Great Bell Lead Mine, Mallerstang. [Photo: A Hamilton-Gibney]
[Click picture for larger version]

---

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

Gosforth Viking Cross 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. Going West.......and South West A base in Egremont.....a walk along 'a romantic path by the Calder'.....Roman and Dark Age antiquities to see.....and the testing of an archaeological theory. This excursion had the makings of an idyllic short break for antiquarians. But it turned out to be a case of 'mixing the rough with the smooth'!

ACTIVITIES

---

Gt. Musgrave, Medieval Grave Slab
[Click picture for larger version]

---

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!)