Recent Posts
Greystoke school rules
Greystoke School rules circa 1790. Tucked away in a folder of papers in Carlisle Archives, I chanced upon a copy of ‘The Rules to be observed by the master or mistress of the Sunday Schools institut... Read More
Richard Graham – no favouritism
In a previous postI quoted an appeal sent on June 25, 1605, by John Graham, Earl of Montrose to the English commissioners: “Although you have determined to transport certain of my cousins to Newcast... Read More
Rogersceugh from bog back to bog
Rogersceugh isn’t a place that featured in many people’s thoughts down the centuries. Except in 1695 and in the last five or six years. In that time, it has arisen from the Solway marshes, and is ... Read More
What is £x worth today?
“What is £x worth today?” It’s something all family historians ask at some point. Usually when they have found the will of an ancestor. It’s only natural to wonder how comfortably off... Read More
Thomas Smith’s library
Thomas Smith, Bishop of Carlisle, has featured on this blog already. I didn’t then mention Thomas Smith’s library. When he died, in 1702, Bishop Thomas Smith left his library to Carlisle Cathedral... Read More
Jonathan Ritson, the drunken wood carver
Jonathan Ritson, the drunken wood carver What links the magnificent Arundel Castle, in Sussex, with Cumbria? Primarily, it’s the complex family history of one of the great families of England, the H... Read More
History of the Border
History of the Border. A few extracts from the book compiled by Richard Bell, warden clerk of the West Marches, at the start of the 17th century. 1500s: reiver damages Richard Bell’s History of the ... Read More