Blackfriars Street

This is a back street of Carlisle but used a lot as a thoroughfare, as it is the way through from the viaduct car park into the centre. It is also where M&S Food Hall is - behind me as I took the photo - and the entrance to the church. I have often thought to take this photo, since I bought the postcard shown in Extras. This is the same street in the 1890s. On the left of both pictures is part of the Parish Church of St Cuthbert and in the background is the Cathedral. It is surprising how much is still in place after 130 years - the houses have gone, replaced by the hotel car park at the far end and by the back of the House of Fraser building on the right. I like the way the low churchyard wall is still there, covered in moss, although the iron railings have gone. I love the way everyone, including the driver, is posing for the photographer in the old photo. This area is usually full of delivery vans and taxis etc. Today, on a wet day, it was empty. 

Black Friars, or Dominicans, arrived in Carlisle from Lanercost in 1233 and took up residence as preachers. They were there for several centuries living in various places within and without the city walls. The site of their last convent, though the building is long gone, is remembered in the name of the street.