Cumbria Archives
Preserving and providing the historical records of Cumbria

Carlisle Archive Centre

Carlisle Archive Centre
Search room of Carlisle Archives

Contact details:

Carlisle Archive Centre
Lady Gillford's House
Petteril Bank Road
Carlisle
CA1 3AJ

Telephone: 01228 227284
Email:  carlisle.archives@cumberland.gov.uk

Opening hours:

Open Wednesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 1pm; 2 pm to 5 pm (closed between 1 pm to 2 pm, the Victorian Kitchen will be open for visitors to stay during the lunch closure but bring your own refreshments).
The Archive Centre is closed to the public on all other days. Final productions of original documents from strongrooms: 30 minutes before lunch and evening closures.

Cumbria Family History Society also offers free assistance at drop in sessions each Wednesday, 10 am-12 pm.

Related links

More about Carlisle Archive Centre

Booking a visit to Carlisle Archive Centre

If you intend to visit Carlisle Archive Centre, please note the following:

  • 48 hours' notice is required for bookings to view original records.
  • Researchers wishing to view original records must provide a list 48 hours in advance.
  • Any additions to lists on the day of research will be limited to three items.
  • If there are no researchers booked for either the morning or afternoon session, the map room for viewing original records will be closed during this period.
  • Researchers without a booking will be permitted only when the map room is already open for booked researchers.
  • Drop-in researchers will be limited to three items.
  • We remind all researchers that no records will be produced after 4.30pm.
  • There are no changes to viewing secondary sources and microfilm records - this search room will still operate on a drop-in basis.

Sources available at Carlisle Archive Centre

  • Original documents from the twelfth century to the present day, relating to the part of the historic county of Cumberland which is north of the River Derwent
  • The areas around Carlisle, Keswick, Penrith and Maryport are amongst those for which material is available. These include: Church of England Parishes, Nonconformist Churches, Local Authorities, Diocese of Carlisle, Dean and Chapter of Carlisle Cathedral, Schools, Businesses and Industries, Families and Landed Estates Civil Parishes, Solicitors, Societies, Official records
  • Census returns 1841 to 1901 for Cumberland
  • 1881 census transcript and index to Cumberland, Westmorland and the Isle of Man
  • Newspapers on microfilm only (Carlisle Patriot, 1815 to 1910, and Penrith Observer, 1861 to1906)
  • Ordnance Survey maps
  • Probate records, 1564 to 1941
  • Trade Directories
  • Extensive reference library including published calendars and indexes.

Other facilities at Carlisle Archive Centre

  • 4 public access computers to allow brief 'look-ups' of a limited selection of useful websites containing local sources, including CASCAT, Ancestry and Find My Past
  • Free, public wi-fi
  • Refreshment area, toilets, copying facilities, wheelchair access and hearing loop
  • Assistance with family history from Cumbria Family History Society each Wednesday, 10.00-12.00

Finding Carlisle Archive Centre and parking

Location by car

Parking

Buses

Trains 

Taxis

From North, East and South: From M6 Junction 42 take the A6 exit (signposted Carlisle), drive through Carleton village and follow London Road until you see Aldi supermarket on the left. Turn left into Petteril Bank Road and the Centre is on the left after the turn to Lightfoot Drive. From West/City Centre: Follow signs for A6 South and follow Botchergate/London Road for approx 2 miles until you see Aldi supermarket on the right. Turn right into Petteril Bank Road and the Centre is on the left after the turn to Lightfoot Drive.Free parking on siteStagecoach bus 61 and 61A from Harraby to Morton Park or Morton West (stop on London Road near Aldi, three buses per hour each) and 104 from Carlisle - Penrith (stop outside Archive Centre; two buses per hour). All stop near Carlisle train station. Please note that the London Road stop is 5 minute walk to Archive Centre.The nearest main line railway station is Carlisle which is 2 miles from the Archive Centre; taxi, bus or walk to South Carlisle.There is a taxi rank opposite the railway station with fare from railway station approx £5. Ask for Carlisle Archives at Lady Gillford`s House.