Information on Keld, Yorkshire
Like many villages in Swaledale, Keld was a Viking farming settlement and its name comes from the Norse word Kelda meaning a spring, and the village was once called Appletre Kelde – the spring near the apple trees. The village grew in the mid 19th century when it became an important lead mining centre, supporting a population in the surrounding areas of more than 5000 people. It was during this period that most of the village was constructed. Today the area is popular with walkers and is the crossing point of the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine Way . There are also a series of waterfalls close by at a limestone gorge on the River Swale. These are Kisdon Force, East Gill Force, Catrake Force and Wain Wath Force. About a mile east of Keld on the northern slope of the dale are the ruins of Crackpot Hall. The remains present today are of an 18th century farm but there seem to have been various buildings on the site across the centuries. The views down the dale from behind the ruined building are spectacular and well worth the walk to reach the location. Keld Lodge is an eating and accommodation option in the village.
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