In the Olden Time, by the Park and the Circus

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This card is an image take from 'Carlisle In The Olden Time' by M.E. Nutter printed in the early 19th C.

There was at this time buildings attached to the Cathedral, which when added to the wall in the picture prevented a good view of the outside of the East Window.

This is a view of the Town Hall in 1780, the most obvious difference from todays view is that the fan steps have been replaced.

Whilst the Town Hall belonged to the city, the shops below were private property, which, the author says prevented the demolition of this building and its being replaced by a more fitting building.

The English Gate was not between the two Citadels but on the West Walls about 100-150 yards further on. It was demolished in 1811 and its foundations removed in 1817.

The Gaol is probably the one built in 1688.



The Carel Cross of 1682, meeting place, symbol of authority and a place to rest weary legs. It was here the Rudd women used to sell their pieces of sandstones use for colouring steps an window sills. Around its steps the market used to be held and the farm hirings took place.

If you look on the steps you will find an arrow, this signifies it is government property just as the arrows on prison clothing denoted they too were government property.


A View of the bandstand in Victoria Park in the 1900s. the first concert was in 1894 and it was demolished in 1957.



The circus comes to town. Sangers visited Carlisle in 1865, but I think this is a later image of a circus around 1890, perhaps they revisited the city.


Posted in 1905 this card shows a winter scene on The Avenue. All are well wrapped up against the cold.