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.