Carlisle Times & Crimes

Local legend tells of an 18th century highwayman who was gibbeted alive for murder, and whose heart-rending cries can still be heard at night along the A6. But how true is this ghost story? 

Join me as I investigate the crimes and execution of John Whitfield, and how over 250 years of story-telling has shaped how we view his death today. 

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When a large box addressed to Mrs Louden was delivered to the Bush Hotel in 1859, it remained unclaimed for a year. When the hotel staff eventually opened it, they discovered a child's body in a coffin inside.

This incredible story takes us around the north - Carlisle, Newcastle, Hartlepool, Glasgow, Greenock and Paisley as well as across the other side of the world to New Zealand. Will the authorities be able to solve the Carlisle Coffin Mystery? Or will the person responsible for Louden's Box escape justice?

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When an MP's visit to a Shaddongate constituent descends into a riot, three people are left dead after the military open fire on those gathered. Were the authorities justified for using military force, or was this a heavy-handed response to working class anger? And would anyone be held responsible for the deaths of three civilians? 

This riot prompted the creation of the Carlisle Police Force. But when the new Chief Constable arrived in town, he received a similar welcome from Shaddongaters...

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This lighthearted episode tells the tale of Adam Bell, Clym of The Clough and William of Cloudslie, three medieval outlaws living in Inglewood Forest. This Royal Forest once thrived between Penrith and Carlisle. 

After six months in the forest, William attempts to see his wife in Carlisle but is caught and faces the noose. 

Will Adam and Clym be able to rescue their brother? And to what ends will these men go to obtain their freedom? 

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Daniel McCrory was a known rogue suspected of several robberies and burglaries. In 1813, an act of mercy during one burglary would be his downfall. 

However, Daniel McCrory's ultimate fate would assure him of his place in Carlisle's history of crime and punishment. 

Join me as we tek a deeks at The Two Executions Of Daniel McCrory. 

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With people looking forward to their holidays, I thought it would be interesting to look at some first impressions of Carlisle made by early notable tourists.  

First, we go back to 1698, when Celia Fiennes travelled to Carlisle on side saddle. Fiennes can be considered the first travel writer, although her diary entries documenting her trips weren't published until the 19th century as "Through England on Side Saddle (In The Time Of William And Mary)". While in the north, Celia isn't impressed with her lodgings, or the Scots! 

Then, in the early 18th century, the poet Daniel Defoe - a man of many talents - visited the city and left his memories in print in the three-volume "A Tour Through The Whole Island of Great Britain", published 1724-26. 

Finally, in 1857, Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins hope for a 'Lazy Tour' north, but are met with anything but. Find out what their alter-egos have to say about Carlisle.

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Plenty of fights have erupted over the years on Botchergate, Carlisle's drinking strip, but in August 1856, one fight resulted in the death of an innocent man. 

Find out what happened that fateful night, as we tek a deeks at the Brawl On Botchergate - The Death Of Thomas Higgins.

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When the 34th Regiment entered Sevastopol in September 1855, Private Joseph Carruthers took a large, gilded, wooden double-headed eagle from the  ruins of the opera house as a war trophy. However, by the time the eagle arrived in Britain, and in the years following, Sergeant Edward Baker seemingly took credit for capturing the eagle. 

We'll follow the eagle's journey through the decades as it appeared as a prized possession of the 34th, later the Border Regiment. Can we get to the bottom of this Crimean quarrel? 

Join me as we tek a deeks at The Eagle Of Sevastopol - From Crimea To Carlisle.

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On the 8th September 1887, William Hunter, Mary Steele, and Mary's three year old daughter, Isabella, set out from Wigton to walk around 13 miles to Carlisle. They had been tramping round the county all summer. Poor Isabella would not make it to the city alive. 

Find out what happened that day as we tek a deeks at "The Raffles Murder - The Death Of Isabella Steele".

This episode contains descriptions of violence to children and suicide.

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As Scots around the world prepare to celebrate Burns Night, I take you back to 31st May 1787, when Rabbie Burns entered Carlisle, and spent the night at the Malt Shovel pub in Rickergate. I'll tell you what he got up to, and the wisecracking poetic words that Burns spoke in the city, forever being etched into Carlisle lore. 

Also in this episode, I bring you the creation of what I believe to be the first Carlisle Burns Club in 1818, how Carlisle celebrated the centenaries of the birth and death of Burns, and the events of the Burns Federation's Annual Meeting that took place in Carlisle in September 1912.

Finally, I recite  "Ode to Burns" by J. Steel, Carlisle, January 1819. 

Apologies for my attempts at late 18th Century Scots dialect! 

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