Crook, Cumbria

The exact reason for the village being called 'Crook' is unknown. However, it could come from the Old Norse word 'krókr' == Notable Buildings ==

The original St. Catherine's church was built circa 1516 and served as the main church for the parish. A tower was constructed in 1620 and is all that remains of the old church to this day The tower was refurbished in 1993 using funds from grants and donations. The main body of the church was purposely demolished in 1887 due to structural defects. The new St. Catherine's church was built in 1882 by Stephen Shaw, a local architect, in a plain late Perpendicular style and still operates today. Crook Memorial Hall was built in 1926/7 and commemorates the local soldiers who died during World War 1 and World War 2. It also serves as a public venue for local functions. Until 1984, the village had a school for local children. The original school was built in 1795, rebuilt in 1852, and remained in use until its replacement by a new school in 1873. == History ==

Crook has been a minor village for most of its history, with its population never rising above 400. Surrounded by hills, most of its economy consisted of agriculture that focused on local sheep, such as herdwicks, and the manufacturing of woollen products, such as woollen worsteds. In the 19th century, there was a focus on bobbin production with two bobbin mills: Crook Mill and Birks Mill, with the latter having industrial machines. ==See also==