Looking back at Carlisle throughout the 40s, 50s and 60s

During the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, several noteworthy events occurred that shaped the city in various ways. In the 1940s, Carlisle, like the rest of England, went through World War II which significantly affected the city and its citizens.

Many evacuees were arriving to the area during the war. There were air raid warnings in Carlisle but no real attacks, however, there were attacks close by in areas like Gretna.

In the later part of the decade, the city began to rebuild and recover. During the 1950s, Carlisle was experiencing a post-war population boom.

Residential areas were built to accommodate the growing population, industries were growing, and the local economy was thriving.

The 1960s brought major changes to transportation in Carlisle, which had significant implications for the city. The construction of the M6 motorway in the mid-60s improved the city's connective ties to other parts of the country.

However, the 60s were also marked by the controversial Beeching cuts, which led to a significant reduction in train services. This left Carlisle's Citadel Station as the only functioning railway station in the city.

In addition, Carlisle in the 50s and 60s witnessed a growth in its entertainment scene, with the popular genre of music being rock 'n' roll.

The Lonsdale Cinema was a popular place for people to see the latest films, and The Beatles even performed in Carlisle in 1963. 

Throughout these three decades, Carlisle also saw changes to its landscape with the building of new houses, schools, and shops to accommodate the changing needs of its growing population.