Description edited from Langdale's
Topographical Dictionary of Yorkshire. (1822)
DENT, a market town in the parish of Sedbergh, in the wapentake of Ewcross; 5
miles SE. of Sedbergh, 8 from Kirby Lonsdale, (Westm.) 11½ from Hawes,
16½ from Askrigg, 2½ from Settle, 59 from York, 266 from London.
Market, Friday.
Fairs, 1st Friday after February 13, and every fortnight until May 12, for
horned cattle, &c.
Population 1,782.
The Church is a perpetual curacy, dedicated to St. Andrew, in the deanry of
Kirby Lonsdale, value, p.r. £102. 10s.
Patrons, 24 Sidesmen.
This town is situated near the extremity of Craven, in the centre of a dale to
which the town gives the name of Dent dale.
"This dale is entirely surrounded with high mountains, and has only one
opening from the west, where a carriage can enter with safety. It is about
twelve miles in length, and from one and a half to two miles in breadth. The
whole dale is enclosed; and viewed from the higher grounds, presents the
picture of a terrestrial paradise." -- Brown's Survey of West
Riding.
St Andrews Church - Dent (photograph)