A geographic study of rural centrality Brampton Cumbria

Abstract

Brampton is a small market town located 9½ miles E.N.E. of Carlisle at the centre of a sub-region referred to as N.E. Cumbria. This position has helped to make it not only an important route centre but also a focus for the surrounding district. The study examines the present role of Brampton as a small rural service centre, the extent of its influence on the surrounding region, and the amount of dependence of that region on the town. Thus a measurement of the degree of centrality is obtained from which a picture of the region’s spatial and behavioural characteristics emerges. In addition, reasons why and how Brampton has developed centrality are also explored. Enquiry into the nature of services within the region and certain behavioural characteristics of a sample of the population was effected by three personally conducted surveys (two by questionnaires). The results have enabled not only the scale and provision of services to be analysed, but also the degree of influence and preference for particular centres to be measured. The same information is also used to test several recognised models of centrality; including adaptations of Reilly's 'gravity model' by D.L. Huff, and the ranking of centres based on functional indices devised by W.K.D. Davies. A further technique has been designed which measures the attractiveness of any settlement covered by the surveys. It involves analysing the journeys made by consumers to a centre, and allotting 'weighting' values based on the degree of difficulty. From the patterns of centrality thus produced, a hierarchy of settlement emerges which is then examined in relation to the classical theories of central place. In conclusion, the study summarises the results of all the analysis and enquiry, and sets the scene for the future development of Brampton in the context of its role as a central place.