Use the History Lab
The History Lab is located on Level 1 of Carlisle Library and provides dedicated facilities for local and family history research.
You can:
- use our digital microform readers and scanners
- access Ancestry and Findmypast
- use online local history resources
- access the Cumbria Image Bank
Parish registers
Microfilm copies are available for:
- churches in Carlisle
- Carlisle Cemetery
- Upperby Cemetery
- most Church of England parishes across North Cumberland
Census records
Access census records through Ancestry and Findmypast for:
- England and Wales from 1841 to 1921
- Scotland from 1841 to 1901
Electoral registers and polls books
Microfilm copies are available for Carlisle and surrounding districts covering:
- 1841 to 1842
- 1859 to 1871
- 1894 to 1947
Local newspapers
Microfilm copies of local newspapers are available from 1774 to the present day, including:
- Cumberland Pacquet
- Carlisle Journal
- Cumberland News
- News & Star
- West Cumberland Times