Kirkby-Stephen
Might be wrongly spelled Kirby Stephen or Kirby Steven
This is a very good location for exploring the local area and lake district, being well situated on the River Eden. Originally built as a defensive structure to protect against border raids from north of the border. The town has narrow streets and passages leading to large open squares - that enabled the cattle to be penned in a secure area.
The original charter for the town dates from the 14th century. In the main square you will find a ring of cobblestones that show the area of the original bull baiting ring. You'll find many castle remains nearby and an interesting 16th century church that contains the 'Loki Stone' - a large block of stone about a metre high, upon which is carved a devil in chains, this is the Norse god Loki. This may have been a remain from a viking occupation or could have been a Christian representation. It is one of two stones of this type in europe and dates from the 8th century.