Carlisle History

Carlisle History

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During the First World War the city experienced problems with large numbers of drunkards. Many worked in a munitions factory over the Scottish border but were drawn to the city by its more liberal drinking hours. As a means of gaining some control over the problem, the breweries and public houses were nationalised and only returned to private ownership in 1972. Walk left along West Walls and turn left again at the end to return to English Street, the main thoroughfare.

Here, looking south, the Citadel, built in 1542 and reconstructed by Robert Smirke in 1810-11, stands guard over the southern gate into the city. The last time its cannon were fired in anger was when the Scots sought to repel the advance of the Duke of Cumberland in 1745. On a wall here, a board lists the tolls formerly charged on stock brought into the town.

Below the Citadel is the impressive Victorian station facade built in 1847. Between 1875 and 1922, seven rail way companies ran into Carlisle, with lines to Leeds, Crewe, west Cumbria, Silloth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stranraer. Returning to the market place, several buildings will be found to carry plaques denoting association with famous people. Walk up Castle Street to the Cathedral, Tullie House Museum and Carlisle Castle.

One of Cumbria's most attractive villages, Cartmel has a collection of sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth century houses clustered around the pleasant square with its cross and water pump. Although just outside the National Park, it is a conservation area and has not been spoiled by unsuitable development.

The Priory dominates the village, but the fourteenth century Priory Gatehouse (National Trust) looks on to the square. At the opposite end to the Priory is the racecourse, where National Hunt meetings are held over the week ends of spring and late summer bank holidays. As crowds in excess of ten thousand may at tend, be warned! At other times the parking space is useful for visitors to the village.

The adjacent villages are two of several small communities which were developed at the same time as iron mines and limestone quarries, the remains of which are in the surrounding countryside. In the market square, a striking modem sculpture by a local man, Conrad Atkinson, is a miners' memorial.

At Cleator, beside the Roman Catholic church, is St Mary's Grotto, similar to that at Lourdes and created in 1927. Refurbished and rededicated by Cardinal Hume in 1980, it attracts thou sands of pilgrims each year.

Here on the northwest edge of the National Park, the river Cocker flows into the river Derwent. Access to this friendly and lively market town is from the A66 Keswick to Workington road. It is perhaps bestknown as the birthplace of William Wordsworth, and his home, now owned by the National Trust, is open to visitors. The wide medieval main street has small yards and alleys which have been tastefully redeveloped. On market days, the country comes to town for the livestock auction and traders' stalls fill the market place. Just up Castlegate from the market area stands the fine Norman castle; it is owned by the Leconfield estate and is only occasionally open to view.

About the Author:

Adrian vultur writes for Windermere spa hotel



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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