Supported by the DCMS/ Wolfson foundation museum and Gallery improvement fund
A small taster of what you can see
Why not use the collection search to find out what other objects are in the Social History collection
State Management
Imagine the scene in 1915 - with Carlisle’s bars, pubs, and hotels crammed to the rafters with drunken munitions workers and Irish navvies from the Munitions works in Gretna. In a time of World War and tight national security, explosives and large volumes of alcohol were not a good combination! The government launched state control of all Carlisle’s watering holes and in response. See early pint glasses, syphons and spittoons and the games that were intended to drive men away from hard liquor! Discover an unusual array of pipes and smoking aides of the past in the interactive drawers.
Sport
Sporting passion is part of the very fabric of Carlisle. Items from the terraces of Brunton Park and a Jockey's silks from the racecourse add a splash of vibrant colour to the surroundings. Visitors can witness the splendour of “Robin Hood” a local prize fighting cock. Remnants of sporting achievement are provided by the belt and trophies of champion Cumberland wrestlers.
Made in Carlisle
Generations of Carlisle people have produced tins, textiles, and tyres that have gained international reputations. At Carlisle’s manufacturing peak in 1921 the city was dominated by mills, chimneys, factories, engineering plants, warehouses and rail depots. Swarms of hobnailed employees tramped down cobbled streets at the end of factory shifts, chattering about their day on the production line. See tins from Hudson Scott and Metal Box, printing blocks from Stead McAlpin, a model crane of Cowans Sheldon and a long case clock and gun made in Carlisle. See the very waistcoat worn by the founder of Carr’s John Dodgson Carr and a range of items from Carlisle firms.
Country Life
See the many tools used in country life and the importance of Carlisle as a market town. Carlisle has always been a place where town meets country. Items on display include a barn lamp and huge animal bell. Sheep shears and branding irons also can be spotted in this case.