Westmorland, Historic county in northwestern England
Westmorland is a historic county in northwestern England that combines mountains, moors, and hills with narrow river valleys. The area is crossed by four river systems that flow through valleys and shape a landscape of steep slopes and open grazing land.
The area originally lay between Yorkshire and Scotland and consisted of separate lordships that were only brought together in the 13th century. The union of the Kendal and Westmorland baronies in 1226 created the county in its later form.
The county takes its name from the western moorland areas, reflecting the position of its high terrain. Churches from different centuries stand in the settlements, where communities still gather and use the buildings for worship.
Railway lines connect several places in the area and allow travel between the valleys and high ground. Agricultural land lies mainly in the lower zones, where pastures and arable farming shape the view.
In 1926 the county council received a coat of arms featuring a gold apple tree on red bars with a ram's head above the shield. These symbols refer to old connections with local rulers and to sheep farming in the region.
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