Muncaster, 1811

Near [Ravenglass], on the northern banks of the Esk , is seated Muncaster-house, the noble mansion and principal country residence of Lord Muncaster, a lineal descendant of the family of Pennington, who have enjoyed this estate ever since the Conquest. This very respectable and worthy Nobleman takes great delight in agricultural improvements : has covered the bleak hills in this neighbourhood with forest trees, and greatly improved his house, gardens , and adjacent farms ; herein setting an example to the neighbouring gentry worthy his character. His Lordship has like- wise procured the best breeds of cattle, from which he has reared some of 100 stone in weight. He has also made a variety of agricultural experiments ; thereby saving his tenants and neighbours much unnecessary expense. But that which we presume will prove of the greatest advantage , is irrigation -a species of improvement now coming into notice and practised by his Lordship with great advantage upon his estate here.

Muncaster-house fronts the south-west, and commands extensive land and sea prospects