Secrets of the LSH Ice House: A 19th-Century Marvel at Alston Moor

2025-04-14

The quiet countryside of Cumbria is celebrated for its rolling hills, peaceful villages, and the hidden stories woven into its past. Around Alston Moor, a remote and breathtakingly scenic part of the North Pennines, one such story has recently resurfaced with the rediscovery of a 19th-century ice-house.

Tucked away on the historic grounds of Lovely Shield, this subterranean structure lies just a stone’s throw from Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel. Our hotel, nestled in the heart of this tranquil landscape, offers guests the chance to step back in time, surrounded by nature, history, and the quiet charm of rural Cumbria.

What Is an Ice-House?

An ice-house is a purpose-built structure, often below ground, used to store ice collected during the winter months for use throughout the year. Long before fridges existed, wealthy families in the UK relied on these insulated chambers to preserve food, chill drinks, and maintain a level of luxury in their everyday lives. The ice-house at Lovely Shield is one such example, offering insights into the technology and lifestyle of a prosperous 19th-century family in rural Cumbria.

A Chance Discovery with Historic Significance

The discovery of this hidden gem came about quite by accident. A local handyman, who had previously worked on the Lovely Shield estate, mentioned what he thought was an old mine entrance near the property. Curious, a further investigation began, leading to the unearthing of a remarkably well-preserved ice-house.

This small, brick-lined chamber lies hidden beneath the earth, constructed with care and ingenuity. The structure itself dates back to the second half of the 1800s and shares several features with other ice-houses found across Cumbria, suggesting a regional style and practical approach to design.

The Dickinson Family and Lovely Shield

Lovely Shield was home to the Dickinson family from before 1700 until the early 20th century. In the 1830s, they built the grand main house, showcasing their wealth and status. The inclusion of an ice-house on the property added further evidence of their affluence and desire to maintain a certain lifestyle – complete with chilled drinks and preserved food even in summer.

Interestingly, the ice-house does not appear on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map but is included on the second edition from 1898. This points to a construction date somewhere in between, or possibly a simple oversight in the earlier survey.

Where Is the Ice-House Located?

The ice-house sits just north of the main Lovely Shield house, above a nearby lane. Its location was not only discreet but also practical. Positioned on the slope of the River Nent valley, the ice-house takes full advantage of natural insulation from the surrounding earth, keeping it cool even during warmer months.

This clever placement meant that ice harvested from the River Nent could be easily transported to the chamber in winter, ready for use later in the year.

A Closer Look at the Ice-House Structure

Much of the detail in this section was informed by research published in Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, Volume 24 (2024)—a fascinating read for anyone interested in Cumbria’s rich architectural and social history. The design and construction of the ice-house reveal an impressive level of thought and craftsmanship. Built into the hillside and hidden beneath turf, the structure combines local sandstone and red bricks brought in by rail. The interior forms a square chamber with a barrel-vaulted roof, carefully measured and layered to keep temperatures consistently low.

Some of the key features include:

Stone flag flooring sloped gently towards a drain to manage meltwater
Turf insulation on top for extra temperature control
Ventilation vent at the back to circulate air and reduce humidity
Barrel-vaulted brick roof using high-quality pressed bricks
Stone-paved entrance passage, now partially collapsed, that once led directly into the chamber

These elements show just how advanced ice-house construction could be, using only natural materials and thoughtful design.

How Ice Was Collected and Used

The ice used at Lovely Shield likely came from the nearby River Nent, fed by highland streams and prone to freezing during Cumbria’s harsh winters. Once gathered, the ice would be packed into the chamber, often layered with straw, sawdust, or bracken to slow down the melting process.

During warmer months, the stored ice was invaluable. It kept food fresh and allowed the household to enjoy luxuries like cooled drinks and preserved fruits or meats. The kitchen staff would fetch the ice as needed, probably using insulated containers known as “ice-boxes.”

While we have no specific evidence of containers left behind in this particular ice-house, its close proximity to the kitchen area of the main house strongly supports this practical use.

From Innovation to Obsolescence

The rise of electricity in the 1920s brought about huge changes in domestic life, including the eventual decline of the ice-house. After the First World War, when Lovely Shield briefly served as a hotel, the ice-house fell into disuse. With fewer domestic staff available and modern refrigeration becoming widespread, the need for such labour-intensive storage faded.

Over time, the entrance roof partially collapsed, and the once-valuable chamber became a dumping ground. Archaeological findings inside include:

Fragments of glass bottles (clear, green, and brown)
Pieces of broken china
Metal objects from the mid-20th century, including old milk churns and paraffin cans

Despite its period of neglect, the ice-house remains largely intact, offering archaeologists and historians a valuable glimpse into rural life over a century ago.

Why the Lovely Shield Ice-House Matters Today

You might wonder why such a small, hidden structure matters. But in reality, the Lovely Shield ice-house tells a much larger story. It speaks to the ingenuity of people who lived without the conveniences we now take for granted. It shows how families in remote areas like Alston Moor adapted to their environment with skill and thoughtfulness.

Just like the similar ice-houses found at Edenhall and Johnby Hall in Cumbria, this one at Lovely Shield helps map the spread and design of such structures across the region. It proves that you didn’t have to be part of the aristocracy to enjoy the comforts of chilled food and drink – you just needed determination and resources.

A Legacy of Resourcefulness

Today, the Lovely Shield ice-house stands as a quiet monument to the creativity and practical intelligence of past generations. While no longer in use, it remains a valuable piece of rural history and a physical reminder of life before fridges and freezers.

Its discovery encourages us to look more closely at our surroundings – what other forgotten innovations lie beneath the surface, waiting to tell their stories?

Final Thoughts

The ice-house at Lovely Shield may be hidden underground, but the story it tells shines a light on the daily lives, challenges, and ingenuity of those who came before us. As we embrace modern conveniences, there’s something deeply inspiring about the methods people once used to make life more comfortable – especially in a place as remote and beautiful as Cumbria.

Whether you're a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about how people used to live, this remarkable structure is a testament to what can be achieved with local materials, clever design, and a touch of perseverance.

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