A collection of rare photographs from Carlisle’s past have been unearthed by Cumbria County Council after more than a century.
The photos were re-discovered by volunteers who are helping the county council complete the mammoth task of re-packaging millions of historical documents before they are moved from Carlisle Castle to a new, purpose-built Archives Centre at Petteril Bank House - the former home of Lady Mary Gillford.
The photos, which all date from turn of the 20th century, show the historic property and the people interwoven in its past as they were then.
In one scene, members of the Upperby Parish Boys' Brigade are shown with Revd. Henry Lonsdale in front of the house's southern elevation. In another the building's most famous resident , Lady Gilford, is shown.
The county council's archives service is due to move to its new home at Petteril Bank House in 2010, with building work on the site expected to start later this year.
The scheme is being paid for in part through a £4.79 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant - the largest grant the fund has ever awarded in Cumbria - and will give a new lease of life to the listed stately home which has lain empty for several years.
The new, high-tech archive, exhibition and research centre will service the needs of people in North Cumbria and beyond as well as bringing much needed investment back to one of the more deprived areas of the county.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member responsible for the county's archives service, said: "These photographs provide a fascinating glimpse into Carlisle's past.
"It is particularly pleasing that they have been re-discovered as part of this major project to open up North Cumbria’s historical gems to more people.
"The new facility at Petteril Bank House will include spacious rooms where people can research historical records in comfort and provide cultural community activities for local people of all ages."
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Notes
The picture shows Petteril Bank House 1909. For more pictures and info, and media enquiries, contact Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337.