated in a secluded vale, on the western side of the small river Ellen, which takes its rise in the neighbouring lake of Overwater. The market, on Thursday, for provisions, is now but little attended: fairs are held on February 24th and October 18th. The living is a perpetual curacy; net income, £64; patrons and appropriators, the Dean and Chapter of the cathedral of Carlisle.