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

Telephone: 01228 227284

Email:  carlisle.archives@cumberland.gov.uk

Carlisle Archives Centre exterior imageCarlisle Archive Centre Searchroom
  • 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
  • I.G.I. for the Northern Counties
  • 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 

Many of these records are available on microfilm or fiche.

  • 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
  • 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

Meeting rooms, conference and exhibition space available for hire at Carlisle Archives - please contact directly to discuss your requirements. 

Our Prior Ordering page gives details of collections which require advance ordering before a visit to our Archive Centres.  If you would like to deposit/donate records, please visit our Depositing Records web page before making your visit. We accept only cash or UK cheques in our Archive Centres. 

If you want to see original archives you will need to obtain or already have a valid Archives Card.

Finding the Centre, parking and access
Location by CarCar ParkingBusesTrainsTaxis
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.