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CUMBRIA | HISTORY; Stories and Photos from Cumbria's past

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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Blaze at poet’s historic home
by Rachel Wearmouth, The Journal, March 24th 2011


THE North home of William Wordsworth was damaged by a blaze in the early hours of yesterday.

Five fire crews were called to Allan Bank, in Cumbria’s Grasmere, after a fire broke out in the roof and spread to the first floor of the house once inhabited by the poet laureate.

The tenants of the property, which now belongs to the National Trust, escaped unharmed. An investigation was launched yesterday to determine how the damage to the historic country home happened.

Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, one of the three founders of the National Trust, bought Allan Bank in 1915 and left the property to the trust when he died in 1920.

The organisation still owns the building and adjoining land, although it is not open to the public. A spokesperson for the National Trust said: “Allan Bank was given to us by Canon Rawnsley. William Wordsworth lived there between 1808 and 1811, between the ages of 38 and 41.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-...s-historic-home-61634-28392839/#ixzz1HVNEPdmp

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#56 ·
This from the News & St

Historic parlour images brought back to life at open day



A west Cumbrian town stepped back in time as historic paintings, photographs and artefacts from the past were brought back to life.

Workington mayor Joan Wright threw open the doors of the town hall to give people a history lesson about the place they live and work.

The open day, at the Mayor's Parlour, was a chance for people to learn more about the town council, including getting a rare glimpse of exhibits documenting civic life in the town.
Some of the notable attractions were paintings of Alderman James Duffield, who brought the steelworks to Workington, and first mayor of Workington Henry Curwen.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/H...n-day-f037e5e7-ae64-4aa6-98f0-36a53bd3e348-ds
 
#57 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Famous Crosby Garrett helmet to return to Carlisle




Famous Crosby Garrett helmet to return to Carlisle

Flashback: Last time the helmet was on display in Carlisle

An artefact of significant archaeological heritage is set to return to Carlisle.

The Crosby Garrett helmet, named after the village near Kirkby Stephen where it was discovered in May 2010, will join other unique Roman cavalry objects on display in Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

They are on show in a wall-wide exhibition that stretches the full 150 miles of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site area – from Maryport in the west to South Shields in the east. It opens on Saturday, April 8.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/l...lisle-f3e2dc52-3416-4869-81f6-677be3b4f3e3-ds
 
#58 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: Where was this photograph taken?



This image comes from the Joseph Hardman collection at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. We know it was taken between the 1930s and 1960s but would like to know where it was taken to help with research on dry stone walling. Can you help? Please contact rroberts@lakelandarts.org.uk or Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry, Abbot Hall, Kendal, LA9 5AL. Include reference 2002.7.234 in correspondence.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...M_THE_PAST__Where_was_this_photograph_taken_/
 
#59 ·
That is a view of Crinkle Crags from somewhere between the Old Dungeon Ghyll and Stool End in Langdale, further up the dale than the Google Streetview car was able to go!

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@54.4...4!1sbXprttaCPWDkFa6bBbtAbg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Not that I am an experton views of the fells. It just happens that many years ago a lot of my walks ended at the Old Dungeon Ghyll, where a couple of pints of Weston's Old Rosie took away some of the tedium of getting home by bus (5 buses and nearly three hours) :cheers::cheers:

That picture has made me want to get out into the Lake District and up on the fells again. Shamethat the ankle and my level of fitness mean I'm not up to it :(
 
#61 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: A rainbow arcs over Windermere



Here’s a picture to match the slightly wetter weathe we have been having recentlyTHIS photograph is from our archive of Joseph Hardman images and shows a pale rainbow arching over Windermere as motorists wait for the ferry to arrive.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...ROM_THE_PAST__A_rainbow_arcs_over_Windermere/
 
#62 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Experts stunned by 'Premier League' Roman find in Carlisle
‘Stunning’ treasures unearthed during secret excavation of preserved bath-house in north of city.




A treasure trove of previously hidden Roman history unearthed in north Carlisle has been described as “Premier League” archaeology.

Working in secret, archaeologists have been excavating a site at Carlisle Cricket Club’s Edenside ground where they have discovered a superbly-preserved Roman bath-house and dozens of artefacts, including coins, arrow heads and pottery.

The quality of the find is such that one senior politican in the city has suggested that it could do for Carlisle what Viking archaeology did for York.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/E...lisle-a6c85ddc-31c9-429b-b455-9b208d9de418-ds
 
#74 · (Edited)
This from the News & Star,--

Experts stunned by 'Premier League' Roman find in Carlisle
‘Stunning’ treasures unearthed during secret excavation of preserved bath-house in north of city.



A treasure trove of previously hidden Roman history unearthed in north Carlisle has been described as “Premier League” archaeology.

Working in secret, archaeologists have been excavating a site at Carlisle Cricket Club’s Edenside ground where they have discovered a superbly-preserved Roman bath-house and dozens of artefacts, including coins, arrow heads and pottery.

The quality of the find is such that one senior politican in the city has suggested that it could do for Carlisle what Viking archaeology did for York.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/E...lisle-a6c85ddc-31c9-429b-b455-9b208d9de418-ds
Some excellent news for the archaeologists at the cricket club:

From the News and Star

"Fred Story funds new dig at Roman finds site in Carlisle


Kevin Mounsey, council leader Colin Glover, Fred Story and Frank Giecco, of Wardell Armstrong Archaeology, at the site

Construction boss Fred Story is funding a second dig at a site in Carlisle where experts found ‘Premier League’ Roman archaeology.

There was huge excitement over the unexpected discovery two months ago, at the Carlisle Cricket Club’s Edenside ground, of what experts believe are the remains of a Roman bath-house, along with dozens of superbly preserved artefacts.

They included coins, tiles, and a sandstone inscription block carved with a message paying tribute to the Roman Empress Julia Domna.

It has been confirmed that Mr Story, the man behind Story Homes and Story Contracting, is giving his personal backing to a second archaeological dig at the site, paving the way for a more comprehensive assessment.

The millionaire clearly shares the enthusiasm of others in Carlisle – including both cricket club officials and Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover – to ensure the city can take full advantage of the discovery.

Mr Story will contribute at least £20,000 towards the cost of the second dig."


Full story at http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/F...lisle-dada199d-9377-40d1-8089-d355a304cceb-ds
 
#64 ·
Yeah think there could be much more hidden,---I saw a piece on the local TV--and one of the archaeologists reckons there would be more of the Roman Baths just a little way from where they are digging,--but there is to be a new Club house to go on surrounding lands,--so I guess more Roman material will be lost.
 
#65 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

LETTER: Can you contribute memories to school's farewell display



AS REPORTED a few weeks ago the school is closing in July at the end of the summer term. The school was founded in 1839 and moved to Leasgill in 1891.

To mark the final ceremonies governors, staff, current and former pupils are hoping to stage a farewell display. Accordingly we are appealing for any photographs, illustrations, written work, handicrafts, and other souvenirs covering the school's 178 years of service.

To help jog memories I enclose a photo (with me on it) of Miss Wright's top class in 1951.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...te_memories_to_school__39_s_farewell_display/
 
#66 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Iconic Ulverston cinema celebrates eight decades



ULVERSTON'S iconic Roxy cinema celebrates its 80th anniversary this month and a big celebration is planned.

Declared open on June 21, 1937, the Brogden Street art-deco style cinema was commissioned by James Brennan.

Since then, the Roxy has hosted many live shows, including the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet Rambert and the Old Vic theatre company.

For the anniversary there will be a selection of period movie clips and a showing of The Adventures of Robin Hood, the acclaimed swashbuckling Technicolor adventure of 1938.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...c_Ulverston_cinema_celebrates_eight_decades/#
 
#67 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Detectors ‘won’t find Carlisle bath-house treasure’



Treasure-hunters with metal detectors have been seen loitering near to the site of a newly-discovered Roman bath-house in Carlisle.

But archaeology experts who were hired to excavate an area of Carlisle Cricket Club’s Edenside ground say they have now removed all of the accessible artefacts from the site and back-filled it with soil.

Meanwhile, there is mounting excitement about the tourism opportunity the discovery has created, with high hopes that a permanent exhibition could be built around the military bath-house, which is being hailed as significant.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/D...asure-67dc227f-3e3c-4b80-b684-5699408c5f85-ds
 
#68 ·
‘Let’s shout about North East heritage’

Courtesy of the Northumberland Gazette @ http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/let-s-shout-about-north-east-heritage-1-8597745
‘Let’s shout about North East heritage’
Ben O’Connell 16 Junhe 2017


The pencil museum in Keswick, Cumbria.

A new Historic England campaign is calling on people in the North East to nominate local places that have made national or global history.

From the first railroad locomotive in the world to carry passengers on a public line to the invention of the hydraulic crane, places across the region have witnessed turning points that changed the country and the world.

As part of a new nationwide campaign – Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places, Historic England, supported by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, is calling on the public, history groups and experts to nominate other places where historic moments have happened, ensuring the region takes its proper place in telling England’s remarkable story. Both organisations believe that historic sites in villages, towns and cities across the country have shaped England and are often still hotbeds of invention and creativity. These places bring our history to life; they hold a thread that runs between generations and they should be celebrated.

The year-long campaign will explore ten categories, from Science & Discovery and Homes & Gardens to Music & Literature and Industry, Trade & Commerce. Each category will focus on 10 places which will be chosen from a longlist of public nominations by judges, including George Clarke, Mary Beard, Tristram Hunt and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “By telling a history of England in 100 places, we want to help people understand the many places in our country that have shaped the world, creating advances in science, the arts, trade and industry.”

Visit http://historiceng land.org.uk/get-involved/100-places/

Read more at: http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/let-s-shout-about-north-east-heritage-1-8597745
 
#69 ·
This from the News & Star,--


Boat to celebrate 140th anniversary





Boat to celebrate 140th anniversary

M.Y. Lady of the Lake

An attraction which runs boat crossings on Ullswater will celebrate the 140th anniversary of its oldest heritage vessel later this month.

The award-winning visitor attraction Ullswater Steamers will mark the anniversary of M.Y Lady of the Lake - the oldest heritage vessel in both their famous fleet, and quite possibly the world.

Each year the fleet carries thousands of passengers on idyllic cruises around one of the region’s most beautiful lakes

The award-winning visitor attraction
Ullswater Steamers will mark the anniversary of M.Y Lady of the Lake - the oldest heritage vessel in both their famous fleet, and quite possibly the world.

Each year the fleet carries thousands of passengers on idyllic cruises around one of the region’s most beautiful lakes.

It will celebrate its anniversary on June 26.

To mark the occasion a bottle of champagne will be broken over her bows to celebrate her history and heritage.

Children from Stainton C of E Primary School in Penrith, St Patricks C of E in Endmoor and Penrith Town Band will join in the celebrations

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/B...rsary-f9cef5bc-5841-472e-8c94-498a33019f2b-ds
 
#70 ·
This from the News & Star,--






Historic Cumbrian hall set to finally reopen to the public


An historic listed building will be reopened to the public after decades of uncertainty.

Workington Hall, which has been on the English Heritage 'at risk' register, will once again throw open its doors after safety work is carried out later this year.

The hall, which is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, was closed to the public more than a decade ago

The council-owned building fell into disrepair in the 1970s.

But Councillor Michael Heaslip, chairman of Friends of Workington Hall Parklands, said the hall's courtyard will be safe to be used for public events once stabilisation work is completed in September.

Mr Heaslip said possibilities could include theatrical performances, music events and birds of prey displays, while the work would also make it feasible for the popular ice rink to return.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/H...ublic-622d29c8-7fea-4e6a-8ecf-d901d765e6ba-ds
 
#71 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

New lease of life for historic Cumbrian building damaged by floods



AN historic building damaged in an 'extreme' flood event that struck Cumbria in 2009 has been given a new lease of life.

Mitchell Wyke Bay at Far Sawrey was once a place where some of Britain’s most eponymous scientists undertook international cutting-edge freshwater research.

It formed part of the Freshwater Biological Association’s (FBA) research site and was used over the years for research, storage and accommodation for visiting scientists.

It was left derelict and abandoned after the disastrous floods which battered the county eight years ago.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...historic_Cumbrian_building_damaged_by_floods/
 
#72 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Ambitious railway attraction plans to put Carlisle on the right tracks




Ambitious railway attraction plans to put Carlisle on the right tracks


Ambitious plans to bring Carlisle's railway heritage - and create new visitors attractions
have sprung into life.

The Carlisle Railway City Group put forward its ideas of how best celebrate and tell the story of the railways at a presentation and consultation event at Tullie House on Saturday.

More then 50 people gathered to hear what they had to say and gave their own input into the initiative, which its hoped will become a catalyst in encouraging people across the city to get involved in various projects.

The group of enthusiasts believe Carlisle should be as well know for its railways as York, Crewe and Swindon.

Suggestions to make that happened include the establishment of a railway museum, research into railway workers and individual streets, to look at how the railways shaped the city, and the creation of dedicated walks along old lines.

Chaired by broadcaster Eric Robson, the presentation included a handful of speakers looking at different aspects of the project.

Steve Matthews spoke of the importance of people - parents and grandparents and great grandparents who worked on the railways.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/A...racks-c4b0d049-5762-4f61-8444-4703bdd8190e-ds
 
#73 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Freemasons gather at Kendal Museum to view 300 years of history



MORE than 60 Masons and friends gathered at Kendal Museum to view historic artefacts gathered for the Masonic 300th anniversary exhibition.

The showcase has been organised and coordinated by Dr Chris Lane, of Ambleside Lodge, with help from many Freemasons' lodges across the Cumberland and Westmorland province.

Dr Lane welcomed the visitors, and museum curator Carol Davies gave a short history of the Station Road building and its collections.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...t_Kendal_Museum_to_view_300_years_of_history/
 
#75 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Restoration of historic Stainton Aqueduct moves a step closer



AN historic structure left in a perilous state after being hit by a seven-foot high wall of floodwater has received initial funding towards its repair.

Monies have been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop plans to restore and re-open the Grade II listed Stainton Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal, near Sedgwick.

HLF’s initial development funding award of £41,000 will enable the Canal & River Trust charity to work alongside the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership (LCRP) on a second stage application to be submitted in November.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...storic_Stainton_Aqueduct_moves_a_step_closer/
 
#76 ·
Lets hope his decendants can be found,--

This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Long-lost World War One medals found in Lake District field



A LAKE District landowner is seeking to reunite long-lost World War One medals with a soldier's descendants after they were found in a field.

Myles Sandys was alerted by a metal detectorist who discovered a service medal, a regimental medal and a cap badge belonging to Second Lieutenant George Clifford Garnett, on his 5,000 acre Graythwaite Hall estate near Sawrey.

2d Lt. Garnett - who lived at Sawrey at the time of signing up for the eighth battalion of the East Lancs regiment in 1914 - is believed to have distant relatives in Canada.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co..._War_One_medals_found_in_Lake_District_field/
 
#77 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

NOSTALGIA: Theatres played a crucial role in Kendal



Historian Arthur R. Nicholls describes the history of the theatre in Kendal

OVER the centuries the people of Kendal exercised an ambivalent attitude to drama and the theatre.

Street theatre in its various forms was used to tell the reality of Christianity to ordinary folk in the form of mystery plays, notably at the feast of Corpus Christi, the different Biblical scenes being played by local craftsmen in the market place.

In the Reformation efforts were made to suppress these plays and the feast itself was abolished in 1548.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...IA__Theatres_played_a_crucial_role_in_Kendal/
 
#78 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Three historic South Cumbrian pubs feature in new Campaign for Real Ale book



THREE South Cumbrian pubs feature in a new Campaign for Real Ale book called Real Heritage Pubs of the North West.

It focuses on pubs that have truly historic surviving interiors from the Cheshire plain to the Lake District. Among the 150 pubs listed include unspoilt country locals, Victorian drinking palaces and mighty roadhouses.

The Ring o' Bells, Kendal, the Blacksmiths Arms at Broughton Mills and the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale are among the historic hostelries that have write ups.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...bs_feature_in_new_Campaign_for_Real_Ale_book/
 
#79 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Historic walls are repaired at Ulverston



REPAIR work has been carried out to historic walls on Little Hoad in Ulverston.

The walls run along both sides of the footpath up Chittery Lane and are known locally as 'the Great Wall of China' because of the way they snake across the landscape.

The walls are historically important, forming part of the original 'outgang' onto the open hillside allowing the movement of stock. They probably date from the period of the enclosures in circa 1800.

Work has been carried out by members of Ulverston & District Civic Society and the Cumbria branch of the Drystone Walling Association.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/15487824.Historic_walls_are_repaired_at_Ulverston/
 
#82 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

Identity of Lake District bridge revealed



read with interest the Picture from the Past article on the Nostalgia page featuring one of Joseph Hardman's photographs of a bridge (Gazette, August 17, 'Whereabouts is this bridge?').

I can identify the bridge as the Rothay Bridge at Ambleside, which carries the A593.

It is an excellent photograph, although the site is overgrown now on both sides by trees.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...f_Lake_District_bridge_revealed/?ref=mr&lp=10
 
#83 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

PICTURE FROM THE PAST@ Walkers head off from Kirkstone Pass



THIS week’s image from the Hardman archive at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry shows a pair of walkers making their way down the Kirkstone Pass. We would love to hear from you if you can give us any extra information about this image. You can get in touch on

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...E_PAST__Walkers_head_off_from_Kirkstone_Pass/
 
#84 ·
This from the Westmorland Gazette,--

NOSTALGIA: Butchers shops in Kendal in times gone by



Historian Arthur R. Nicholls recounts the history of butchers shops in Kendal

TOWARDS the top of Beast Banks at Kendal is a small triangular patch of grass. Although there is no evidence, it is thought that there was once an early settlement on the site where drovers, bringing their animals to market, pastured and watered them before continuing into the town.

By the 18th century it had become a place where animals were slaughtered and butchered.

The law of the time caused bulls to be baited. They were tethered to a ring in the ground and fierce dogs were made to attack them, causing the blood to flow freely through the body and improve the quality of the meat. Cooks do the same to steak today with a hammer.

Read more http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co...A__Butchers_shops_in_Kendal_in_times_gone_by/
 
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