Carlisle and Cumbria: Roman and Medieval Architecture, Art and Archaeology

The Association’s 2001 conference was held in Carlisle and concentrated on the Roman and medieval art, architecture and archaeology of the city and county. Under the Romans, and with its position on Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle had the distinction of being the most north-westerly centre of ‘Romanitas’ in a vast empire. Later, the castle-building programme, initiated under William II, the establishment of the priory in 1123, followed by the See in 1133, marked Carlisle out as a key strategic bulwark against an ever-present threat from the Scots. The majority of papers at the conference and in this volume focus on the cathedral, various aspects of its architectural development, the wonderful east window and its stained glass, the fine medieval woodwork and extraordinary paintings on the backs of the choir stalls and the ceiling of the Prior’s Tower. The castle and other important churches and monastic sites in Cumbria were also examined, along with the Bishop’s residence at Rose Castle, and an appreciation of the work of that distinguished cleric, Dean Tait. This volume will go a long way towards providing future generations of scholars with a firm baseline for future research in this area.