Walney Island’s historic lighthouse has stood guard over Cumbria’s coast for centuries, but for two decades, its beacon shone brighter thanks to the dedication of Peggy Braithwaite. Britain’s only female lighthouse keeper at the time, Peggy’s story is one of maritime responsibility, unwavering commitment, and a deep connection to the sea. Born on nearby Piel
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April 4, 2024
Peggy Braithwaite: The Woman Who Kept Walney’s Light Shining
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April 4, 2024
Chuffing’ Heck! Where’d the Engine Go? The Curious Case of the Lindal Disappearance
Locomotives are supposed to be the kings of the rails, not disappearing acts! But that’s exactly what happened to Furness Railway’s No. 115 back in 1892, in a tale that’s more puzzler than playtime. Buckle up, history buffs, because we’re about to dive into the strange story of the Lindal railway incident. One crisp September
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April 4, 2024
King John’s Bling Brigade: Buried Bounty or Borrowed by Monks?
King John! The name that makes some folks think of grumpy cats and cancelled credit cards. But hey, even grumpy kings can spark some seriously fun legends – ones that would make Scrooge McDuck blush with envy! This one involves a treasure chest overflowing with enough gold, jewels, and sparkly stuff to make a dragon
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April 3, 2024
Honoring Great-Grandad: Digging Deep into Family History
This blog post takes a bit of a turn thanks to my awesome reader, Jack Johnson (no relation to the song, as far as we know). Jack recently unearthed a fascinating gem from his family tree – his great-grandfather, Richard Johnson, turns out to be the very same Richard Johnson who met his end a
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April 2, 2024
Echoes of the Axe: A Woodcutter’s History of Backbarrow
Nestled in the bonnie Cumbrian countryside, Backbarrow has a long and storied past when it comes to woodcutting. For centuries, the ring of the axe and the rasp of the saw echoed through the valleys, a testament to the vital role this craft played in the lives of its people. Imagine the sharp scent of
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April 2, 2024
Fueling the Hearth: Peat Cutting in Askam-in-Furness
Based on the scene, it’s possible this photograph was taken at a peat farm in Askam-in-Furness around 1920. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the rough grassland, turning the scene a warm amber. The air, heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation, hung still as the workers laboured. Here, amidst
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April 2, 2024
1910 Station Master’s house Ulverston Station
Step into your very own time machine – that dusty photo in your hand! It’s a peek into the parlour/dining room of the Station Master’s house at Ulverston Station in 1910. Imagine the flickering gas lamps casting a warm glow on the fireplace, their soft light illuminating the pages of a well- worn novel resting
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April 1, 2024
Nella Last: From Kitchen Sink to Wartime Heroine
Picture this: It’s 1939, England. The air is thick with anticipation. The news on the wireless crackles with unsettling reports, casting a shadow over the warm, familiar routines of everyday life. In the kitchen, you’re Nella Last, a housewife, your hands submerged in warm, soapy water, washing dishes with the rhythmic sound of the mangle
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April 1, 2024
Part 2: Greenodd: The Tides of Time But time.
like the tide that ebbs and flows in the Leven Estuary, bringing with it the salty tang of the sea and the scent of seaweed drying on the shore, is ever-changing. The 20th century brought new challenges to this once-thriving port. The once-peaceful lanes of Greenodd, where the rivers Crake and Leven meet, their waters
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April 1, 2024
Part 1: Greenodd: From Viking Haven to Pirate Paradise.
Imagine a time when mists, cold and dense, swirled like phantoms across the Leven Estuary, their tendrils clinging to the emerald slopes of a promontory known as ‘Greenodd’. This evocative name, with its roots in the Old Norse language, speaks of a land shaped by Norse influence, though the precise origins of the name remain
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