Lang Will: Grahams of Cumberland – part two Cumbrian Grahams are likely descended from the notorious reiver clan, who were infamous in the 16th century. The big question is: who were the reiver Grah...Read More
Solway dangers. The Solway firth – or frith, on old maps – is a beautiful waterway, with stunning views from both sides and a great place to watch wading birds foraging for food. Or to forage for ...Read More
The Shaddongate riot and how it led to Carlisle’s police force. In the last post Cumbrian Characters looked at how Carlisle came to have a full-time, professional police force two years before the L...Read More
Carlisle Police has the honour of being the first ‘proper’ police force in Engoand and Wales. The reason why is something to be less proud of! Sir Robert Peel Sir Robert Peel (pictured) is synonym...Read More
St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle – a post about the church, and about memorial inscriptions. St Cuthbert’s church may be in the shadow of the lovely cathedral (and the literal shadows of the back ...Read More
The Mitre Inn (or Mitre Hotel), in King Street, Penrith, is now the The Lounge Hotel And Bar Mitre House. I thought I’d try to find something about its history. Not least because of the the 17th doo...Read More
Inglewood Rifle Corps was formed, with patriotic fervour, as a Victorian Dad’s Army Its soldiers included boys in their teens and men in their 50s. There were grocers, painters, solicitors, publican...Read More
Yanwath Hall – answers on a postcard! Cumbrian Characters is heading off-piste this week, to the lovely county of Devon. With a little mystery. Namely: why did the writer of this postcard wish to se...Read More
‘Dockray Hall in Penrith is being sold for £500,000…’ So read the story in the News and Star a few days ago. The pub: ‘comprises two bars, with separate, snug dining areas, all traditio...Read More
This is the second part of an article on the Strands Inn at Netherwasdale. You can find part 1 here; First, a reminder: in 1842, the Strands Inn was taken over by the Gunson family, who stayed there t...Read More