Hawkshead was an important wool market in medieval times and later as a market town after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1532. It was granted its first market charter by King James I in 1608. In 1585 Hawkshead Grammar School was established by Archbishop Edwin Sandys of York after he successfully petitioned Queen Elizabeth I for a charter to establish a governing body.

Hawkshead, Cumbria - Hawkshead visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Hawkshead, Cumbria' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Cumbria.