Ravenglass

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Map sources for Ravenglass at grid reference SD0896

Ravenglass is a small coastal town in Cumbria, England. It is the only coastal town within the Lake District National Park. It is located at the estuary of three rivers: the Esk, Mite and Irt.

The town dates back to at least the 2nd century, when it is was an important naval base for the Romans named Glannaventa. Ravenglass was occupied by the Romans for over 300 years and had a garrison of 1,000 soldiers. The town was a regional supply point for much of north-western Roman Britain, with a Roman road from Ravenglass over the Hardknott Pass to the Roman fort at Ambleside. The location is mentioned briefly in Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy under the name Clannoventa. Today, there are few Roman remains, with the notable exception of a bath-house, now known as Walls Castle. This is one of the largest remaining Roman structures in England, covering an area of 90 feet by 40 feet and with walls up to 12 feet high. The property is now maintained by English Heritage.

In 1208 King John granted Richard de Lucy Earl of Egremont a Charter for a Market at Ravenglasss on Saturdays and a yearly fair on the festival of St. James, August 5th.

Today, the town is served by the A595 trunk road and Cumbrian Coast railway line. It is also a terminus for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a popular tourist attraction.