Cumbria County Council
Cumbria Archive Service Annual Report 2012 - 2013
Serving the people of Cumbria cumbria.gov.uk/archives The archives are Cumbria’s collective memory, providing authoritative evidence to help people solve problems and find out the truth. Archives encourage pride in individual and community identities, and bring our past alive as our frame of reference for the present and future.
This has been the 50th anniversary year of the Archive Service, a time for reflection on how far we have come since 1962 when we gathered in the first archives (including the nationally important Lowther archive) and welcomed 337 visitors. Now we deal with over 100,000 enquiries every year, and care for over 11 miles of historic documents. These give us an unrivalled insight Cumbria’s archives are into the historical here for everyone, a unique, development of places throughout Cumbria, exciting and inspiring and the daily lives of resource that can help both important and everyone explore and ordinary people, offering us a fascinating appreciate what is so special immediacy and personal about Cumbria, its people and connection with past places. events and previous generations.
Contents:
1 Executive summary
2-5 Focus on our customers
6-7 Lead an independent anf healthy life
8-10 A great place to be a child and grow up in
11-14 Partnerships
15-16 Reengineer services
17-18 Appendix A Acknowledgments
19-21 Appendix B Key Accessions
22 Appendix C Key Catalogues
23-24 Appendix D Performance Cumbria County Council
Archives satisfy our natural thirst for knowledge, as well as building skills and confidence.
Serving the people of Cumbria cumbria.gov.uk/archives Centres:
Barrow Carlisle Kendal Whitehaven
There was nationwide interest in the centenary Much attention in 2012 was focused on Queen of the sinking of RMS Titanic on 15th April 1912, Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. One story from and 564 children from 14 schools participated Whitehaven Archives sparked national interest in archives learning events in all four archive – the unrolling of a “monster petition” (all 85 feet centres investigating the tragedy and its enduring of it) signed in May 1897 by 1,600 Workington impact. residents calling for a celebration route for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Brochure for Carrs Biscuits of Carlisle, Whitehaven staff in 1952 including “White Star” biscuits supplied to the costume Titanic (ref DB 45)
Model of the Titanic used in school groups Unrolling the monster petition from Workington, 1897 (ref SMBWO 1/12/1)
2012 2012 APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Carlisle Archive Centre
Cockermouth
Workington Whitehaven Archive Centre Appleby
Buttermere
Wasdale Head
Seascale
Kendal Archive Centre
Sedbergh
Millom
Barrow Archive Centre Executive Summary
Cumbria’s archives are here for everyone, a unique, exciting and inspiring resource that can help everyone explore and appreciate what is so special about Cumbria, its people and places.
Archives are profoundly important for insight into the historical development learning. They capture the imaginations of places throughout Cumbria, and of young people, inspiring them to take the daily lives of both important and an interest in their surroundings. For adult ordinary people, offering us a fascinating learners, archives satisfy our natural thirst immediacy and personal connection with for knowledge, as well as building skills past events and previous generations. and confidence. It is noticeable this year that the Service is The archives are Cumbria’s collective still changing and developing, embracing memory, providing authoritative evidence electronic service delivery, and aiming to help people solve problems and find to increase audiences in new and out the truth. Archives encourage pride imaginative ways. Inevitably a report of in individual and community identities, this kind picks out only a few highlights and bring our past alive as our frame of from the year, but I would like to thank all reference for the present and future. our very dedicated staff and enthusiastic volunteers for their fantastic contribution This has been the 50th anniversary year to making Cumbria’s archival heritage of the Archive Service, a time for reflection accessible. on how far we have come since 1962 when we gathered in the first archives Thanks also to Friends of Cumbria (including the nationally important Lowther Archives and the Curwen and Kirby Trusts archive) and welcomed 337 visitors. Now for covering the costs of producing this we deal with over 100,000 enquiries every Annual Report. year, and care for over 11 miles of historic documents. These give us an unrivalled Anne Rowe, County Archivist
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 1 County Cumbria Council
Focus on our customers Archives are for Archives are for everyone, and our key aim is to engage as many people as possible in using the collections. Researchers love undertaking the intriguing and challenging detective process of piecing together evidence from lots of different documents to compile a family history or investigate local history. We have decades of Everyone experience of supporting individual research whether first time visitors or academic historians and regular customer surveys show how well we do this (see Appendix D). Amongst the more unusual enquiries we have received this year are: the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers; Joseph Threlfall, slave ship captain; the Cumbrian antecedents of William Hogarth, the painter; and the history of airship sheds.
The Service continues to be well used fire in 1957 for a documentary into the by volunteers from the Cumbria County relationship between the Japanese History Trust who are researching the and British nuclear industries. This was history of local parishes and townships broadcast as a prime time documentary to compile the Victoria County History of in March to commemorate the 2nd Cumbria. As work progresses, the website anniversary of the Fukishima incident. of this collaborative community project will Staff contributed regular interviews to become a major online resource for the Radio Cumbria on topics as diverse as history of the county. Christmas in the Workhouse, handwriting, (www.cumbriacountyhistory.org.uk/). the Westmorland Home Guard, Victorian crime, house history, and Piel Island. We recognise that in-depth research Last, but by no means least, we tried is not for everyone, but there is plenty valiantly to answer the question posed by of evidence of a widespread interest in The Daily Mail about whether there had history, so we are increasingly exploring ever been a law allowing Whitehaven ways of making archives and historical women to go about bare-breasted. information available to a much wider audience. We want to help people enjoy Much attention in 2012 was focused on their heritage and understand why Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, and Cumbria is the very special place it is we were able to publicise many records today. about royal connections with Cumbria. One story from Whitehaven Archives Many media stories rely on archival sparked national interest – the unrolling evidence. This year, we have provided of a “monster petition” (all 85 feet of it) information to the BBC for a feature on the signed in May 1897 by 1,600 Workington northern English roots of US Presidential residents calling for a celebration route for candidate, Mitt Romney. The Japanese Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. And National Television Company (NHK) Whitehaven staff looked splendid in their visited Whitehaven to film newspapers 1952 outfits when they hosted the Right and reports relating to the Windscale Royal Occasion Tea Party!
2 Serving the people of Cumbria Archives are for Everyone
Interpretation and exhibitions use the archives to explore local topics and people. We aim to provide displays of archives in all our sites, external venues and on our website to showcase the fantastic range of sources which we care for. All four archive centres presented A new “Knight of Piel” is created by sitting in an ancient chair, wearing a helmet while alcohol is poured over their head. the exhibition “Treasures of the Archives” (ref Z3579/3) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Archive Service.
...
Whitehaven staff in 1952 Unrolling the monster petition from Workington, 1897 costume (ref SMBWO 1/12/1)
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 3 County Cumbria Council
The online display of 18th and 19th century Valentine cards provided a feel good factor for the BBC and local newspapers on 14th February. Successful and well-attended local history exhibitions were mounted in the villages of Arnside and Burton-in-Kendal.
Lady Gillford’s House, part of the Carlisle Archive Centre provides the best facilities we have for exhibiting archives. A wide range of events was organised throughout the year. An exhibition entitled “Cumbria’s Hidden Heritage” about connections to the Transatlantic slave trade and the history of Black African and Asian people in Cumbria was opened by Peter Foley, one of Britain’s first black professional footballers. The display on Kathleen Ferrier, Coat of arms of Ceorge Clifford, 3rd Earl of (1912-1953) the English singer who won Cumberland 1558-1605 (ref WDHOTH 1/14) the Carlisle Festival competition in 1937 was largely prepared by volunteers and coincided with the Carlisle Music Festival.
A Twitter account was launched for the Archive Service @CumbriaArchives All these activities to make archives accessible would not be possible without the underlying work to rescue, acquire, preserve, catalogue and digitise the collections. The key archives added to the collections this year are noted in Appendix B and the main cataloguing work features in Appendix C.
A less than complimentary Valentine card 1863 (ref WDTE/Box15/9)
4 Serving the people of Cumbria Treasures of the Archives
Kathleen Ferrier in concert (exhibition)
Panoramic view of the docks in Barrow-in-Furness, 1881 (ref Z558)
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 5 County Cumbria Council
Lead an independent and healthy life
Archival research provides a stimulating, educational and enjoyable way of keeping the mind active and learning new skills. Activities using archives can support older people to prevent health problems and contribute to recovery or enhanced quality of life. Many people volunteer their time in the archive centres, and make a valuable contribution towards local communities by enhancing access to archives.
In June, at the time of the Queen’s Jubilee for conservation treatment, cleaning Celebrations, Carlisle Archives hosted a glass plate negatives, compiling marriage Tea and Tiara Party in partnership with indexes, cataloguing, researching the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and two outreach projects and indexing local youth volunteering projects. Fifty nine newspapers from 1914-1918 in guests and twenty volunteers enjoyed an preparation for the centenary of World afternoon with reminiscence opportunities, War I. 1950s music and a Queen Elizabeth Quiz. The Dementia Support Manager This work really makes a difference told us, “It was a marvellous event, our and we are extremely grateful for our clients and carers were so appreciative of volunteers’ generosity and enthusiasm. the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of They tell us they also benefit from the entertainment in such a wonderful venue. social contact, chance to learn about the They all want to know when the next event collections, and the sense of satisfaction will be!” which comes from completing useful projects. Occasionally, volunteering has a Other work to support dementia sufferers really life-changing impact, and we were included the use of shopping records as delighted to hear that the experience reminiscence tools, and regular Singing in the Archive Centre had helped one for the Brain sessions in one of the of our volunteers overcome a difficulty community rooms in Carlisle Archives. with meeting other people and leaving Throughout the year, about 80 volunteers the house to go on to achieve a place support the Archive Centres in a variety at university. “It certainly wouldn’t have of ways which helps staff to preserve happened if you had not helped build up the documents and increase access to his confidence when he needed it most”. them (see Appendix A). Amongst the very Another volunteer used their experience valuable work done was repackaging with us to secure employment with another plans and photographs, re-boxing part archive service. Volunteering has proved of the strongroom in Carlisle, sorting to have a mutually positive impact, and and flattening Ordnance Survey maps, we look forward to developing future transcribing diaries, preparing documents opportunities.
6 Serving the people of Cumbria Many people volunteer in the archive centres and make a valuable contribution towards local communities.
A volunteer in Conservation.
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 7 County Cumbria Council
A great place to be a child and grow up in
Archives are profoundly important for learning. They capture the imaginations of young people, inspiring them to take an interest in their surroundings. Staff on all sites work closely with schools to provide resources to support teaching, illustrate the significance of national events for Cumbria, and help children learn about their own communities.
Our work with schools this year has The sessions were certainly well received explored very varied topics from diverse by schools. Cockermouth school historical periods, including Victorian commented “The pupils were full of criminals, the poor law, public health, the praise and positive comments about the slave trade, family history, smallpox, early resources and the work you presented. travellers to the Lakes, industrial heritage, It really helped the kids see the local convicts and transportation. significance of that part of history”. And North Lakes School in Penrith fed back, There was nationwide interest in the “What a fantastic morning we have just centenary of the sinking of RMS Titanic spent at the Archives. The interactive on 15th April 1912, and 564 children session on the Ismay family was amazing from 14 schools participated in archives – the children learned so much from it. learning events in all four archive centres You laid on such a feast of delights for the investigating the tragedy and its enduring children, we very much value the links we impact. The children learnt what Cumbria have forged with the Archives and look was like at the time of the accident. There forward to working together again”. were several Cumbrian connections, not least the presence on board of Bruce Children also benefit from individual study Ismay, Head of the White Star Line and using the archives. A mother of an ‘A’ son of Thomas Henry Ismay who was Level pupil at St Benedict’s in Whitehaven born into a shipbuilding family in Maryport. said her daughter had gone up two grades Bruce was much criticised for escaping in history after researching her coursework in a life boat when nearly 1,500 people at the Archive Centre. died, an interesting moral dilemma for the children to consider. At least two Many of the school children using Cumbrians were aboard the ‘Titanic’ when the Carlisle Centre also visited the it sank - Joseph Bell, the Chief Engineer Conservation Laboratory to see the from Farlam, and Mrs Marion Meanwell importance of science and craftsmanship from Millom. in the actual preservation of the collections, an interesting new perspective in our educational offer.
8 Serving the people of Cumbria Brochure for Carrs Biscuits of Carlisle, including “White Star” biscuits supplied to the Titanic (ref DB 45)
Kendal Police mugshot album showing John TH Ismay of Maryport, owner of the Medcalf late 19th century (ref WSCONS 10/2) White Star Shipping Line (ref DCR 26a)
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 9 County Cumbria Council
We realise the importance of creativity in engaging schoolchildren to learn using the archive collections. Carlisle have pioneered a series of informative, interactive workshops using shadow puppets and marionettes as well as original documents to explore the lives of people during Tudor and Victorian times and World War II. These proved to be very popular, booked to capacity by 15 schools and 1,148 pupils. Model of the Titanic used in school groups We also worked with trainee teachers to alert them to the value of archives in bringing history to life for children, and students from the University of Cumbria and West Lakes College took advantage of this throughout the year.
Across the county, we engaged with 113 school visits and 2,724 children this year, an attendance increase of 94% on 2011-2012. The very positive, excited reaction we see from both children and teachers when they are using the archive collections to learn makes these activities School child studying an archive document. a priority for the future.
We engaged with 113 school visits and 2,724 children this year, an attendance increase of 94% on 2011-2012.
10 Serving the people of Cumbria Partnerships
Where possible, we work with other partners to enhance our service delivery. In particular, we have a longstanding track record for bringing in external funding to develop new ways of delivering services - in the last 8 years we have drawn in nearly £5.5m to support the archive service.
On 17th September 2012, the Chairman of Cumbria County Council hosted a joint birthday party to mark the 50th anniversary of Cumbria Archive Service and 21st birthday of Friends of Cumbria Archives (FOCAS).
The creation of the Joint Archives Committee for the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland and the City of Carlisle pioneered a partnership approach for archives right from the start with two record offices in Carlisle and Kendal in 1962. In April 1974, the newly created county council of Cumbria inherited Mr Norman Clarkson, Chairman of Cumbria a single archive organisation and County Council, cutting our 50th birthday cake announced its ambition to enhance local service delivery by setting up branch offices in the Furness District and West Cumbria. This was achieved with the creation of record offices in Barrow in Furness (1979) and in Whitehaven (1996). The provision of local access right around the county is the key reason why Cumbria is currently the fourth busiest archive service for visiting researchers amongst English counties.
Bruce Jones, first County Archivist, in Carlisle (1964) sorting out the archives, “the elaborate game of fitting a quart into a pint pot”
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 11 County Cumbria Council
The Archive Service has seen an We are grateful for the moral and financial enormous amount of change during its first support FOCAS have contributed over the half century. It started life in 1962 with 3 years. archivists and 1 assistant dealing with 337 researchers but by 2012 had a staff of 33 We have been successful this year in people receiving nearly 100,000 enquiries obtaining grant funding to enhance the annually about the archive collections. The collections and improve access to them Archive Service has secured the donation through cataloguing and outreach. A and deposit of a very rich documentary Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £185,000 heritage from every corner of the county. enabled the purchase of the archive of In recent years, it has embraced the use Alfred Wainwright (1907-1991), pioneering of new technology to offer different ways author of the Pictorial Guides to the Lake of accessing collections. The service District. The grant is also paying for an started to use computerised accession archivist and outreach expert to catalogue registers in 1991, and now adds about the documents and develop their use for a 50,000 new catalogue entries per year to range of outreach activities. the on-line archive catalogue (CASCAT), which is searchable over the internet. A The Wainwright Society generously service to digitise archives was introduced raised the funds (£8,600) to purchase an in 2009 and one key ambition is to create additional original notebook and annotated a significant content of digital images on- maps which gave a fresh insight into line. Wainwright’s methods of researching and writing his books. Items from the The Friends of Cumbria Archives, an archive were exhibited for 250 members independent charity was set up in of the Wainwright Society during their 1991 “to encourage and promote the annual lecture and weekend at Rheged in care of Cumbria’s archival inheritance November. by supporting the work of the Archive Service”. It provides a voice for people A grant of £30,930 was obtained from the who care about and use the county’s National Cataloguing Grants Programme archive collections. FOCAS has for Archives supported by £1,628 part provided useful feedback to the Archive funding from the Kirby Archives Trust Service on behalf of service users, and to employ a Project Archivist for a year influential comment on bigger issues to catalogue two exceptional business such as proposed local government collections in Barrow Archives – the Millom reorganisations. FOCAS have also made and Askam Hematite Iron Company regular donations to the Archive Service Ltd 1873-1969 and Hodbarrow Mining to help purchase documents at risk, fund Company 1855-1973. equipment for improved public access, and encourage schools to visit the archive centre. An excellent Newsletter promotes information about the collections and the activities of the service to its membership.
12 Serving the people of Cumbria WINTER 2012 Groundbreaking new events round off FOCAS 21st Anniversary It’s been a breathtaking year for FOCAS as members have celebrated our 21st Anniversary with events as varied as special archive previews and a concert of 18th Century “West Gallery Music.” The AGM, held in Carlisle also attracted a lot of attention with our Patron, Sir James Cropper and President, Lord Inglewood, both giving presentations on their own per- sonal family Archives and documents Two visits to archives were dis- appoingtly attended although FOCAS AGM attendees, from the left: they were much enjoyed by Merry Christmas and a happy Rob David, Chairman, Jim Gris- those who turned up on the day enthwaite assistant director Cumbria The first at the Border Regiment New Year - a time for renewal CC Local Services, Mary Wane Vice Museum in Carlisle Castle saw a We are fast approaching 2013 and I need President, Sir James Cropper, Pa- vast range of largely unexplored to ask those members who wish to renew tron, Anne Rowe County Archivist, material on display while the their membership – and we certainly hope and Lord Inglewood, President second to preview the extensive that this applies to all existing members – to Stop press Alfred Wainwright Archive at complete a renewal form. This is attached David Bowcock, assistant county archivist at Kendal Archive gave an insight together with a Standing Order Mandate Carlisle has had to take long-term sick leave. into the man who has become form, for those who wish to take up this We wish David a full and speedy recovery. synonymous with the Lake Dis- facility. If you do wish to do this please In the meantime Carlisle Map Room will close trict. complete ALL sections of the form marked for lunch at 12.30 until 1.15. By far the most adventurous pro- with an asterisk*. If you wish to Gift Aid ject was the concert of West gal- your subscription, and have not completed lery music at Jesus Church, a previous form, then we would be delight- BELL PRATT, 101 Troutbeck where almost 100 ed if you could complete the Gift Aid Decla- It is with sadness that we have to people listened to music, read- ration form. Gift Aid allows us to claim an record the death of our oldest ings and hymns as they were extra 25p on every £ of your subscription . member Mr. Bell Pratt at the ven- sung over 200 years ago. I look forward to receiving lots of renewal erable age of 101. It is two years Thanks to the untiring work of forms, but please do not hesitate to contact since Bell burst into print for the member Ian Jones, the event me if you have any queries. With very best first time with his book Memories was a great success and he wishes for a joyful and peaceful Christmas at 100 years of age. even arranged for perfect au- and happy New Year. Lorna Mullett. Hon He was the archivist for the Meth- tumn weather to round off a Treasurer and Membership Secretary odist Church in Cumbria and was great day. responsible for the deposit of much Methodist material in the YOUR CHANCE TO WIN LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS four archive offices. Until shortly Don’t miss this great before his death he could regularly chance to win any of seen walking into Kendal for lunch. four local interest Bell was born and brought up in books from Amber- Grisdale near Sedbergh and his ley Publishing.See book described his working life, life back page together in the army and helping out on the with reviews and 30 farm. He was a lay preacher for 70 percent off offer to years. FOCAS members
FOCAS Newsletter
Project Archivist at work
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 13 County Cumbria Council
British Nuclear Fuels Ltd Legacy Trust have funded the Sellafield Stories Project with £250,000. The archive of 100 fascinating oral history interviews recording the contrasting views for and against Sellafield of a wide range of people with varying connections with the nuclear site was opened by the Chairman of the County Council at Whitehaven Archives in May. Highlights from the archive are also available to listen to online (www.sellafieldstories.org.uk).
We were able to help Keswick Museum overcome a major problem by storing their collections temporarily (on a fee-paying basis) in some of the accrual space in the new Carlisle Archives while the Museum is refurbished. Lady Anne Clifford’s Great Books of Record, 1649-1676 (ref WDCAT Vol 3)
It was particularly pleasing this year to participate in some joint exhibitions with other heritage organisations. Kendal Archives loaned the third volume of Lady Anne Clifford’s Great Books of Record (1649-1676) to Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal to coincide with an exhibition of the Great Triptych there, and a lecture by Dr Jessica Malay, University of Huddersfield on the relevance of these sources to Lady Anne’s legacy. Barrow contributed three sketchbooks of the artist, George Romney (c1775) to an exhibition at Kendal Museum and Carlisle provided digital images and research for the major exhibition on Georgian Carlisle at Tullie House Museum. These collaborations always provide a fuller explanation and greater learning experience for the visiting Romney sketchbook c1775 audiences. (ref Z241)
14 Serving the people of Cumbria Reengineer services to find new and more efficient and effective ways of doing things
We aim to make the best use of information technology to make our services available 24/7, support worldwide access to archive collections, and help visiting researchers get the best out of their experience.
We added significantly to the content of We also started work with The National the online catalogue (CASCAT) during Archives to install the appropriate the year. Seventy thousand catalogue electronic links to enable researchers entries for the Carlisle Diocese and searching the National Register of Probate Registry wills (1858-1941) have Archives to click straight through to been imported. This is a key resource Cumbria Archive Service catalogues for for family historians who can now search relevant content. This should improve online for their ancestors’ probates and accessibility, whatever route people purchase copies from the digitisation choose to find archival information. service (www.cumbria.gov.uk/archives/ Online_catalogues/default.asp). This is The Archive Service also contributed an important first step in providing online expertise to the Step Change project, access to the lists of all probates for north funded by the Higher Education Joint Cumbria from the 16th century. Information Committee (JISC) Discover Initiative. This project is piloting the Staff also completed a five year project to development of the next generation import into CASCAT all the Cumbrian data of electronic access to archives by from the Access to Archives website (www. examining how archival online data can nationalarchives.gov.uk/A2A/default.aspx). be shared and enhanced by linked data The A2A project used HM Treasury Invest services with (amongst others) the British to Save funding and Heritage Lottery Fund Library National Bibliography, Dictionary of grants to support archive services across National Biography, and British Museum the country to convert existing catalogues resources. The intention is to build the from paper to an electronic format. Staff products of this research into future have successfully imported and edited editions of the specialist cataloguing 215,000 catalogue records for 1,650 software used by archive services to collections, making information about lead to tangible improvements in sharing Cumbria’s archives much more accessible information for public access. to researchers as a result.
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 15 County Cumbria Council
Where possible, we add thumbnail digital images to online catalogue entries to allow researchers to view the images of the original documents online. These are also available for purchase via the Archive Service’s online shop. We are making steady progress with digitising resources, although only just exposing the tip of the iceberg of 11 miles of archive collections. Increasing access to digital content is a key aim for the future.
Electronic service delivery will be key Plan of proposed Whitehaven Public Baths 1883 for the future as a way of offering 24/7 (ref SMBWH 3/3/174) services and supporting extensive access to archival collections. Valuable though this is to a wide range of people all over the world, it is the personal connection we can offer to the historic documents that produces the most exciting and memorable experiences. There is nothing quite like touching and reading an original document, created at a particular moment in time by a real person. It is this experience which highlights just how powerful archives are as a way of exploring the past and understanding the present. Painting by George Heriot of the sugar plantation in Tobago belonging to William Crosier, formerly of Dalston, 1780 (ref DING 186)
16 Serving the people of Cumbria Appendix A - Acknowledgments.
Many thanks to the dedication and support freely given by the volunteers in Barrow, Carlisle, Conservation, Kendal and Whitehaven:
Adrian Allan Alistair Herd Joan Perrin Margaret Angus Elaine Hicks Audrey Phillips Philip Ashforth Peter Hicks Chris Pocock Beth Banks John Houliston Brenda Powe Jane Bolton Neil Hudson Neville Ramsden Geoff Brambles Vivien Hudson Mark Reeve Barbara Brereton James Hunt Eileen Risk Jimmy Broatch Cheryl Inwood James Robinson Ken Broadhurst Brenda Jackson Peter Sandbach Bill Bundred Claire Jackson Sue Scott-Buccleuch Norman Butcher Joan Jefferson Margaret Shepherd John Carr John Jefferson Alan Smith Freda Chatfield Geraldine Johnstone Colin Smith David Cowling June Kendall Colin Southall Jackie Creswell Adrian Lewthwaite Delia Stevens Hazel Cruddas Joan Little Will Stevens Richard Daley Julia McClure Judith Swinscoe Chris Drummond John McGordon Stuart Swinscoe Claire Edwards Pauline Marriot Brian Telford Chester Forster Roy Martin Paul Tinewell Stephanie George Christine Mattinson Christopher Tinmouth Helen Glenholmes David Moorat Tilda Vaughan Alma Gordon Lisa Morris Alex White George Graham John Myron Tina Wood Kath Graham Stuart Nicholson Jim Wright David Grisenthwaite Pat O’Shea Stephen Wright Margaret Hartley Keith Osborne
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 17 County Cumbria Council
Archives Advisory Group Funding bodies
Elected members of Cumbria County We are grateful for the generous Council: financial assistance given this year by: Mr R K Bingham (Chair), Heritage Lottery Fund; Mr K Lancaster (Vice-Chair), British Nuclear Fuels Ltd Legacy Trust; Mr G B Strong (Cabinet Member for Safer The Lowther Estate; and Stronger Communities), National Cataloguing Grants Programme Mr J S Holliday, for Archives, Mr I Stockdale, Friends of Cumbria Archives; Mr D Earnshaw, The Wainwright Society; Mr P C Thornton; Curwen and Kirby Archive Trusts; Co-opted members – Sir James Cropper, Keswick Museum; Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum; Peter Roebuck; Professor K Stringer, Historic Scotland. University of Lancaster; Mr T Littleton, Cumbria Family History Society; Staff The Rev Canon D Weston, Carlisle Diocese; We welcomed Hazel Gatford and Dr R David, Friends of Cumbria Archives Sally Cholewa as Project Cataloguing and Cumberland and Westmorland Archivists, Brenda Hebson as Activities Antiquarian and Archaeological Society Officer, Shona Hunter as Senior Conservator and Sophie Connelly as Apprentice. Support and user groups We said Goodbye to Brenda Dreghorn, Members of: Mary Chisholm and Jenny Sandford who Friends of Cumbria Archives (FOCAS), all retired. They will all be missed. Cumbria Local History Federation, Cumbria Family History Society, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, Cumbria County History Trust.
We were sorry to hear of the deaths in August 2012 of Mr Bell Pratt, aged 101, who had been responsible for the deposit of Methodist archives across Cumbria; and Mr Philip Craggs, an early supporter of the Archive Centre in Kendal.
18 Serving the people of Cumbria Appendix B - Key Accessions 2012-2013.
This year we took in 604 new accessions (537 in 2011-12) amounting to 59.27m3 (16.78m3) of archives which added to our knowledge of many aspects of Cumbria’s history. The new strongrooms in Carlisle have successfully encouraged a much more proactive approach to collecting, resulting in the acquisition of an exceptional range of fascinating records dating as far back as the fourteenth century. Amongst the most significant archives were:
Barrow Randall and Porter, Tanners of Walter Lindsay Smith of Abbot Hall, Ulverston. This material complements Kents Bank gardening and medicinal the existing business collection and notebooks1916-1946 (BDX 661) includes black and white photographs The Old Barrovian’s Association showing the inside of the tanyard photograph album showing prefects, sheds at Low Mill in the 1930s. sports teams, choirs 1944-1968, all (BDB 42) named, the perfect research tool for school reunions (BDSO 108) Carlisle Kendall and Fisher, Solicitors including Howard of Naworth archive (DHN) Manor of Westby 1744-1920, Manor 1340-20th century, relating to estates of Kirkby Ireleth 1822-1869, minute in Cumberland, Northumberland, book of Billincoat Charities, Dalton- Durham and Yorkshire; and family in-Furness 1872-1890 and a letter papers for Earls of Carlisle, Dukes of (1940s) from George Dickinson of Norfolk and Lords Dacre Cark about breeding horses for the Musgrave of Edenhall droving account First World War (BDKF) book 1712 (CBME), containing Kirkby Ireleth Parish highway rate accounts for a whole droving season book (1825-1862), highway account and including the number of cattle book (1849-1857), overseers of the using the Edenhall stance (purchased poor account book 1799-1839 with donations from FOCAS and Peter Furness Railway Company Tourist Roebuck) programme and Guide 1893 with Photograph album (late 19th century) images of Ramsden Dock, Piel Castle belonging to Jim Templeton including and the steamer fleet (BDX 666) outings of Carlisle Camera Club, rat Notice from Rural District of Ulverston catching on the Caldew, scavenging Food Control Committee urging on the Carlisle tip and Carlisle paper persons to register themselves with boys. (reference DX 416) retailers of tea in anticipation of the First baptism register from Knowe rationing of tea from July 1919 Presbyterian Chapel, Bewcastle (now (BDX 670) Bewcastle United Reformed Church).
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 19 County Cumbria Council
Appendix B - Key Accessions 2012-2013.
Amongst the baptisms are session industrial history, especially South notes recording marriages in Scotland Lakeland mills (WDMDS) carried out by the ministers of Knowe Records of Lake District Summer Chapel, and public admonishments Music, one of the most significant of congregation members for international music festivals in the UK drunkenness, irregular marriages, (1985-) (WDSO 370) pre-marriage relations and other Photographs, posters and scrapbooks inappropriate behaviour. (DFCP 13) of the Westmorland Motor Club Cumbria County Council’s Resilience (originally the Westmorland Cycle Unit relating to civil defence during the Club) (1910-). Their activities included Cold War period (CBEP) the Barbon Hill Climb but they also Bellgarth Nurseries, Newtown, Carlisle trained dispatch riders during the war. (DB 168) – photographic collection (WDSO 51) showing the nursery premises, Torbock and Henley families of employees (including prisoners of Crossrigg Hall, Cliburn. Letters war) and displays for trade fairs and and diaries give a fascinating social exhibitions 1900-1960s context with an eye to detail for social observation in the late 19th and early Kendal 20th centuries (WDX 1105) Alfred Wainwright Archive (WDAW) Brewery Arts Centre: plans and including notebooks, annotated maps photographs for the conversion of the and photographs used to compile the Brewery buildings, programme and Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells advertising records (1970s - ) (WDSO and personal papers (purchased 372) with a grant from Heritage Lottery Business ledger of Edward Conder, Fund) and further original notebook timber merchant of Old Town, (purchased and donated by The Mansergh 1788-1834 (WDB 155) Wainwright Society). Arnside photographs (20th century), Research notes of Mike Davies-Shiel, the collection of the late Dennis industrial archaeologist and historian Bradbury including the Ash Parsons recording many aspects of Cumbrian collection of 1912 and the Stanley
20 Serving the people of Cumbria Finch collection of south Westmorland Parry Heskett-Smith, known as the and Cartmel 1920 (WDSO 377) “Father of English Climbers” Estate plan of Greenhills at Crook by (YDX 374) John Williamson 1826 (WDX 1710) Cumbria Community Development The Lord’s Prayer, written by a man Project (YDSO 123). The government with no hands. Richard Walker had launched 12 pilot CDPs to discover an accident at Cornelius Nicholson’s new ways of tackling poverty, Burneside paper mill in 1843, losing deprivation and unemployment, his hands between heavy rollers at including the parishes of Arlecdon, the age of twelve. He persevered in Frizington and Cleator learning to write and draw, even going on to play cricket and play the organ. (WDX 1706)
Whitehaven Waugh and Musgrave solicitors of Cockermouth, mainly 19th-early 20th century estate records, but also including an important collection of title deeds relating to the Manor of Loweswater and Thackthwaite 1545-1649 (DWM) Parish registers and records from the benefice of Bootle, Corney, Whicham and Whitbeck including the first register for the parish of Whitbeck 1597-1778. Visitors books from Row Farm, Wasdale (1876-1886) a guest house for Victorian visitors to the Western The Old Barrovians Association photograph album 1944-1968 Lakes, including entries from Walter (ref BDSO 108)
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 21 County Cumbria Council
Appendix C - Key Catalogues
Key catalogues 2012-2013 and Wigton 1654-1934 (DVAN) Staff and volunteers have made progress Suttons Tannery of Scotby (DB 33) with cataloguing and indexing this year Lowther Estate archive, mainly and catalogue descriptions increased title and estate documents for by 20%. The cataloguing backlog was Westmorland and West Cumberland reduced by 1.5% despite taking in an (DLONS) exceptional quantity (and quality) of accessions and now stands at 24.5%. Kendal The catalogues are available in the Alfred Wainwright archive (WDAW) relevant Research Rooms and also Mike Davies-Shiel collection (WDMDS) online: www.cumbria.gov.uk\archives\ Westmorland and Lonsdale Online_catalogues\default.asp) and new Conservative Association (WDSO 311) catalogues are showcased at Dalston Ewbank family papers www.archiveweb.cumbria.gov.uk/ (WDDE) CalmView/showcase.aspx Westmorland Motor Club (WDSO 51)
Barrow Whitehaven Photographs in Local Studies Coroners records 1610-1875 (DLEC) Collections Curwen family vouchers late 18th and Hart Jackson collection, mining early 19th centuries give a rich flavour records 1867-1914 (BDHJ) of local life and business, including Fell family: family records and title miners and carters at the Workington deeds, mainly Yorkshire 1607-1917 Pits, the servants at Workington (BDFELL) Hall, harbours of Workington and Barrow Borough Surveyors Harrington; title deeds relating to Belle Department plans (BAS) Isle, Windermere West Cumberland Hospital Carlisle Management Committee, records from Carlisle Probate Registry wills the formative years of the NHS and 1858-1941 (P) the construction of the West Cumbria Cowans Sheldon, civil engineers of Hospital Carlisle: business and engineering Pennington of Muncaster Castle records and drawings from 1866 (DPEN): estate and manorial (DB 40) documents including for Muncaster, Fletcher Vane family of Hutton in the Drigg, Carleton, Irton, Waberthwaite Forest: manorial records including 1412-1918; and family estates in Asby, Bolton, High Ireby, Setmurthy Kenya and Uganda 1910-1952
22 Serving the people of Cumbria Appendix D - Performance 2012-2013
Service Users
Overall service users 106,235 An increase of 10% 2012-2013 (96,774 in 11/12)
Visitors 13,765 (14,825)
Remote enquiries 12,634 (13,950)
Website unique visitors 59,163 (49,626) Website individual page views 203,340 (189,116)
Online catalogue unique visitors 12,927 (13,891) Online catalogue individual 407,784 page views (301,214)
Historical Research Service 345 (384) Historical Research Service 836 (927) enquiries hours
Adult group attendance 4,296 (2,214)
School group attendance 3,105 (1,884)
Collection Management
Quantity of archives @ end 1586.81 Quantity which was uncatalogued (m3) 414.07 (26%) March 2012 (m3)
Quantity of new accessions 59.27 Cataloguing completed 2012-13 (m3) 68.8 2012-13 (m3)
Documents disposed of after appraisal as 1.75 not being of historic value (m3)
Quantity of archives @ end 1644.34 Quantity which is uncatalogued (m3) 402.8 (24.5%) March 2013 (m3)
Number of online catalogue descriptions 256,351 (214,565) added 2012-13
cumbria.gov.uk/archives 23 County Cumbria Council
Customer Satisfaction Results for Cumbria from the Survey of Visitors to UK Archives 2012, the regular biennial customer satisfaction survey organised by The Archives & Records Association appear below. The survey enables an objective analysis of the performance of Cumbria Archive Service.
The Survey was carried out in November 2012 for all four archive centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven.
People satisfied with: Cumbria 2012 Cumbria (2011) National 2012
Opening hours 79% (86%) 83% Visitor facilities 82% (89%) 87% Quality and appropriateness of staff advice 98% (99%) 96% Helpfulness and friendliness of staff 99% (100%) 97% The Archive Service overall 97% (99%) 96%
Opening hours have been adjusted to reflect staffing capacity, resulting in a slightly lower satisfaction rating than 2011. Nevertheless, it is pleasing to see that the staff still achieved a consistently high score for their performance. The visitor facilities scores reflect very high scores for the newer centres in Carlisle and Whitehaven brought down by poorer facilities in the older centres in Barrow and Kendal.
Economic impact of archive visitors: Cumbria 2012 Cumbria (2011) National 2012
Visiting archives was the main purpose of visit to area 75% (73%) 85% Paid for overnight accommodation 10% (15%) 15% Ate out locally 37% (46%) 42% Used local shops and services 80% (76%) 70% Visited other places of interest 15% (23%) 22%
Contribution of archives to society:
Agreed that archives: Cumbria 2012 Cumbria (2011) National 2012
Provide opportunities for learning 98% (98%) 97% Preserve culture and heritage 100% (99%) 99% Strengthen family and community identity 89% (93%) 87% Support administrative and business activity 62% (67%) 66% Support the rights of citizens 70% (72%) 71%
24 Serving the people of Cumbria Carlisle Archive Centre
Cockermouth
Workington Whitehaven Archive Centre Appleby
Buttermere
Wasdale Head
Seascale
Kendal Archive Centre
Sedbergh
Millom
Barrow Archive Centre On 17th September 2012, the All four archive centres presented Chairman of Cumbria County Council the exhibition “Treasures of the hosted a joint birthday party to mark the Archives” to celebrate the 50th 50th anniversary of Cumbria Archive anniversary of the Archive Service. Service and 21st birthday of Friends of Cumbria Archives (FOCAS).
Painting by George Heriot of the sugar plantation in Tobago belonging to William Crosier, formerly of Dalston, 1780 (ref DING 186)
Mr Norman Clarkson, Chairman of Cumbria County Council, cutting our 50th birthday cake
WINTER 2012 Groundbreaking new events round off FOCAS 21st Anniversary It’s been a breathtaking year for FOCAS as members have celebrated our 21st Anniversary with events as varied as special archive previews and a concert of 18th Century “West Gallery Music.” The AGM, held in Carlisle also attracted a lot of attention with our Patron, Sir James Cropper and President, Lord Inglewood, both giving presentations on their own per- sonal family Archives and documents Two visits to archives were dis- appoingtly attended although FOCAS AGM attendees, from the left: they were much enjoyed by Merry Christmas and a happy Rob David, Chairman, Jim Gris- those who turned up on the day enthwaite assistant director Cumbria The first at the Border Regiment New Year - a time for renewal CC Local Services, Mary Wane Vice Museum in Carlisle Castle saw a We are fast approaching 2013 and I need President, Sir James Cropper, Pa- vast range of largely unexplored to ask those members who wish to renew tron, Anne Rowe County Archivist, material on display while the their membership – and we certainly hope and Lord Inglewood, President second to preview the extensive that this applies to all existing members – to Stop press Alfred Wainwright Archive at complete a renewal form. This is attached David Bowcock, assistant county archivist at Kendal Archive gave an insight together with a Standing Order Mandate Carlisle has had to take long-term sick leave. into the man who has become form, for those who wish to take up this We wish David a full and speedy recovery. synonymous with the Lake Dis- facility. If you do wish to do this please In the meantime Carlisle Map Room will close trict. complete ALL sections of the form marked for lunch at 12.30 until 1.15. By far the most adventurous pro- with an asterisk*. If you wish to Gift Aid ject was the concert of West gal- your subscription, and have not completed lery music at Jesus Church, a previous form, then we would be delight- BELL PRATT, 101 Troutbeck where almost 100 ed if you could complete the Gift Aid Decla- It is with sadness that we have to people listened to music, read- ration form. Gift Aid allows us to claim an record the death of our oldest ings and hymns as they were extra 25p on every £ of your subscription . member Mr. Bell Pratt at the ven- sung over 200 years ago. I look forward to receiving lots of renewal erable age of 101. It is two years Thanks to the untiring work of forms, but please do not hesitate to contact since Bell burst into print for the member Ian Jones, the event me if you have any queries. With very best first time with his book Memories was a great success and he wishes for a joyful and peaceful Christmas at 100 years of age. even arranged for perfect au- and happy New Year. Lorna Mullett. Hon He was the archivist for the Meth- tumn weather to round off a Treasurer and Membership Secretary odist Church in Cumbria and was Panoramic view of the docks in great day. responsible for the deposit of much Methodist material in the YOUR CHANCE TO WIN LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS four archive offices. Until shortly Barrow-in-Furness, 1881 (ref Z558) Don’t miss this great before his death he could regularly chance to win any of seen walking into Kendal for lunch. four local interest Bell was born and brought up in books from Amber- Grisdale near Sedbergh and his ley Publishing.See book described his working life, life back page together in the army and helping out on the with reviews and 30 farm. He was a lay preacher for 70 percent off offer to years. FOCAS members
FOCAS Newsletter
2013 2013 SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN MAR FEB MAR Cumbria County Council
Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Barrow Cumbria County Council is grateful to the 140 Duke St, Barrow-in-Furness following for covering the costs of publishing Cumbria LA14 1XW this report:
T: 01229 407377 Friends of Cumbria Archives; E: [email protected]
Cumbria Archive Centre, Carlisle Lady Gillford`s House Curwen Archives Trust, Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle Registered Charity number 256523; Cumbria CA1 3AJ Kirby Archives Trust, Registered Charity number 700513 T: 01228 227285 or 227284 E: [email protected]
Cumbria Archive Centre, Kendal County Offices, Kendal Cumbria LA9 4RQ
T: 01539 713540 or 713539 E: [email protected]
Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven Scotch Street, Whitehaven Cumbria CA28 7NL
T: 01946 506420 E: [email protected]
Cumbria County Council The Courts, Carlisle Cumbria CA3 8NA
T: 01228 226601 E: [email protected] CCCJ/N.18802
Serving the people of Cumbria cumbria.gov.uk/archives