Little Clifton — village and civil parish in Allerdale, Cumbria

Location and governance

The village lies administratively under Allerdale Borough Council and is part of the ceremonial county of Cumbria. As a civil parish it has a parish council or parish meeting that represents local residents on matters such as footpaths, community facilities and planning consultations. Residents typically rely on nearby larger towns for wider services, shopping and secondary education.

History and name

Place‑name elements are common to settlements called "Clifton": the Old English element "clif" (meaning a slope or bank) combined with "tun" (farm or settlement) gives the basic sense of an inhabited place by a hillside or riverbank. The prefix "Little" distinguishes this settlement from other nearby Cliftons and reflects its comparatively small size.

Character and community

Little Clifton is characteristic of small Cumbrian villages, with a mix of older cottages and later housing, a rural economy historically based on agriculture, and a community life that may include local meetings, seasonal events and volunteer groups. Typical village features include a parish hall or meeting place, local lanes and paths, and ties to neighbouring parishes for shared services.

Notable points and sources

• Population: 391 at the 2001 census (parish level).
• Governance: civil parish within Allerdale borough.
• Name: derives from common Old English elements, with "Little" indicating relative size.

For local administrative details and up‑to‑date statistics consult borough or county resources and recent census releases through official channels. Historical records and place‑name studies provide further context for the parish's origins and development.