after marrying Elizabeth Washington of Hall Head (the great-great aunt of George Washington). Kentmere Hall remained in the hands of the Gilpins for 12 generations. It was lost during the English Civil War when Cromwell's troops destroyed the hall leaving only the fortified tower standing. The head of the household at that time left the land in trust to a friend and fled the country. When returning the gentleman's heir was unable to lay hold of the official deeds to the estate and so possession was lost. In 1660 ownership of the hall passed to the Philipson family. "Minstrels of Winandermere" lyrics Bert de Gylpyn drew of Normandie From Walchelin his gentle blood, Who haply hears, by Bewley's sea, The Angevins' bugles in the wood, His crest, the rebus of his name, Pineapple-a pine of gold Was it, his Norman shield, Sincere, in word and deed, his face extolled. But Richard having killed the boar With crested arm an olive shook, And sable boar on field of or For impress on his shield he took. And well he won his honest arms. And well he knew his Kentmore lands. He won them not in war's alarms, Nor dipt in human blood his hands. Lyrics according to William Partridge Gilpin The following lyrics were found by Reverend Charles Farish, whose mother was Elizabeth Gilpin (née Washington). He claimed they dated to the 13th century. However, the style is somewhat affected for the 13th century and everything but the first verse must be regarded with a suspicious eye. At Crookbeck were his footsteps seen, The holy pilgrim he affrays; O waly, waly Kendal Green, And waly, waly Bowness braes! Ev'n when they kiss'd St Mary's ground. Them still their flutt'ring hearts misgave; They cast an eager glance around, Mistrusting every foam tusk'd wave. For the wild boar is raging nigh, Bark'd are the trees about Boar-stile, At Underbarrow is his sty, Oh waly sweet St. Mary's Isle! But hark at Kendal rebecks sound, And Bowness Millbecks echo wakes, In Crookebeck ford he felt the wound, In death his burning thirst he slakes. The gallant hero washed his spear, A tear unhidden left his eye, His faithful dog was bleeding near, The river stream'd with mingled dye. And well he won his honest arms, And well he won his Kentmere lands; He won them not in wars alarms, Nor dipt in human strife