Penrith in Westmorland and Furness, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Right on Track
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024
1. Right on Track Marker
Penrith was now linked with the Lakes and London, and the town grew quickly as a result.
A major contract
The first railway line here was the Lancaster to Carlisle, which opened in 1846. At £12 million, this was the largest single railway contract ever placed at the time.
It's hard to imagine today but over 10,000 labourers and 1,000 horses were needed to build it. This bridge linked Penrith with Castletown where houses were but for railway employees.
Lakeland excursions
Wagonettes from the various inns in the town would meet the trains and take passengers out to the Lakes, like these in 1906.
The elegant on building was designed by London architect Sir William Tite. He built Carlisle Citadel and Edinburgh Stations and, most famously, the Royal Exchange in London.
Did you know?
The men who built the railways were known as navvies. This is short for 'navigator', the name originally given to labourers on Britain's canal system.
A fiery warning
Look behind you at the hill across the valley. On the summit is the Beacon. The site has been used for signal fires for at least 700 years. The fires were used to warn of Scottish raids and could be seen from Carlisle Castle. You can walk up to the Beacon - there are great views from the top.
Guardian of the West March
The castle, to your left, was granted to Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Lord of Penrith, in 1471. Within a century it was in ruins. The castle was sold to the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway company in the 1840, who stabled their horses inside! Visit the castle to find out more and explore picturesque Castle Park.
Worth the cost
Local people were
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 54° 39.735′ N, 2° 45.472′ W. Marker is in Penrith, England, in Westmorland and Furness. It is on Ullswater Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located on the east side of the Penrith railway station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Ullswater Rd, Penrith, England CA11 7JQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Home for a Future King (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Penrith Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); Penrith Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Board & Elbow (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); A Long Tradition (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Great Dockray (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Sign of the Times (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); A Bustling Market Town (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penrith.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 7 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 26, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
