About Us
Welcome to the Cumbria Image Bank
Discover the rich history of Cumbria through a captivating collection of photographs, maps, documents and illustrations. With easy-to-use search tools and curated themes, exploring the visual heritage of this remarkable county has never been easier.Explore Over 30,000 Historical Images
Our archive features more than 30,000 images, spanning the entire county of Cumbria – from the seventeenth century to the present day. Together, they form a fascinating visual record of the people, places, landscapes, and landmarks that have shaped the region.These images are drawn from the extensive local history collections held by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council libraries and the Cumbria Archive Service. The collection also includes images supplied by members of the public – learn more in the ‘Donating Images’ section.
Curated Themes and Advanced Search
Not sure where to begin? Use our curated themes to explore popular topics, buildings, and events. Or, if you’re looking for something specific, take advantage of our ‘Advanced Search’ feature to search by keyword.Always Growing
Our collection is constantly expanding as we continue to digitise thousands more photographs from across Cumbria. You can view the latest additions by clicking on the ‘New Images’ link at the top of the page.Browse, Download, or Buy
All images are free to browse and can be downloaded or printed out for personal and non-commercial use. High-res images are also available to purchase as photographic prints or digital files – see the ‘Shop’ section for more info.If you'd like to use an image for official or commercial purposes, please contact us for permission – fees may apply.
To enquire, email us at localstudies@cumberland.gov.uk. Be sure to include the reference number of the image(s) you're interested in, and we’ll advise you on pricing and payment.
Get Involved
Many of our images come with limited background information – and you can help!If you have any knowledge about a specific image, click the ‘Tell Us More’ link below the image viewer to share what you know.
We’re also keen to hear from anyone who may have photographs suitable for inclusion in the collection. Every contribution helps enrich Cumbria’s visual history.
Contact us at: localstudies@cumberland.gov.uk
We hope you enjoy discovering Cumbria’s heritage through the Cumbria Image Bank.
