Recent Posts
Dockray Hall
‘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
The rebel and the conman (part 2)
Frederick Hawkes Nottage In the first ‘guest post,’ I looked at George Nottage, whose one-man protest over a new bylaw caused a stir in Ipswich in 1839. I mentioned how, in 1814, he married Emma ... Read More
The rebel and the conman (part 1)
The story of George Nottage Cumbrian Characters is featuring two ‘guests’ over two posts – a father and son who have no connection to the north west, but whose stories jumped out from research. ... Read More
Coronation Day in Kendal
Coronation Day, Kendal ‘Coronation Day. Kendal, though somewhat tardy in its movements on public occasions, will not, we are glad to find, let the Coronation Day pass over unnoticed.’ No, not that... Read More
Port Carlisle baths
Port Carlisle baths – a puzzle solved Port Carlisle baths – or Victoria baths, to give their full name – opened in 1844, as an attempt to make the village ‘the most-popular of all the bathing ... Read More
Ash Villa, Stainton
After taking photos of graves at Beacon Edge, Cemetery, Penrith, I realised that the photo I took of Joseph Dalton’s unusual headstone also shows a good part of the grave of the Blackburn family of ... Read More
Ancestry suggested records
Ancestry suggested records Ancestry suggested records * can be a useful feature when looking to expand your family tree. They can also be very misleading and for sure are no substitution for ‘doing ... Read More
1826 murders
1826 murders: On the morning of March 12, 1827, there was a double hanging at Carlisle jail. At five minutes before twelve, the prison bell tolled a summons to Robert Fox and Philip Tinnaney, to proce... Read More