The Post Office archives record that the first box in mainland Britain was erected in Botchergate, Carlisle, in 1853. This is commemorated today with a replica Penfold box, located outside the Old Town Hall in Carlisle city centre. So why Carlisle?

The railway carriage below, built by Tweedale and Barton for the Stockton and Darlington line in 1846, is preserved in the National Collection.

The basin of the Carlisle Canal, off Port Road, was supplied by water from a reservoir at Ratlingate, before reaching the first lock near Monkhill.

Because of its prominence as one of the highest points overlooking Carlisle and being at the side of the important southern route in and out of the city, Harraby Hill was chosen as a place of execution at an early date. This was usually reserved for prisoners who had committed high treason.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), a herb with a usually blue flower, could have been brought by the Romans to Stanwix when the climate was warmer. The herb’s medicinal properties would compliment the healing powers of the water from the well.

The ‘Yarrow’ provided a twice weekly service between Silloth and Dublin.

Orams grocery shop 81 -83 Lowther Street was founded by William Boustead Oram who died in 1919 at his house, Eden Bank, at Wetheral.

Many of you will remember Underwoods lemonade on sale in Carlisle in the 50’s, 60’s when the ’pop’ wagon delivered to your door.

Lowther Street was the last street to be built in Carlisle when the East City Wall was demolished in 1808 and was initially a cul de sac with little traffic and was put to other uses.

This cockpit, one of only two in the city, intended to be used for cockfighting was built around 1785 at the expense of the Duke of Norfolk and Sir James Lowther.

The Carlisle Ship Canal gave Carlisle an outlet to the Solway at Port Carlisle from 1821 – 1853. Over this period ocean going ships were built in Carlisle at the Canal basin by Mr William Bell, launched from his timber yard.