Ambleside Oral History Group

commenced recording in 1976 and has created an Archive of over 450 interviews, on almost every subject related to life in Ambleside, Cumbria, and its surrounding area, in the Lake District of England, beginning with memories from the 1880’s.
More recently, interviews have focussed on contemporary events with a view to having fresh memories available in the decades to come.

Access to the Archive

The archive exists in both printed transcript and electronic document form, as well as sound on CD. The transcripts are searchable by topic or keyword from this site. Recordings of interviews can be heard by prior arrangement.
The archive is open to all, and can also be accessed in person at Ambleside Public Library. It is wise to contact the Library (hours as below) in advance to arrange help and guidance into the material.

Members of the Group will also give presentations locally accompanied by extracts of recordings on a variety of topics, by prior arrangement.

The collection is housed at
Ambleside Public Library, Kelsick Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9DQ Tel. 015394 32507
Library Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-5pm,
Tuesday 1pm-7pm,
Thursday & Sunday closed all day,
Saturday 10am-1pm

The archive contains material on a wide range of subjects.
It is likely to prove particularly valuable on the following topics:		Some contributors
Bell Ringing Blacksmiths Bobbin Mills Building Carriers Choirs Childhood and Education Charlotte Mason College Death Domestic Service Farming and Country Life Gardening Health and Doctors Hiring Fairs Hound Trails Hunting Life in Ambleside Life in the Langdales Life in Grasmere Life in the Big House	Local Industry and Commerce Mountain Rescue Observer Corps Quarrying Rock Climbing Ruskin Lace Transport Thirlmere Aqueduct Sport and recreation Wildlife Woodland Crafts World Wars I & II
The collection is constantly being expanded.
THE WAY WE WERE In 1988/9, the Westmorland Gazette newspaper published a weekly series of 76 articles entitled 'The Way We Were', compiled from interviews from this archive. Read them all here