Cumberland

Cumberland is a historic county in northwestern England, stretching from the Solway Firth to the Irish Sea. The landscape includes mountains, deep valleys, and the northern part of the Lake District.

The county emerged around the 10th century when Anglo-Saxon kings organized the region. Later the area became contested between England and Scotland until it definitively became part of England.

The name comes from the Celtic Cymru, referring to the early inhabitants of this area. Today their influence remains visible in place names and dialects spoken across the valleys.

Archives across the region hold church registers and documents about family history. Access to these collections is available at several locations, usually by appointment.

The western coast was a center of coal mining in the 18th century, when ports like Whitehaven exported coal across Europe. Old mining structures still shape the coastal landscape today.

Location: England

Part of: England

Shares border with: Dumfriesshire, Roxburghshire, Northumberland, County Durham, Westmorland, Lancashire

GPS coordinates: 54.75000,-3.00000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:06