Industrial History of Cumbria

Welcome to this guide to industrial activity in Cumbria during the centuries up to the present day.

Many of these industries continue in the 21st Century, but this guide concentrates on explaining what went before, mostly through the evidence of remains that exist today.

Each entry in the A-Z list of industries links to an article on that subject. Each of these articles is followed by suggestions for site visits, further reading, links to relevant websites and specific examples of that industry in action.

Much of the content has previously appeared in print elsewhere, particularly in the publications of the Cumbria Industrial History Society, the Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society, and the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society. Follow the links to find out more about them.

What's new? For the latest updates see:

• A guide to the Chemical Industries of Cumbria (May 2008)
• An article on the manufacture of cordite in "the biggest factory in the world" (August 2008)
• A new article on airfields and aviation in Cumbria (September 2008)
• With a link to a short history of Walney Airfield near Barrow-in-Furness (Sept 2008)
• Aerial photos added to Ports and Harbours (October 2008)
• A new article on Kendal carriers (February 2009)
• An 18th century list of woodland work (March 2009)
• A personal memory of Natland Mill Beck Mill (April 2009)
• A guide to one of Cumbria's major industries - the making of Iron and Steel (June 2009)
• With figures showing the phenomenal 19th century rise in output  (August 2009)
• An article on the Rowrah and Kelton Fell Railway in West Cumbria (September 2009)
• A look at Defence and its effect on the industries of Cumbria (November 2009)
• The Cumbria Industrial History Society's programme for 2010 (January 2010)

If you have any comments to make on the content of the guide so far, and contributions or ideas for its development please e-mail mbarb@freenetname.co.uk.

General enquiries about the industrial history of Cumbria, or specific requests for information, should be directed to lowludderburn@btinternet.com.

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