Westmorland — historic county in north‑west England

Geography and landscape

The county historically covered an area of fells, river valleys and enclosed lowland. Notable physical features include parts of the Lake District foothills, moorland plateaus and several river systems. The town of Kendal sits near the river Kent and has long served as a market and service centre; Appleby (now often styled Appleby‑in‑Westmorland) was the traditional county town. Many popular walking routes, stone walls and small farms reflect the region's rural character.

History and administration

Westmorland developed in the medieval period from smaller lordships and marcher territories on the border of the Anglo‑Saxon and Norse worlds. It became one of the recognised historic counties of England and later an administrative county in 1889. In the local government reorganisation of 1974, most of Westmorland was merged with neighbouring Cumberland and parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire to form the county of Cumbria. For its status among long‑standing divisions see historic counties of England and for the period when it was an administrative county see the administrative county era.

Settlements, economy and culture

Economically the area has traditionally relied on agriculture, small‑scale industry, and market trade. Kendal is the largest town and has textile and confectionery associations; Appleby is noted for its annual horse fair and historic streets. Tourism centred on walking, scenery and heritage plays an important role. Local customs, dialect words and place‑names retain strong links to Norse and northern English history.

Modern identity and notable facts

Although no longer an administrative county, Westmorland remains an important cultural and postal identity for residents and visitors. Since 1974 its area has formed part of Cumbria; more recent local government changes have reorganised administration while many organisations and place‑names continue to use the Westmorland name. For the modern county context see Cumbria.

• Traditional county town: Appleby (Appleby‑in‑Westmorland).
• Largest town: Kendal, a historic market and industrial centre.
• Landscape: fells, valleys, and parts of the Lake District fringe.