Sense of Place History and Heritage
Cumbria not only has natural scenery and wildlife in abundance, it can also boast a rich and fascinating heritage. Prehistoric stone circles and ring cairns, Anglo-Saxon crosses, Viking treasures, Norman abbeys and churches, maritime relics, medieval guildhalls, elegant houses, statesmen farms and remnants of industrial archaeology can all be found in this diverse county. Discover these hidden treasures of Cumbria to pass onto your customers to tempt them back again and again to explore more of Cumbria's rich heritage.
What you can do
- Provide a selection of books on local history for guests to use.
- Learn how your local landscape has been moulded by human impact - open commons, coppice woodlands, fields, intakes, ‘hushed' valleys, monastic granges, Roman forts and roads, etc.
- Gather information on why your local town/village first developed - availability of drinking water, good grazing, access to lake transport, building stone, etc.
- Delve into the industrial archaeology of your locality to uncover information on mining, smelting, gunpowder manufacture, coppicing, salt making, ship building, etc.
- Provide information on nearby stately homes and gardens, including directions, opening times, facilities, etc.
- Display old photos or maps of region. Maybe you have a few artefacts relating to the industrial or social history of the area that can be put on display.
- Research the history or architecture of your house if it is of particular interest. Display photos, maps and records relevant to your premises.
- Investigate local stories, legends, folktales to recount to your customers if required - Arthurian legends, ghostly goings-on, smuggling tales, etc.
- Find out what famous people were associated with the area. It could be William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter or Donald Campbell, or less well-known figures such as novelist Sir Walter Scott, poet Norman Nicholson or painter Sheila Fell.
- Provide free information sheets on local history and heritage that are relevant to your area.
- Use materials that are sympathetic to the surroundings wherever possible - red sandstone, Lakeland slate, locally sourced timber, etc.
- Offer holidays with special interest themes, such as Lakeland Literature, Roman Rambles, Coppice Crafts or even family history days.
- Find out about local heritage events in your area.
- Enlist the help of local historians or Blue Badge guides to provide illustrated talks or guided walks in your area. Or if you feel sufficiently informed, take visitors yourself to places of local interest.
For more information on Cumbria's history and heritage, try the following websites:
www.golakes.co.uk
www.cumbriatourism.org
www.cumbriapast.com
www.cumbria-industries.org.uk
www.visitcumbria.com
www.solwaycoastaonb.org.uk
www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
www.northpennines.org.uk
www.tulliehouse.co.uk
www.kendalmuseum.org.uk
www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk
www.dockmuseum.org.uk
www.keswickmuseum.webs.com
www.millomfolkmuseum.com
