A landmark book has been published as part of a national project to record county histories.
The Cumbria County History Trust (CCHT) has celebrated the publication of the first Victoria County History "Big Red Book" for Westmorland, covering the Lonsdale Ward.
The book was launched at Lunesdale Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale on September 23.
Edited by Dr Sarah Rose and Professor Angus Winchester, the volume offers a detailed history of the 13 civil parishes within the Lonsdale Ward, one of four divisions of the historic county of Westmorland.
Sir Roland Jackson, chairman of the CCHT, said: "This is a major milestone in our project to publish the definitive history of all 348 parishes in Cumbria, from the earliest written records to the present day.
"We welcome volunteers who wish to contribute to the documentation of their local history, and those who are able to support the charity financially.
"Please get in touch with us if you can help."
The Victoria County History (VCH) is the UK’s longest-running community history project, established in 1899 and originally dedicated to Queen Victoria.
The project aims to produce a comprehensive, encyclopaedic history of every county in England, focusing on their parishes.
The latest publication marks the 250th "Big Red Book" in the national series.
The Cumbria VCH is managed by the CCHT, a registered charity supported by volunteers and coordinated by staff from Lancaster University’s history department.
It also offers an online archive of parish histories and historical resources for Cumbria.
Dr Sarah Rose, assistant editor of Cumbria VCH, said: "This long-awaited volume is a wonderful achievement, and testament to the collaborative efforts of a range of people, including the project’s academic team, our volunteer researchers and local residents."
The launch event was chaired by Lord Inglewood, vice lord-lieutenant and patron of the CCHT.
Other attendees included the High Sheriff Dr Geoff Jolliffe, MP Lizzi Collinge, Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council chairman Paul Cassell, and Warren Allison, treasurer of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society.
The Victoria County History of Westmorland I: Lonsdale Ward was published by Boydell & Brewer on August 5.
The CCHT continues to seek new volunteers and financial supporters to help document and preserve Cumbria’s rich history.
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