Euroguides - essential for visitors and travellers to Europe - England - Cumbria

Kirkby is the homestead with or near a place of worship (usually, but not necessarily, Christian). There are dozens of kirkbys in the North West so, at the compiling of the Domesday Book, the suffix "Lonsdale" was added to identify it for taxation purposes. Lonsdale is the valley of the Lune which is translated from "Loing" meaning, not long (it is one of the UK's shortest rivers) but "far away" from what was regarded as civilisation.

Kirkby Lonsdale is a small town in Cumbria, England, on the River Lune. It is situated thirteen miles (21 km) south-east from Kendal along the A65. The parish of Kirkby Lonsdale had a population of 1771 recorded in the 2001 census.
Notable buildings include St Mary's Church, a Norman structure with fine carved columns. The view of the River Lune from the churchyard is known as Ruskin's View; it was praised by John Ruskin as "One of the lovliest views in England" and painted by J. M. W. Turner.
The town is famous as a motorbike enthusiast's meeting place; this happens every Sunday at Devil's Bridge over the River Lune, dating from around 1370 and constructed of well masoned fine gritstone. It consists of three spans, the western two measuring 17 m (54 ft 8 in) each and the eastern one 8.8 m (29 ft). The piers are hexagonal, measuring 18 m (60 ft) round.
A great flood will easily reach the base of the arches and run over the tops of the cutwaters. In common with many bridges of the same name, legend holds that the Devil appeared to an old woman, promising to build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross over it. When the bridge was finished the woman threw bread over the bridge and her dog chased after it, thereby outwitting the Devil. Several large stones in the surrounding area, including the Great Stone of Fourstones, are ascribed to the Devil's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it.
The section of river underneath Devil's Bridge is also popular with Scuba Divers, because of the relatively easy access and egress, deep rock pools, (approximately 5 Metres during a low swell), and good visibility.
A further feature of Kirkby Lonsdale is Queen Elizabeth School, a secondary school specialising in the performing arts, sports and languages. The school is situated on Biggins Road, and takes students from ages 11-18.
A two-day Victorian Fair is hosted in the town each September. The streets are closed to traffic and filled with traders' stalls, craft demonstrations and entertainment, while visitors are encouraged to wear Victorian dress.