Walks to explore Carlisle’s industrial past

A walk is to offer people the chance to step back in time and explore Carlisle’s Industrial Revolution.

The walk, which will last about 60 minutes, will take people around Shaddongate, Caldewgate and Willowholme putting featured landmarks in their historical context.

Starting from the Bobbin Coffee Shop, Linton Tweeds on Shaddongate, the route follows the Millrace which was central to the development of local industry, past the Cracker Packers, Carlisle Old Brewery and the site of Shaddongate United Football Club, before rejoining Caldewgate from the back of McVities and heading towards Dixons Chimney through the streets of houses built by Jonathan Carr for his biscuit workers.

Finally heading back to Shaddongate via Milbourne Street, where mill owner Peter Dixon and his family made their home.

Mark Costello from Effective Communities, the group behind the project said: “There is so much interesting history packed into such a small place, much of it at the heart of moving Carlisle from a medieval city to a modern one.

“Before 1750, there was barely anything here, afterwards with the development of the textile industry, the area transformed. There are so many stories to tell about the people and the place. The route we take is accessible and there is also a map available to those who want to discover the area for themselves.”

The walking tours are free, made possible by funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and National Lottery Community Fund. People can turn up on one of the days, however, If you have any special requirements, email [email protected] or call Mark on 07864080596.

Maps are free to collect from a variety of participating venues, including Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Carlisle Library and Shaddongate Resource Centre.

A map is also available to view along with lots of other information, stories and heritage at www.shaddongate.weebly.com