People have been coming to live in the area that became Carlisle since Prehistoric times, thousands of years ago. Today, the reasons for coming to this part of Cumbria include work, study, to seek refuge from war or oppression, or just to be with family and kin.

Incoming people have brought with them their names, languages, customs, faiths, identities, ideas and cultural backgrounds. Many have integrated into local life but kept a sense of their identity. Some continue to practise the traditions of their forebears, while others have already lost touch with their roots. Migration to the city continues to this day.

We are constantly looking to strengthen our collections and reflect cultural diversity in Carlisle