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Aerial view of the ruins of a fort. You can see the square outline of the footprint of the fort, with the remains of some buildings within the square. The landscape outside the fort is a mix of light and dark brown

History resources

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Explore the Lake District’s historical and cultural heritage

These teacher resource pages are designed to support curriculum-linked learning around the rich history of the Lake District. From Roman sites like Hardknott Fort to the region’s industrial past role in World War II, you’ll find useful background information, case studies, and materials to help bring these topics to life in the classroom or during site visits. Each section offers content to support planning, teaching and student engagement.

History resources

Aerial view of the ruins of a fort. You can see the square outline of the footprint of the fort, with the remains of some buildings within the square. The landscape outside the fort is a mix of light and dark brown

History timeline

Arial view of Hardknott Roman fort stone remains on a green field, fell landscape in background

Hardknott Fort

Hardknott fort, the best preserved Roman fort in Cumbria south of Hadrian’s wall is a 3 acre stone fort built beside a Roman Road which stretched from the west coast across Hardknott and Wrynose passes to Windermere and beyond.

Picture of the front of the Grasmere gingerbread shop.

Cultural heritage

Grasmere Gingerbread is made and sold in one of many popular places to visit in the area, Grasmere. It was set up by a lady called Sarah Nelson, whose family needed to raise extra income when they moved to the house, the former village school, in 1854.

a group of people dressed up as Romans

Romans

This set of resources is for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils. Information is divided into seven easy to follow sessions for delivery in the classroom. It includes a booklet, worksheets and photographs.

Coniston coppermine valley with the sun hitting on the fell

Industrial

Discovering Industrial Sites in the Lake District is a resource for Key Stage 3 pupils. The resource was developed after consultation with History co-ordinators at Cumbria’s secondary schools.

World War II

Although the Lake District was far away from the battlefront, the outbreak of World War Two (WWII) did have an impact on the people living and working here. These resources are designed to help teachers, parents and students understand how the war affected the Lake District landscape and its people.

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History case studies

older photo of rock art at Ullswater

Prehistoric rock art

View over Seathwaite tarn, Coniston with rocks at the top

Seathwaite Tarn excavation

Cunsey Beck Forge

henry's castle, a small white lime wash farm building stood alone in a field

Lime kilns

Edge of the stone brick tannery building with stone-built wall enclosure. Sunlight with orange and pink hues hitting on the woodland in the distance

Rusland Tannery

Viewing stations

History of Coniston Copper

Romans in Ravenglass

High Street Roman Road

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Brougham Castle in Penrith. Old stone castle in background, river and stone bridge surrounded by green grass and trees in foreground.

Historical places in the Lake District

Love history? Explore the Lake District’s fascinating past, from grand historic houses and ancient stone circles to Roman forts and industrial landmarks.

Explore historical places to visit