Cumberland
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Cumberland from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Cumberland'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.
The English Lake District
Above Derwent
The English Lake District is recognised as a landscape of extraordinary harmonious beauty and inspiration, its natural features enhanced with man-made activity - traditional hill farming,...
Coombe Gill Mill
Borrowdale
Water-powered cornmill, early C18 with possible earlier origins, and an attached corn drying kiln and store, probably C18.
Brampton Old Church Roman fort and the medieval Church of…
Brampton
Hadrian's Wall marked a key Roman frontier, central to military operations.
Corby Castle
Wetheral
Corby Castle's pleasure grounds were developed between 1709-39 by Thomas Howard, featuring structures and grottos.
Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, associated cursu…
Hunsonby
Long Meg and Her Daughters is a large stone circle with prehistoric rock art and associated monuments, reflecting religious significance from Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age.
The Howk Bobbin Mill
Caldbeck
An L-shaped, two-storey mill house with associated buildings and features including a coppice barn, a drying kiln, a privy, offices/stable, retaining walls, tracks and part of the water...
Castlerigg stone circle and two bowl barrows
St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn
Castlerigg is one of England's finest large irregular stone circles, reflecting prehistoric ritual significance, rare examples of social gatherings, and calendar function from Late Neolithic...
Old Carlisle (Olerica) fort and civil settlement
Westward
Old Carlisle Roman fort reveals early urban development and Roman military strategy, highlighting its significance in the Romanisation of northern Britain.
Bewcastle Roman fort, high cross shaft in St Cuthbert's c…
Bewcastle
Bewcastle includes a Roman fort significant for its rare non-rectangular shape, an eighth-century high cross of notable artistry, and a medieval shell keep castle acting as a defense focus.
Goldscope copper and lead mines and remains of associated…
Above Derwent
Goldscope mines in Cumbria are significant for their medieval origins and post-medieval mining influenced by German technology through the Mines Royal Company.
Burrow Walls Roman fort
Seaton
The Burrow Walls Roman fort and medieval hall demonstrate Roman military strategy and medieval architecture, showcasing insights into Romano-British and medieval period fortifications.
Carrock Fell tungsten, lead, copper, and arsenic mines an…
Mungrisdale
Carrock Fell mine in Cumbria reflects an important phase in tungsten, lead, copper, and arsenic mining, with significant 20th-century surface features highlighting mining history.
Birdoswald Roman fort and the section of Hadrian's Wall a…
Waterhead
Hadrian's Wall, marking a Roman Empire frontier, remains a World Heritage Site.
Maryport (Alavna) Roman fort, part of the Roman frontier …
Maryport
Maryport (Alavna) Roman fort, part of the Roman frontier defences, showcases significant Roman military and civilian structures that once supported Hadrian’s Wall on the Cumbrian coast.
Christ Church
Maryport
Anglican church, 1872 to designs of Charles Eaglesfield. Early English style.
Castle Hill motte and site of a World War II gun emplacement
Maryport
Castle Hill motte is a Norman motte castle with a World War II gun emplacement, highlighting its historical significance for Norman conquest and wartime defense.
Workington Hall
Workington
Workington Hall is an ancestral home of the Curwen family, with a landscape park laid out by Thomas White in the 1780s, now managed by Allerdale Borough Council.
The Giant's Grave - Two Anglian cross-shafts and four hog…
Penrith
The Giant's Grave group in Penrith showcases richly carved tenth-century Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian art styles, highlighting the area's historical significance and aristocratic influence.
The Mote Castle mound, medieval motte castle and site of …
Brampton
The Mote Castle mound, a 12th/13th-century motte castle in Brampton, served as a strategic beacon site in the 15th century, showcasing both medieval fortification and signaling history.
Burgh by Sands Roman fort, Beaumont camp, Burgh Castle an…
Beaumont
Hadrian's Wall, a Roman Empire frontier, stretches 70 miles, with forts and milecastles. Its historical significance is recognized internationally.
Giant's Grave standing stones, Kirksanton
Whicham
Giant’s Grave standing stones in Cumbria are a well-preserved example of prehistoric rock art, distinguished by cup marks, and signify this area’s historical significance.
Whitehaven Old Fort, an 18th century coastal battery over…
Whitehaven
Whitehaven Old Fort, an 18th-century coastal battery, played a vital defensive role and historic significance during the American War of Independence and 19th-century lime production.
Barrowmouth gypsum and alabaster mine at Saltom Bay
Whitehaven
Barrowmouth gypsum and alabaster mine at Saltom Bay is significant for its role in plaster production since the 13th century, representing key developments in mining technology.
Foresthead lime kilns, quarry, associated buildings and p…
Hayton
The Foresthead lime kilns and quarry highlight nearly 200 years of limestone extraction and burning, showcasing changing technological innovations.
Sunkenkirk Stone Circle, 230m south east of Swinside
Millom Without
Sunkenkirk Stone Circle is a rare prehistoric monument exemplifying Neolithic/Bronze Age ritual practices.
Eden Croft Barn
Stanwix Rural
Barn, later C18 of red brick with some red sandstone dressings and stone slate roof covering.
Coke ovens at the southern end of Furnace Road
Maryport
The coke ovens at Furnace Road are unique and considered the oldest in Britain, likely the world, featuring a non-beehive form dating back to 1783.
Hadrian's Wall and vallum and their associated features b…
Thirlwall
Hadrian's Wall, a World Heritage Site, marked the frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, showcasing sophisticated military architecture and historic significance from Emperor Hadrian's...
Dolphenby medieval settlement and part of its associated …
Langwathby
Dolphenby medieval village and its open field system is notable for surviving earthworks revealing its layout and Scandinavian origins in the Eden Valley, intriguing for historical agrarian...
Moated site of Loweswater Pele
Buttermere
Loweswater Pele, a medieval moated manor, features a natural hillock modified with ditches, linked to Ranulphe de Lindesaye in the 12th century.
19th century zinc spelter works and 20th century fume wor…
Farlam
The 19th-century zinc spelter works in Tindale was the first in Northern England, using a patented smelting process. The 20th-century fume works remains significant architecturally.
Scarrow Hill
Brampton
House, constructed in 1601; converted to mid C18 coaching inn, and later divided into a pair of cottages, now returned to a single dwelling.
Battle of Solway Moss 1542
Arthuret
The Battle of Solway Moss in 1542 saw King James V of Scotland's army retreating against English forces, leading to his shock and subsequent death.
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.
Ravenglass Roman fort bath-house, also known as Walls Castle
Muncaster
The Ravenglass Roman fort bath-house, known as Walls Castle, is the best preserved Roman military bath-house, showcasing distinctive architectural features like niches, arches, and rendered...
Keswick War Memorial
Keswick
First World War memorial, 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Cumberland 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 Cumberland changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
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.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
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.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
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.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
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 Cumberland
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
Cockermouth
Cockermouth Castle and the town, Cockermouth, 1929
Cockermouth
Cockermouth Castle, Cockermouth, 1947
Carlisle
The Citadel and the city centre, Carlisle, 1925
Carlisle
The town centre, council offices and Citadel Railway Station, Carlisle, 1977
Carlisle
Annetwell Street and Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, 1925
Carlisle
Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, 1948
Wigton
King Street and the Market Place, Wigton, 1929
Wigton
The town, Wigton, 1947
Cumberland 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 Cumberland's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Copeland, Cumbria
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Muncaster Castle, seen from the south-west
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: Rural Life
Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 22 DEC 1953 - 07 JAN 1954
A huntsman in riding attire standing with a group of hounds and terriers in a village in Borrowdale, probably in the region of Rosthwaite and...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1958
Detail view of the interior of a dwelling in the Borrowdale Parish of Cumbria, possibly in or near Rosthwaite, showing a dog curled up on the seat of...
John Gay Collection: Counties
Sty Head, Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1958
A view at Sty Head Tarn, Borrowdale
John Laing Collection
Copeland, Cumbria
Date created: 13 Mar 1951
A view along the exterior of the classroom wing at Seascale School
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Copeland, Cumbria
Date created: 30 Apr 1886
A view of Trough House Bridge over the River Esk
Alfred Newton and Sons
Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1896 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW OF CASCADE OF LODORE FALLS. SEE ALSO AA97/07496
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Derwentwater, Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1920 - 1935
GENERAL VIEW WITH DERWENTWATER IN BACKGROUND
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1958
A detail view of the interior of a dwelling in the Borrowdale Parish of Cumbria, possibly in or near Rosthwaite, showing a stuffed ram's head mounted...
John Gay Collection: Counties
Sty Head, Allerdale, Cumbria
Date created: 1958
A group of four hikers at Sty Head, Borrowdale
John Laing Collection
Copeland, Cumbria
Date created: 1959
An exterior view of Millom School from the north
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 Cumberland.
Fantastical 16th-century Wall Paintings Revealed in Cumbrian Tudor Hunting Lodge
Mentions The Ashes, Agricultural ranges, boundary walls and cobbled yard at The Ashes
The rare and unusual Grotesque style paintings feature fantastical beasts and foliage arranged in decorative panels.
What Happened After the End of Roman Rule in Britain?
After the fall of the Roman Empire in Britain around AD 410, many towns declined, industries ceased, and the Roman army left England's shores.
The Legend of King Arthur
King Arthur was central to the legendary tales of medieval romance. Discover the places connected to Camelot, Tintagel, and the Battle of Badon Hill.
16 Stories of African Lives in Northern England
Mentions Burgh by Sands Roman fort, Beaumont camp, Burgh Castle and Hadrian's Wall from boundary west of churchyard, Beaumont to Burgh Head in wall miles 70 and 71, Church of St Michael, Citadel Station
Discover the often untold stories of brilliant and resilient people of African heritage.
5 Facts About the Vikings in England
Mentions The Giant's Grave - Two Anglian cross-shafts and four hogback stones in St Andrew's churchyard, Penrith, High cross in St Mary's churchyard
A quick introduction to the Viking Age in England.
Traces of the Vikings in England
Mentions High cross in St Mary's churchyard
Explore the archaeological traces and standing remains that tell us about Viking life and and culture in England.
Women Architects Who Helped Shape England
Mentions Church of St Mary, Brackenfell
Women have always influenced domestic design but it wasn’t until 1898 that the first female architect was admitted to the Royal Institute of British...
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.
An Introduction to Quaker Meeting Houses
Mentions Mosedale Quaker Meeting House and adjoining stables, Quaker Meeting House Alston
The earliest Quaker meeting houses were distinctive for their simple, functional design; built by local craftsmen, they sit modestly in the landscape.
13 Roman Ruins to Visit in England
Remains of Roman Britain can be found everywhere, from walls left in our cities to forts and villas in the countryside.
7 Things You May Not Know About Listing
Mentions RAF Spadeadam: Blue Streak Rocket
The List (of England's heritage assets) is full of wonderful examples of our creativity, innovation and humour.
7 Decades of Listing
Mentions Church of St Mary
The List is a veritable treasure trove of the nation's history. From country homes to tomb stones, clock towers to rollercoasters, pie shops to piers.
The Mysterious Case of the Witch Bottle
Mentions Scarrow Hill
Discover how Bellarmine jugs may have been used to ward off witches for over 300 years
Mentions Cumberland
The Rooswijk was a Dutch East India Company trading ship that sunk in January 1740 on the Goodwin Sands off the Kent coast.
What We Found on a 1740 Shipwreck: Sabres, Silver and Secrets From the Deep
The Rooswijk was a Dutch East India Company trading ship that sunk in January 1740 on the Goodwin Sands off the Kent coast.
Historic England's Science Facility Reopens After Major Refit
Mentions Cumberland
Historic England’s flagship science facility at Fort Cumberland in Portsmouth reopens after year-long refit, marking 75 years of specialist work.
Fantastical 16th-century Wall Paintings Revealed in Cumbrian Tudor Hunting Lodge
Mentions The Ashes, Agricultural ranges, boundary walls and cobbled yard at The Ashes
The rare and unusual Grotesque style paintings feature fantastical beasts and foliage arranged in decorative panels.
Rooswijk Shipwreck Excavation The Post Excavation Phase
Mentions Cumberland
Find out how a team of specialists is researching and conserving the artefacts from the 18th-century shipwreck of the Rooswijk.
The London Wreck: A Kaleidoscope of Specialists, Materials and Artefacts
Mentions Cumberland
Scientific analysis of the finds from the wreck of the London has revealed a wealth of information about life aboard a 17th century Royal Navy Vessel.
Making Waves: Selected Updates from the Rooswijk Project
Mentions Cumberland
Updates on the conservation and investigation of finds from the Rooswijk shipwreck.
The Military Town and Bathhouse of Birdoswald Fort on Hadrian’s Wall
Recent excavation has provided important new understanding of the extramural settlement outside the fort.
Research Reports Roundup to February 2024
Mentions Cumberland
A roundup of new additions to the Historic England Research Reports database and a longer term overview of industrial heritage reports.
Wellbeing and Historic Environment: Why Bother?
Mentions Cumberland
Exploring the relationship between wellbeing and the historic environment.
Historic England Apprenticeships- an Unexpected Opportunity
Mentions Cumberland
Adam Vamplew, Apprentice Historic Environment Research Co-ordinator, explains his role within Historic England's Collaborative Research programmes.
The Origins and Use of Medieval Glazing in England
Mentions Cumberland
Researching window glass from England’s medieval abbeys.
Mapping and Modelling the Historic Landscape
Mentions Cumberland
Historic England Landscape Strategy Adviser Jonathan Last gives an overview of the theme of this issue: managing change at landscape level.
16 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2023
Mentions Cumberland
Take a closer look at the historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2023.
Cumberland'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.
Workington Dock, Workington, Cumbria
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A view of Florence a steamer from Maryport moored at the quay at low tide.
Workington Dock, Workington, Cumbria
Workington Brewery, Ladies Walk, Workington, Cumbria
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Workington Brewery company was founded by John Curwen in 1792.
Workington Brewery, Ladies Walk, Workington, Cumbria
Workington Brewery, Ladies Walk, Workington
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The brewery tower and maltings date from the mid 19th century. The brewery building is an important landscape feature on a hill overlooking the river.
Workington Brewery, Ladies Walk, Workington
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
Whitehaven Castle, Flatt Walks, Whitehaven
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
Whitehaven Castle was built in 1769 by Sir John Lowther as his own house, on the site of an earlier mansion.
Whitehaven Castle, Flatt Walks, Whitehaven
Wetheral Priory Gatehouse, Wetheral, Cumbria
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Wetheral Priory was a Benedictine monastery founded in c1106-12. The gatehouse was built in the 14th century.
Wetheral Priory Gatehouse, Wetheral, Cumbria
Watermill, Caldbeck, Cumbria
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This watermill was built in the early 19th century as a mill for threshing corn and later used as a woollen blanket mill.
Watermill, Caldbeck, Cumbria
Watendlath, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Three huntsmen in hunting clothing taking a break from their duties, lean on a stone wall beside a barn whilst enjoying tea served by the woman to the...
Watendlath, Borrowdale, Cumbria
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Duddon Iron Furnace, Millom Without, Cumbria
Constructed in 1736, this charcoal-fired iron furnace is the oldest of its kind in northern England.
Discover more
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