Recent Posts
Jubilee time, in 1832
The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated from June 2-5, 2022. In June 1832, there were jubilee celebrations of a different kind – they marked a move to make Parliamentary elections ... Read More
Wicked Jimmy’s ghost
Wicked Jimmy’s ghost : James Lowther, the first Earl of Lonsdale, was feared and hated in life. And like all heavy-duty villains, those feelings didn’t end when he died, aged 66, in 1802. His name... Read More
Jonathan Thompson quiet Penrith hero
Jonathan Thompson wasn’t perhaps not a hero in the sense of brave deeds (though he put himself in danger as a fire fighter). But he was well-regarded by his contemporaries and deserves to be remembe... Read More
May Day – ruined by the Puritans!
May Day celebrations have been more lamented than practised since the killjoy Puritans came on the scene, even if the village of Temple Sowerby still has a maypole (main image). Origins of May Day cel... Read More
Easter in Carlisle 1803
Easter in Carlisle Easter in Carlisle has previously been mentioned on Cumbrian Characters, in a post on the public space by Carlisle Castle known as the Sorceries. The post covered the old tradition ... Read More
Thomas Lambert Penrith grocer
When I looked at the photos I’d taken of ‘random’ gravestones at Beacon Edge Cemetery, Penrith, the name ‘Thomas Lambert’ seemed familiar. A little digging, and I worked out why. Thomas Lamb... Read More
William Parkin of the L & N W Railway
The gravestone of William Parkin and his wife Elizabeth has an anchor carved into it, above their names. Which suggests some maritime connection – despite Penrith being a long way from the sea. But ... Read More
William Weight : advice on variations
William Weight married in his 40s, died in his 80s, and doesn’t seem to have left much of a mark on the world. But having taken a photo of his and wife Isabella’s grave, at Beacon Edge Cemetery, P... Read More