Legend has it that Dickie Doodle was a messenger to King Richard I who reigned from 1189 until his death in 1199.
As the king only spent six months of his reign in England it is easy to believe that Dickie might well have had a lot of time on his hands!
Legend has it that in 1196 King Richard (or the Absent King as he was also called) sent Dickie Doodle to Kendal with a Royal Charter to set up a mayoralty in the town.
Dickie Doodle
It is thought that the king’s messenger visited the Cock & Dolphin in Kirkland and consumed so much Kendal Brown Ale that he became oblivious to his task. Somewhat the worse for drink Dickie Doodle was chased across the River Kent and promptly fell into a deep sleep.
When he awoke he looked about and, deciding he liked what his eyes surveyed, pronounced that this area was to be named Doodleshire with himself as mayor.
Today the residents of the Far Cross area of Kendal are reviving the memory of Dickie Doodle and reintroducing the election of a Mayor of Doodleshire at an annual festival held at The Gooseholme May Fair.
It might be of interest to note that the word ‘doodle’ first appeared in the early 17th century to mean fool or simpleton!
Tasting Notes
A golden bitter at 3.9% Abv with the distinctive flavour and aroma of american Cascade hops.