Recent Posts
Grahams of Cumberland (2).
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
Grahams of Cumberland (1)
Grahams of Cumberland – part one Many years ago, it was said there were more Grahams in the Carlisle phone book than Smiths. Phone books have gone the way of the dodo, but the point remains: the sur... Read More
Wheaten bread
Towards the end of the 18th century, there were successive bad wheat harvests resulting in the price of wheat doubling and with it the price of bread. It created a very much English crisis. And ... Read More
Solway dangers
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
Richard Oyes dodgy overseer
Richard Oyes, the dodgy overseer Richard Oyes, of Whitehaven, is the elephant in the room of an interesting court case, in 1796. For while he was the reason five magistrates strayed from the path of v... Read More
Shaddongate riot
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 – a mixed honour
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
Bishop Thomas Smith & his sister
Bishop Thomas Smith was a key figure in the history of Carlisle Cathedral. What isn’t widely known is that he had a sister. Thomas Smith led quite a life for ‘an Appleby lad’ – teaching at Oxf... Read More