Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Shap within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Shap, market town and par. with ry. sta., Westmorland, 12 miles SE. of Penrith - par., 27,177 ae. (310 water), pop. 1416; P.O., T.O., 1 Bank. Market-day, Mondy. Shap is a place of considerable antiquity, and has endowed schools for boys and girls, and fairs in May and September; the chief features are the church of St Michael, a 13th century structure, and the ruins of Shap Abbey, founded about the close of the 12th century. The town has risen into notice as a watering-place and summer resort for invalids. A mineral spring, with suits of baths and a large hotel, is situated in a hollow of Shap Fell, 3½ miles S. of the town. Large granite quarries give employment to the inhabitants; blne slate and limestone are also worked. In the neighbourhood are some Druidical remains of great interest.