The most senior judge at Carlisle’s Combined Court has been appointed as the new Honorary Recorder for the city.
His Honour Judge Nicholas Barker has been appointed to the role of Honorary Recorder for Carlisle by Cumberland Council under the Courts Act 1971. He will fulfil the role during his tenure as Resident Circuit Judge at Carlisle Combined Court.
Historically, the Recorder of a town or city was a legal representative charged with the duties of dispensing justice at the court. Currently, the role of Honorary Recorder is a purely civic and ceremonial one which carries no formal duties or powers; however, the appointment is intended to further the link between the council and the criminal courts by involving the senior sitting judge attending civic affairs and ceremonial events.
The motion to appoint the new Honorary Recorder for Carlisle was proposed by Councillor Andy Semple, chair of Cumberland Council, and seconded by Cllr Chris Southward, Executive member for Digital Connectivity and Customer Focus Portfolio Holder and Charter Mayor of Carlisle.
Once the motions were presented, His Honour Judge Barker was invited to subscribe to a Declaration of Acceptance of the Office.
Cllr Semple said: “This appointment recognises the important relationship between the judiciary and the council in Cumberland, one that is vital in supporting safer and stronger local communities. The role of Honorary Recorder of Carlisle dates back to the early 1600s and it’s wonderful we, as Cumberland Council, in 2025 can help this important tradition continue.”
The request for the appointment came from Christopher Holmes DL, High Sheriff of Cumbria and was supported by the Hon. Mr Justice Julian Goose the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit.
Mr Holmes said: "I am delighted that Cumbria's senior judge, Nicholas Barker, has been appointed by Cumberland Council as Honorary Recorder of the city of Carlisle, a role that now is mostly ceremonial and dates back even earlier than the charter given to Carlisle by Charles I in 1638. This historic appointment further strengthens the relationship between the council the community and the judiciary."
It is the first such appointment made by Cumberland Council, however, the role dates back to the early 1600s. The last appointment was HH Judge Paul Batty QC in 2012 who served in the role until 2015.