Are Cumbrians Spanish?
The history taught in British classrooms says Cumbrians were the pathetic survivors of an Anglo-Saxon massacre. But new research reveals their origins were far sunnier…
Hidden Cumbrian Histories
The fascinating and turbulent history of England's most beautiful place.
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How Scottish King David held Cumbria hostage for 20 years
"Saint" David I grabbed Cumbria by force and made Carlisle Castle a monstrous fortress. As a result, lots of people are convinced the county is in Scotland.
Bloodshed and Ambition: Athelstan’s disastrous quest to dominate Cumbria
Conceited king unleashed one of medieval Britain’s goriest battles in a failed bid to drag the north into a united England
Have we finally found King Urien of Rheged's elusive Dark Age headquarters?
Mystery whereabouts of north's greatest sixth century warrior-monarch haunted medievalists for centuries. Now experts exploring remains of ferociously violent post-Roman Cumbria have answers
Why the Cumbrians hated the Romans.
Today's children learn about underfloor heating, wine and mosaics. But Roman Cumbria was a land-grab by a violent and selfish military machine that provided none of these benefits.
How Elizabeth I’s quest for Armada cannons was murder for Cumbria.
To defeat Spain, the Virgin Queen needed cannons. She encouraged Germans to build a smelly, smoke-belching copper smelter in Keswick. That's when the trouble started...
The surprisingly good life of the first Cumbrians.
Astonishing new evidence from Ravenglass that a few hundred innovative pioneers achieved an abundant Stone Age existence 8,000 years ago.
The Cumbrian witch Craze
Desperate to find scapegoats for their Civil War trauma, Cumbrians accused odd or skilled women of witchcraft. The terror peaked in April 1659 when females from Winton in Westmorland faced the rope.
How severed heads cult ravaged ancient Cumbria
Cumbria was centre of grisly prehistoric rituals involving 2,000 stone heads carved to celebrate decapitation of enemies in war
“King” Arthur was a “real warrior” who fought and died in Cumbria
New academic analysis suggests hero was northern military commander who fought 12 battles over food for his starving people during famine caused by 536 AD volcano.