New Shambles

Today's the day .............................. for some local history

This is New Shambles Lane in Kendal which follows the course of a much more ancient path called Watt Lane and runs from the Market Place down to Finkle Street. It became the New Shambles in 1804 when the surrounding property was redeveloped as 12 butchers' shops

There were no drains from any of the many slaughter houses around the Market place at that time amd although the owners paid two shillings and sixpence a week to have the lane cleaned, it soon became known as Stinking Lane.

There's still one butcher shop there today - but it's a very good one and doesn't stink at all .....................................