WHEN Thomas Brocklebank bought Irton Hall, in 1897, he little realised that he was also buying a law suit that would last ten years and involve over 200 witnesses.

Brocklebank bought Irton Hall, in the small parish of Irton, which is surrounded by more familiar places such as Eskdale, Muncaster and Gosforth.

Soon after his purchase he found people walking over his land, and even his lawns, to get to the Irton Church which stood alone in a field.

When he was threatened with a lawsuit he did not worry because he had the money and power and the local people would never be able to afford to take him to court.

What happened next is a fascinating local history, told by Paul Pharaoh, a retired solicitor, now living in Birmingham, who has had a house at Irton for 25 years.

"My family all come from the area, so I feel this is home," he said.

Whitehaven News: Paul Pharaoh tells the tale of a landowner who barred a path to the local church resulting in a 10-year court battlePaul Pharaoh tells the tale of a landowner who barred a path to the local church resulting in a 10-year court battle (Image: Submitted)

He said when he learned of this court case, with local people fighting for their right of way across ancient footpaths, he became fascinated by the legal battle which saw trials being held in both Carlisle and London.

"The whole thing took about 10 years to resolve and 259 witnesses gave evidence. The two trials were different too. In Carlisle the fight was over public rights of way. In London it was based on a law that probably still exists over access to a church."

Mr Pharaoh's book, A Most High-Handed Proceeding, is available in independent bookshops such as Michael Moons in Whitehaven and Bookends in Carlisle and Keswick.

Mr Pharaoh said the book should be of special interest to people who have or had family living in the area because so many people are named in the book. 

Readers may also find the house in which their relatives lived, or where they still live today.