Looking back at English Street in Carlisle through the years

These pictures show how the street has evolved through the years, some images show shops that has since departed, different transport routes and other changes that have happened since these pictures were snapped in their respective time era.

English Street is one of the main streets in Carlisle, part of English Street runs along the line of one of the main roads through the original Roman fort of Carlisle, making it one of the oldest roads in the city.

In the Medieval period, English Street formed part of Carlisle’s market place, where the local merchant classes would gather to trade goods.

One of the most significant events in Carlisle's history, the Jacobite uprising of 1745, also had repercussions on English Street.

Following the city’s short-lived capture by Bonnie Prince Charlie and his men, several leaders of the rebellion were executed at the point where English Street meets the Gallows Hill.

In the 19th century, English Street became an important hub of commercial activity as Carlisle grew in its status as a booming industrial city.

Some of the cool buildings which existed on English Street include the Midland Bank, Hospital Wing of County Gaol and Gaol Wall, the Courthouse and of course part of the Citadel.

The Midland Bank was originally built in 1849 for the Carlisle City and District Banking Co., consisting of the full length of the Bank Street facade, but just the first two bays to the left of the entrance, on English Street were created.

This was all refaced in 1898, when the canted corner bay was created, along with the ground floor colonnade. The two further bays on English Street were added in 1920.