A Cumbrian judge has been appointed as Honorary Recorder for Carlisle.
Judge Nicholas Barker has been appointed by Cumberland Council and will fulfil the role during his tenure as resident circuit judge at Carlisle Combined Court.
Historically, the recorder of a town or city was a legal representative charged with the duties of dispensing justice at the court.
Currently, the role is a purely civic and ceremonial one which carries no formal duties or powers.
The appointment is intended to further the link between the council and the criminal courts by involving the senior sitting judge attending civic affairs and ceremonial events, the authority said.
The motion to appoint the new Honorary Recorder for Carlisle was proposed by Councillor Andy Semple, chair of Cumberland Council, and seconded by Cllr Chris Southward, executive member for digital connectivity and customer focus portfolio holder and mayor of Carlisle.
llr Semple said: “This appointment recognises the important relationship between the judiciary and the council in Cumberland, one that is vital in supporting safer and stronger local communities.
“The role of Honorary Recorder of Carlisle dates back to the early 1600s and it’s wonderful we, as Cumberland Council, in 2025 can help this important tradition continue.”
The request for the appointment came from Christopher Holmes, High Sheriff of Cumbria and was supported by the Hon Mr Justice Julian Goose, the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit.
The last appointment was Judge Paul Batty QC in 2012, who served in the role until 2015.
