The parish lies immediately to the north of the town of Keswick, and includes the southern and eastern flanks of Skiddaw as well as part of the valley of the rivers Greta and Derwent, and a small part of Bassenthwaite Lake.

The parish includes the settlements of Applethwaite, Millbeck and Ormathwaite, all of which lie along the line where the southern slopes of Skiddaw meet the valley.

Edward Williamson of Millbeck died before 1577 owing money to the German copper miners at Keswick and Caldbeck.

[4] There is a carved stone doorway lintel dated 1592 with the name of the owner, Nicholas Williamson.

[5][6] In March 1595, a distant cousin, also called Nicholas Williamson visited Millbeck.