Local History
Paul Eastham asks; “WHERE ARE ALL THE VIKINGS?”
WHERE ARE ALL THE VIKINGS? Evidence of Viking homes in Cumbria is surprisingly scarce. by Paul Eastham If Cumbria was taken over by a massive Viking invasion – why can’t we find their houses? The famous founder of the National Trust Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley announced in 1911 that Cumbrians were of the “square-jawed Viking race”. […]
Tags: ArcheologyCumbriadigdiscoveryGrampus Heritage CompanyHigh Tarns Farmhistorylocal historyNorseNorse HousePaul EasthamSecrets of the Hidden PeoplesillothVikingviking residence
SILLOTH AIRFIELD: A hidden hero of the Second World War
Silloth Airfield A hidden hero of the Second World War. by Jonathan Fraser, Cumbria and the Borders History Once a busy RAF base preparing aircraft and training aircrews, Silloth Airfield played a vital role in Britain’s wartime defence before becoming part of the town’s lasting heritage. Today, many people remember Silloth Airfield for its former […]
Tags: aircraftCumbriaCumbria and The Borders HistoryDakotasdecoy siteshangerHawker HurricanesHeritagehistoryJonathan FraserLancasterslocal historyMosquitosrunwaySilloth Airfieldwar
KESWICK’S UNEXPECTED GEM: Derwent Pencil Museum turns a simple idea into a fun, family-friendly day out
KESWICK’S UNEXPECTED GEM Derwent Pencil Museum turns a simple idea into a fun, family-friendly day out. by Danni Murphy Be honest. How many times have you walked past the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick and thought, “A museum about pencils? I’ll give that a miss.” You’re not alone… At first glance, it doesn’t exactly sound […]
Tags: artcafeCumbriaday outDerwent Pencil Museumexhibitionfamily fungiant pencilGift shophistoryKeswicklocal historytake the kids
Kinmont Willies escape from Carlisle Castle
KINMONT WILLIE’S ESCAPE FROM CARLISLE CASTLE Kinmont Willie’s great escape. by Jonathan Fraser, Cumbria and the Borders History William Armstrong of Kinmont, also known as ‘Kinmont Willie’, was a notorious Border Reiver. He was born around 1550 and died of old age in around 1610, different sources record his death anywhere between 1608-11. By the […]
Tags: Border ReiverCarlisle CastleCumbria and The Borders HistoryEscapehistoryinfamousKinmont Willielocal historyThe ReiverstruceWilliam Armstrong
Gladiators, are you ready? Roman Carlisle comes alive at Tullie
Gladiators, are you ready? Where Worlds Met: Roman Carlisle comes alive at Tullie. by Danni Murphy Nearly two thousand years ago, Carlisle sat at the very edge of the Roman Empire. Known then as Luguvalium, it was a place of movement and exchange where soldiers, traders and families from across the Roman world lived side […]
Tags: British MuseumCarlisle Cricket GroundexhibitionGladiatorsHawkedon Helmethistorylocal historyRoman Britainroman carlisleRomeTullieuncovering roman carlisle
LONG MEG AND HER DAUGHTERS: A stone circle surrounded by myth and legend
LONG MEG AND HER DAUGHTERS A stone circle surrounded by myth and legend. by Jonathan Fraser, Cumbria and the Borders History Long Meg and Her Daughters is located near Little Salkeld outside of Penrith. It dates back to the Neolithic Period with its use containing into the Bronze Age. It is the third widest stone […]
Tags: Cumbria and The Borders HistoryJonathan FraserLittle Salkeldlocal historyLong MegLong Meg and Her DaughtersmonumentsMythPenrithsandstone monolithStone Circlestorieswitches
The History of St. Bees Priory: Centuries of History, Raids and Restoration
THE HISTORY OF ST. BEES PRIORY St. Bees Priory has stood witness to centuries of history, raids and restoration. by Jonathan Fraser, Cumbria and the Borders History The name St. Bees comes from its 12th century name Kirkeby Becock which translates to Church Town of St. Bega, St. Bee being another name for Bega. The […]
Tags: Anglo-Saxonborders cumbria historyhistoryJonathan Fraserlocal historyLord of CumberlandSt Bees ManSt Bees PriorySt Bega
The Rum Story is being reimagined!
THE RUM STORY REIMAGINED The attraction is entering its next chapter, reshaping how the history of rum and slavery is told in Whitehaven. by Danielle Murphy For 25 years, The Rum Story in Whitehaven has welcomed visitors to explore its interactive and educational exhibitions, immersing them in the dramatic history of the Jefferson family and […]
Tags: Anti Racist CumbriaattractionhistoriansJefferson Familykatie haighlocal historyreimaginedslaveryThe Rum StoryWhitehaven
Hensingham ARLFC celebrates 125 years of Rugby League legacy
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Hensingham ARLFC celebrates 125 years of Rugby League legacy by Danielle Murphy Hensingham Amateur Rugby League Football Club (ARLFC) is celebrating a major milestone in 2025, its 125th anniversary. As one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, the West Cumbrian club is marking the occasion with a full […]
Tags: 125 yearsAmateuranniversaryCleator MoorComedycraft fairCumbriadarts nighteventHenfestHensinghm ARLFClive musiclocal historyoasisProfessionalrugby leagueSporting History
A legacy woven into history The Sekers archive launches online.
A legacy woven into history The Sekers Archive launches online. by Danielle Murphy Following the success of a landmark exhibition earlier this year, Handpicked Productions has unveiled the Sekers Archive — a new digital platform that preserves and celebrates the extraordinary story of Sekers Fabrics, one of West Cumbria’s most influential textile companies. The archive […]
Tags: ArchiveexhibitionfabricsHandpicked Productionslocal historynostalgiaOnline GallerysekersSekers ArchiveSekers ObjectsWest Cumbria
