Hawell Monument, Keswick, Cumbria, England

It was on the way up to the top of Skiddaw that I spotted this elaborate monument with Lonscale Fell in the background, and it bears the following inscription:

In loving memory of
two Skiddaw shepherds
Edward Hawell.
Of Lonscale.
Born Octr 21st 1815
Died June 2nd 1889.
And his son
Joseph Hawell.
Of Lonscale.
Born Decr 24th 1854.
Died Feby 20th 1891.
Noted breeders of prize Herdwick sheep.

Great shepherd of thy heavenly flock
These men have left our hill
Their feet were on the living rock
Oh guide and bless them still

Apparently, the verse is from a poem by Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, who is better known as one of the co-founders of the ever ubiquitous National Trust. Also, the reported reason for Joseph Hawell dying so young was tetanus acquired from dental work. In addition, there is a third name on the monument: Robert Walker Hawell (1851–1911). It all seems incongruous in such wilder surroundings, but Keswick is not that far away either.

See more photos from this album (Lake District)