News and Events
Closure of Kendal Archives search room, 7-18 July 2025
Our searchroom in the Herdwick Room at Kendal Library will be closed from the 7th to the 18th July 2025 while staff carry out essential stocktaking work. We apologise for any inconvenience. We shall deal with enquiries as usual and bookings can be made for subsequent weeks.
Drawing from BDX 162 - Wartime log book compiled by Clifford Wardropper of Barrow in Furness, 1942-1945
Prisoners of War
80th Anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day
Talk by Susan Benson, Archivist, Barrow Archive Centre
Thursday 14 August 2025 at 7pm
Hosted by Barrow Archives in Barrow Library
2025 is the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan which saw the end of the Second World War. Susan will talk about three men who were prisoners of war in either Germany or the Far East. Come and find out what life was like in the camps from first-hand accounts. Share your stories from family members who served.
Booking essential
Email barrow.archives@cumberland.gov.uk or call 01229 407377 to reserve your place.
Cumbria Archives' latest newsletter is out now!
Read all about it here (PDF, 5.54MB) or flick through the flipbook version
Changes to access to records at Kendal Archive Centre
The following Kendal collections have been moved on a temporary basis to Barrow Archive Centre and are available to consult there.
WDRY: Le Fleming of Rydal Hall
WDVAS: Josefina de Vasconcellos
Kendal Archives Centre will provide an interim public service from the Herdwick Room in the local studies library at Kendal Library, Stricklandgate, Kendal LA9 4PY. Please note the following important changes to our service:
- Please book an appointment and request records at least 72 hours before your intended visit as researcher spaces are limited in the Herdwick Room
- Our opening hours will change to Wednesdays to Fridays, 10am-4pm (no lunch closure)
- We cannot offer a drop in service at the Herdwick Room - an appointment will be required
- Our contact details will remain the same
- We can arrange deposits at County Offices by prior appointment. Please contact us for further details.
New records added to CASCAT
See lists of the new records added to our catalogue by each of our archive centres in 2024 here (PDFs).