Today 26th February, David Ramshaw, writer, publisher and local historian joined us at Prism Arts, Carlisle where we met up again with participants from the Creative Conversations group. David told us about transport in the early part of the 19th Century as part of our research in uncovering the history of Carlisle's Textile Industry. We learned that factories in Carlisle were powered by water initially - there was a large furnace for example under Dixon's Chimney turning water into steam and energy to power the factory. This was the biggest in Europe at the time. Although as we know from our research into Whitehaven and the Lowther family there was plenty coal in West Cumbria, there was no way then of bringing this to Carlisle's factories - roads were poor and pack horses were used to carry goods relevant to local trade. This problem had been resolved in other parts of Britain by the use of canals. A plan in 1795 looked at building a...
Our banner suspended in Carlisle Library Our personal coats of arms displayed in Carlisle Library We all signed our names to go on the reverse of our banner As from the 24th September, our banner and our work forms part of an exhibition in Carlisle Library, celebrating the end of a year long project involving our school, Studio Arts and Creative Conversations groups from Prism Arts and Upperby Primary School. The exhibition continues until 6th January, 2020 and represents our creative response to our journey in learning about our local textile industry. The project was made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Jacqui Ridley Artist & Creative Practitioner jacquiridleyart.co.uk 07928444814
The Courtyard at Lowther Castle On a snowy winter’s day, we travelled from school to Lowther Castle and met the Creative Conversations group again. Cassie gave a short talk about the history of the Castle and Lowther family. She told us that the Lowther family has been on-site since as early as the 12 th century. A man named Dolfin, who is believed to be of Viking descent was the first to build on this land in 1150. He chose the area for its beauty and wildlife. The name Lowther comes from Old Norse meaning ‘foaming river’. The building was then renovated and improved in 1691, making it Lowther Hall. This was a much grander home with beautiful gardens to compliment it. Unfortunately, the building did not last long as it burnt down in 1718 due to the chimneys not being swept. It remained a charred shell and when the then owner Richard Lowther died in 1751 without an heir, the estates passed to his cousin James Lowther (known as Wicked Jimmy), which included the coal fiel...
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