A Carlisle charity is starting 2026 with a special fundraising event as part of its work to reopen the city’s Victorian & Turkish Baths.
The event – a talk by Chester Forster – focuses on Sir John Laing.
A remarkable man and possibly Carlisle’s greatest son, he created one of the greatest firms to emerge from the city.
Born in Carlisle in 1879, John William Laing went from a jobbing builder to running a flourishing building firm which became the largest construction company in Europe.
Laing was involved with numerous projects including construction of the landing platforms known as Mulberry Harbours, used on D-Day, the new Coventry Cathedral, the British Library, as well as housing estates, shopping centres and working on the country’s first major motorway.
Laing was among the first employers to grant paid holidays, company pensions, and introduce methods that would later become the industry standard.
Mary Galashan, events organiser for the Friends, said “Chester approached us offering to deliver a talk as a fundraising event.
“He is an expert on the history of John Laing and the venue for the talk, Hebron Hall on Botchergate, is one of many around the city built by the firm.
“Since we began our campaign to save Carlisle’s historic baths, we have become fascinated by the city’s heritage, and the people who helped to develop and construct our Border City over the years.
“This talk offers an opportunity to discover more about Carlisle’s history, as well as supporting our fundraising efforts as we work to reopen the North West’s last
remaining Victorian Turkish Baths.”
The talk will take place at the Hebron Evangelical Church, 98 Botchergate on Saturday January 17, 2pm to 4pm. Tickets cost £6, and are available at
carlislebaths.co.uk/product/laing-and-son-talk/
