Bassenfell Manor Christian Centre is situated near the village of Bassenthwaite, eight miles from Keswick in England's Lake District (view map). It stands in 3.5 acres of grounds with scenic views overlooking Bassentwaite Lake, and being a converted hotel is well equipped with dormitory sleeping accommodation, plenty of showers and hot water, as well as a comfortable lounge and coffee bar. There is also a drying room just in case it should rain! The games room is equipped with table tennis, table football and pool for those few moments of free time

Bassenfell Manor was built in 1842 as a country residence for the family of William Rathbone, who made his wealth from shipping in Liverpool. The Manor has many nautical features; the wing containing bedrooms 1-5 looks like the bridge of a ship, with the middle and top corridors as the decks. It is believed that the Tank room was originally the servants quarters, and what is now room 18 was used as the maternity room, because you never know when a child may be born!

Basil Rathbone, the actor famous for his portrayal as Sherlock Holmes, probably spent numerous holidays here, but never actually lived in Bassenfell Manor

The Manor eventually changed hands in about 1912, when it was either sold to fund the building of the Titanic or to pay William Rathbone's debts after the Titanic sank so tragically

Since then the Manor has been a school for evacuees during the second world war, a hotel and guest house, and was destined to become an old people's home just before it was purchased by Christian Outdoor Pursuits Trust (COPT, registered charity no. 283247) in August 1983

Since its opening as a Christian Centre in Easter 1984, the facilities have been continuously improved to provide a relaxed, comfortable venue for parties up to 60 people. Appreciation goes to God, the many friends who pray for the Manor and those that provide practical help, all of whom sustain the great work that goes on in and around Bassenfell

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