A prominent local historian will take people on a 2,000-year journey through the history and landscapes of Cartmel and Morecambe Bay at an event in the village on Friday.
Dr Alan Crosby, a well-known North West historian, writer, editor, and lecturer is the guest speaker at this year’s Cartmel Village Society Annual Lecture.
Dr Crosby’s lecture – Cartmel and Morecambe Bay: Perspectives on history and landscapes – will look at how the Bay, and specifically the Cartmel peninsula as the keystone of the curved northern shore, has helped shape the area’s local economy, transport infrastructure, social and commercial ties, and ever-growing visitor market.
He will also look at how travellers and writers from outside the area have viewed the Bay and its landscapes. All accompanied by maps and photographs to add rich illustrations of the ‘Land of Cartmel’.
Dr Crosby has given several talks on a wide range of subjects in Cartmel including Cartmel from 1550 to 1800 just before the first lockdown in March 2020. Like many people, he had to take his talks online during the last 18 months, but is relishing being in front of a live Cartmel audience again.
He said: “I’ve found Zoom talks and lectures have worked very well, but there’s nothing like talking to real people. I really value the interaction of the audience questions at the end and from the questions I pose to them. Cartmel events always produce really good feedback and I think it helps that I live ‘south of the bay’ because it gives me a different perspective on the history of the Cartmel peninsula.
“I’m always tremendously impressed by the sheer quantity and diversity of local history research that goes on in and around Cartmel, and I draw upon that in my own work. I hope people at the lecture will take away perspectives on the history of Cartmel and its place on the north shore of the Bay that they might never have considered before.”
Dr Alan Crosby has been giving talks to local history and family history organisations for over 40 years, as well as lectures for the Regional Heritage Centre at Lancaster University. He also speaks at conferences and in day schools across the Northwest, from Cheshire up to the Scottish Borders.
Mike Gibbons, chair and trustee of Cartmel Village Society, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Alan back to the village for our popular annual lecture. His talks are always hugely interesting, insightful, and immersing, and we’re sure this one will again throw up some fascinating pieces of information about our wonderful village.”
Cartmel Village Society’s Annual Lecture, Cartmel and Morecambe Bay: Perspectives on history and landscapes by Dr Alan Crosby, takes place at Cartmel Village Hall at 7pm on Friday December 3.
Admission and refreshments are free, but places will be limited so pre-registration is advised by emailing [email protected] or by texting 07929 833528.
