Carlisle Archive Centre

Facilites

This centre provides:

• 4 public access computers
• a brief 'look-ups' of a limited selection of useful websites containing local sources, including CASCAT, Ancestry and Find My Past
• toilets
• a refreshment area
• copying facilities
• wheelchair access and hearing loop
• assistance with family history from Cumbria Family History Society each Wednesday, 10.00am to 12.00pm
• free parking onsite

Cumbria Family History Society

The Cumbria Family History Society also offers free assistance at drop in sessions each Wednesday 10.00am to 12.00pm.

For information read the Cumbria Family History Society website.

Sources available at this archive centre

Original documents from the 12th century to the present day, relating to the part of the historic county of Cumberland which is north of the River Derwent.

The areas around Carlisle, Keswick, Penrith and Maryport are amongst those for which material is available. These include:

• Church of England parishes
• nonconformist churches
• local authorities
• Diocese of Carlisle
• Dean and Chapter of Carlisle Cathedral
• schools
• businesses and industries
• families and landed estates Civil parishes
• solicitors
• societies
• official records

Local studies library

The Local Studies Library contains an important collection of books, illustrations, journals, reports and other printed and original materials relating to all aspects of life in Whitehaven and West Cumbria up to the present day.

Other material available at this centre:

• International Genealogical Index (IGI) for the northern counties
• Census returns 1841 to 1901 for Cumberland
• 1881 census transcript and index to Cumberland, Westmorland and the Isle of Man
• Newspapers on microfilm only (Carlisle Patriot 1815 to 1910 and Penrith Observer 1861 to 1906)
• Ordnance Survey maps, Probate records 1564 to 1941
• Trade Directories Many of these records are available on microfilm or fiche.

Book a visit

Book a visit to Carlisle Archives (for original documents only)

Sign up for an Archive Card

If you want to see original archives you will need to obtain or already have a valid Archives Card.

Make an order in advance

There are a number of records that require prior ordering before visiting this archive centre.

For more information on which collections these are, read our prior ordering page on the Cumbria archives website.

Deposit records

If you would like to deposit or donate records, before you visit you'll need to read our depositing records page on the Cumbria archives website.

Meeting rooms, conference and exhibition hire

You will need to contact us to hire a space.

Carlisle Archive Centre
Telephone: 01228 227284
Email:  carlisle.archives@cumberland.gov.uk

How to get here

The nearest main line railway station is Carlisle which is 2 miles from the Archive Centre.

There is a taxi rank opposite the railway station with fare from railway station approximately £5. Ask for Carlisle Archives at Lady Gillford's House.

You can get the Stagecoach bus 61 and 61A from Harraby to Morton Park or Morton West which stops on London Road near Aldi, 3 buses per hour each. London Road stop is 5 minute walk to Archive Centre.

The 104 bus from Carlisle to Penrith, which stops outside Archive Centre; 2 buses per hour. All stop near Carlisle train station.

There's free parking onsite.