About the Carlisle Life Exhibition

Work

Discover the people and products of Carlisle's manufacturing peak. See the workforce pouring out of the factories and imagine the sound of hobnailed boots tramping down cobbled streets. The stories of Carr's biscuits, Hudson-Scott, Stead McAlpin and Cowan Sheldon can all be found in the gallery. Explore the working relationship between town and country. "Hop on board" and discover Carlisle's many forms of transport and why Carlisle was a railway city. Find out which Cumbrian became Britain's first black policeman and see the objects that helped maintain law and order.

Home Life

See how technology has changed domestic routine and practice in the home. Was it all domestic bliss? Learn why housing was built in Denton Holme, Currock, Raffles and Morton. See how family entertainment has evolved from gramophones to Super Nintendos. Handle iconic toys from the last one hundred years. Listen to Carlisle people explaining their domestic experiences and imagine life in the community fifty years ago.

Leisure

See the 1928 Carlisle Pageant in full swing as Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots take centre stage at Bitts Park. Listen to the roar of the terraces at Brunton Park and discover objects and footage relating to wrestling and horse racing. Discover the life of Cumbrian legend John Peel and witness his coat of grey and whips. Find out about Her Majesty's Theatre and the excitement caused by the visits of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Ye ha!