November 17th, 2003

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Mixed Bag
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The World’s Biggest Liar Competition

Oh to be in Cumbria this November, where this Thursday they’re hosting the annual Biggest Liar Competition:

Way back in the 19th Century, a famous Cumbrian called Will Ritson (1808-1890) was a popular publican who lived at the head of Wasdale Valley in the Western Lake District. In this remote but beautiful valley Will always kept his customers enthralled with stories of the folk heritage of the area. The valley was already well-known for having England’s deepest lake, Wastwater – the highest mountain, Scafell Pike – the smallest church, Wasdale Head Church and Will Ritson achieved the fourth superlative when he became the World’s Biggest Liar.

Comments: One Response so far

Pam
January 31st, 2007
5:31 pm

Will Ritson was my great great Uncle. I’m from New Zealand ( part of the family immigrated rom Cumbria to NZ at end of the 1800s) and I always used to think my grandfather was telling me a “story” when he told me about the worlds highest mountain, deepest lake, smallest church… I got the shock of my life when I went up there and not only found it was true but also recognised my family in the photos in the pub.

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