Carlisle
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Carlisle from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Carlisle's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Turkish Suite, the Pools
Carlisle
Turkish Baths 1909 by the County Surveyor WC Marks; built by William Johnstone of Carlisle with an interior tiled decorative scheme by Minton and Hollins of Stoke.
Section of medieval city wall
Carlisle
Length of city wall, C12 with later modifications. Read the official list entry to find out more.
London Road NER Goods Station
Carlisle
Railway goods sheds and office building, 1881, to the designs of William Bell, NER architect. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Pillbox at Brampton Road
Carlisle
Pillbox, 1940-41, camouflaged as a garden wall. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Carlisle through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Carlisle changes over time.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Carlisle
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Denton Holme
Holme Head Works, Denton Holme, 1925
Denton Holme
Holme Head Works and environs, Denton Holme, 1948
Carlisle
Annetwell Street and Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, 1925
Carlisle
Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, 1948
Carlisle
The City Centre, Carlisle, 1925
Carlisle
The town centre, council offices and Citadel Railway Station, Carlisle, 1977
Carlisle
The Citadel Railway Station and factories on James Street, Carlisle, 1928
Carlisle
The Citadel Railway Station and factories on James Street, Carlisle, 1928
Carlisle
Holy Trinity Church and Carr's Biscuit Factory, Carlisle, 1925
Carlisle
The Carr and Co Biscuit Factory, Carlisle, 1928
Carlisle in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Carlisle's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1795 - 1815
Watercolour painting showing the four faces of the Bewcastle Cross, in the churchyard of St Cuthbert's Church
Eric de Mare
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Detail view of the Lanercost Bridge in Burtholme showing part of the arch.
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 01 JAN 1958 - 31 DEC 1958
A view towards the south facade of the Church of St Michael at Arthuret, Cumbria, with its large cemetery in the foreground
John Gay Collection: Counties
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: Late 1940s - Early 1950s
A finger post road sign, probably at a junction on the B6318, with directions to Moscow and Butterburn to the north, West Hall, Brampton and Carlisle...
John Laing Collection
Garlands, Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: circa 1924
View of 'Easiform' staff cottages for the Cumberland and Westmoreland Mental Hospital Committee
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: c1890
Exterior view from the south-east of the Abbey Gate and Gatehouse at Carlisle Cathedral
Alfred Newton and Sons
Carlisle, Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1898
INTERIOR SHOWING PLATFORM WITH TRAIN
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1900 - 1940
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE PAVILION
John Laing Collection
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: circa 1930s
View of housing at Currock Park Estate
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 15 Aug 1898
An exterior view showing Carlisle Cathedral from the south-west
Alfred Newton and Sons
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1896 - 1920
EXTERIOR VIEW FROM CASTLE STREET SHOWING ORNATE WROUGHT IRON GATES AND RAILINGS
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Carlisle, Cumbria
Date created: 1906 - 1911
GENERAL VIEW FROM THE SAUCERIES PUBLIC PARK LOOKING TOWARDS EDEN BRIDGE
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Carlisle.
16 Stories of African Lives in Northern England
Mentions Citadel Station
Discover the often untold stories of brilliant and resilient people of African heritage.
8 of England’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals to Visit
Mentions Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity
From Norman to Modernist, there are many different architectural styles on show in England’s cathedrals.
HIAS: Improving Access to Historic Environment Information for Research
Mentions Carlisle
How the ‘Heritage Information Access Simplified programme’ is making it easier to access data and information to aid research.
Managing Lithic Sites
Mentions Carlisle
New advice addresses research and management issues for sites where prehistoric stone tools contain unique evidence.
30 Years of Flying in the North
Mentions Carlisle
Celebrating the achievements of Historic England's aerial recording programme in the North of England.
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions Carlisle
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
Thermography in Historic Buildings
Mentions Carlisle
Learn how Infrared thermography can provide invaluable information about historic buildings without intrusive investigation.
New Virtual Aerial Map Allows Everyone to Explore England's Archaeology from the Air
Mentions Carlisle
Discover archaeology local to you with our Aerial Mapping Explorer.
New Research Reveals Legacy of State-Owned Pubs, Introduced to Prevent Excessive Drinking During the First World War
Mentions The Apple Tree, Carlisle
The state-run “Carlisle Experiment” ran for 57 years (1916 - 1973), involving more than 400 public houses across Carlisle, Enfield and Cromarty Firth.
From Flat Caps To Hard Hats: Breaking New Ground
Mentions Carlisle
Previously unseen images of Britain’s construction history released to mark the launch of 'Breaking New Ground'.
10 Years of Extraordinary Archaeological Discoveries
Mentions Carlisle
Historic England celebrates 10 fascinating archaeological discoveries of the past decade
Public Call-out Uncovers England’s Secret and Unknown Memorials
Mentions Carlisle
Hundreds of nominations received as public share their knowledge of local monuments, street shrines and community tributes.
Remembering Passchendaele: War Memorials Listed
Mentions Carlisle
Battle of Passchendaele centenary marked with 13 new and upgraded war memorial listings
New Discoveries Shed Light on Romans in Northern England
Mentions Carlisle
New Roman finds in North Yorkshire are teaching us more about life in Roman Britain
Carlisle's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Workers' Institute, Holme Head Works, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The reading room and coffee tavern built in 1881 by George Dale Oliver at the corner of North Street and Bridge Terrace for the workers at the Holme...
Workers' Institute, Holme Head Works, Carlisle, Cumbria
Two workmen on a construction site for John Laing plc in Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
John Laing plc built a 'family' ethos among the workers in their company.
Two workmen on a construction site for John Laing plc in Carlisle, Cumbria
Tullie House, 15, Abbey Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
Tullie House was built in 1689 for Thomas Tullie who was later Dean of Carlisle.
Tullie House, 15, Abbey Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
The topping out ceremony for The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: 1980s (1980 - 1989)
Builders from John Laing PLC along with dignitaries from Carlisle attending the topping out ceremony for The Lanes Shopping Centre.
The topping out ceremony for The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria
The Gate Tower, Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The castle was founded by William Rufus in 1092. More buildings were added during the 12th century. The keep was probably built between 1136 and 1153.
The Gate Tower, Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria
The Courthouse, English Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
Dominating the southern entrance to the city of Carlisle are two immense oval towers. This is the East tower.
The Courthouse, English Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
Shaddon Mill, Junction Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This cotton factory was built for Peter Dixon by Richard Tattersall. The cast iron framed building and its machinery were designed by William Fairburn.
Shaddon Mill, Junction Street, Carlisle, Cumbria
Refectory, Priory of St Mary, Carlisle, Cumbria
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The Frater or refectory for the Priory of St Mary was built between 1465 and 1490 for Prior Gondibour.
Refectory, Priory of St Mary, Carlisle, Cumbria
Discover more
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