F. Jollie, Cumberland Guide and Directory, 1811

What is inside?

First printed and published in Carlisle in 1811 by F. Jollie & Sons and republished here digitally is Jollie's Cumberland Guide & Directory. Containing some 134 printed pages, this publication is notable as one of the earliest surviving guides and directories for the region and although extremely lengthy, the full title provides the reader with a clear idea of the intended scope of the publication: A list of all the parishes, chapelries, townships, principal villages, gentlemen's seats, and biography of eminent men, natives of the county, or who have been nearly connected with it. Antiquities, etc. A concise account of the ancient and present state of Carlisle; an account of the market towns of Longtown, Brampton, Kirkoswald, Alston and Penrith: with a tour through the most interesting parts of that district. Describing whatever objects are most worthy of notice and a list of principal persons and those in trade and public institutions in Carlisle and in the market towns above mentioned. Divided into eleven chapters, the first six of these are dedicated to Carlisle. These begin with a detailed description of the approach to Carlisle from the north passing through Longtown and the extensive estate of Sir James Graham, along the Esk and the military road. Written for the benefit of the 'tourist' the Cumberland Guide and Directory notes all diversions and attractions that could be witnessed on this ten-mile entrance into Carlisle.

Once Carlisle is reached the Guide and Directory briefly describes the ancient origins of the town before describing its 'present state', concentrating on its more-renowned industries, such as brewing, mercantile commerce and printing. An entire chapter is given over to the town's public buildings, institutions and notably Carlisle's Cathedral, which is accompanied by a ground plan. Moving away from Carlisle, literally over its Roman Wall, which also includes a ground plan, the Guide and Directory provides biographical notices of individuals connected or nearly connected with Cumberland and notices of all of the parishes and places of importance in the county and the gentlemen's seats, places of interested, etc., contained therein. Further tourist routes, notably from Carlisle to the east and a route from Penrith back to Carlisle follow. These tourist routes, designed for the pedestrian note and describe all features of interest along the way, such as Corby and Penrith Castles, Skirwith Abbey and Carleton Hall. The Cumberland Guide and Directory includes a coloured route map and is concluded with alphabetical directories of Carlisle, Brampton, Alston, Penrith, Longtown and Kirkoswald. A lovely little directory and as one of the earliest surviving for this region is a must for anyone interested in the history and description of Cumberland nearly two centuries ago.

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