A Carlisle monument has been successfully relocated to the city’s railway station.
Lawson’s Monument has now been returned to its original home at Court Square.
The Sir Wilfrid Lawson memorial fountain was presented to the city in 1861in honour of its former MP, who represented Carlisle twice.
The fountain was moved in 1936, said Cumberland Council, for the construction of underground public toilets and remained at Stony Holme since then.
It has now been brought back to its original site as part of the £40.5 million Carlisle Station Gateway Project.
The Carlisle Station Gateway Project is supported by £27 million from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, funded by the UK and Scottish governments.
Further support was confirmed in December when the Department for Transport allocated £13.504 million to Network Rail as a capped contribution to the partnership project with Cumberland Council.
The funding extends the project’s overall budget and enables key elements to move forward including station accessibility improvements and interior work.
And from Wednesday, February 18, barriers will be installed around The Historic Well, discovered during excavation works near the Citadel in January last year.
The pavement will be temporarily closed while improvement work takes place, with a signed diversion for pedestrians.
The Historic Well is set to be incorporated into the final pavement design, allowing pedestrians to view this newly uncovered historic feature, along with interpretation that will explain its history.
Works in this area are scheduled to finish in early next month, subject to site and weather conditions, with bus stops on English Street expected to reopen when the work is completed.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “Lawson’s Monument is a special part of Carlisle’s heritage, and it is fantastic to see it returned to its original setting in Court Square.
“This is a beautiful piece of our city’s history, and its relocation is an exciting symbol of the wider transformation taking place.
“The Carlisle Station Gateway Project will dramatically improve how people experience our city, creating cleaner, greener, better‑connected spaces for everyone.
“I would like to thank Cumberland Council’s project team, for their determination in making this possible and Story Contracting Ltd and their staff for their professionalism and care in delivering the complex move safely and successfully.”
Cumberland Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: “This is very exciting news for Carlisle.
“Lawson’s Monument has been part of our city’s story for almost two centuries, and its return to Court Square brings that history back into the daily life of the city.
“The area has always been an important place for our community, and the recent discovery of the historic well adds another fascinating chapter to that story.
“These finds remind us that Carlisle’s heritage is all around us, often right beneath our feet. By integrating these historic features into our modern spaces, we’re making sure they can be enjoyed, appreciated and celebrated by everyone for years to come.”
