Hut platform, Birkett Huts Shanty Town, Mallerstang. [Photo: A Hamilton-Gibney]
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It’s good to have you with us on the Home Page of Cumbria Past, the CWAAS website. Cumbria Past: an up-to-date name for the website of an up-to-date Society interested in Cumbria's past - its history, landscape and archaeology. And behind the website is the CWAAS, the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, founded in 1866 and keeping the traditional name alive, although the territory changed in 1974 and was also given a new name (see caption to map top left). Quite a challenge for a Society!

CWAAS Early Days

The Morland Viking Sword on display in its opened case. EARLY DAYS An insight into our Society, founded 1866, and into the age itself! Illustrated snippets taken from Proceedings, for many years part of the Transactions. The things you find in cupboards! Friendship bonds can be forged by this kind of thing, you know! When CWAAS Hon. Fellow the late Ben Edwards published his book on Viking artefacts of North West England, he was contacted by CWAAS member the late Rev'd Canon Gervase Markham of Morland. Gervase and Ben exchanged letters and chat; and in due course Gervase told Ben he was wondering why Ben had made no reference to the Viking sword in his, Gervase's, possession. Ben explained that the sword..... Well, if you'd like to know the explanation

ACTIVITIES

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Spadeadam
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We enjoy exploring, reading about and researching Cumbria's varied and rich historical and archaeological heritage. Cumbria offers prehistoric circles and stone axe factories; Roman military sites a-plenty; Saxon and Viking antiquities such as Bewcastle Cross in the far north east of the county and Gosforth Cross in the mid-west; pele towers and castles which tell of Border raids and turbulent medieval days; and evidence of a later more peaceful existence - in the numerous parish churches and gracious houses. Seafaring and diverse industries have played a major role in Cumbria's development and there is much of both available to be explored. (P.S. We also venture farther afield!)