Valley of the river Irt
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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

Picture Title : Remains of the Gilbertine Abbey of the very early C13. 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. RUN OF THE MILL? NOT LIKELY!!! Take a country churchyard in one of the remoter parts of the county, one with an old cross and fascinating gravestones..... and a church with unusual features in its structure.....and some magnificent furnishing.....some interesting plate..... several significant memorials.....and very unusual elements in its history.....PLUS a group leader who could tell a good tale and convey information in an entertaining way - and you won't be surprised to learn that the report in Proceedings shows very clearly that the members hugely ENJOYED this outing.....

ACTIVITIES

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Glendalough Round Tower, Co. Wicklow
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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!)