Lunchtime Talks at Kendal Museum: The Norse in Lakeland

Have you ever wondered why Cumbria’s place names stand apart from those of the rest of Britain—and why the influences behind them seem at odds with the accepted history of the area?

Join Julian Blatchley for a fascinating illustrated talk exploring the folklore, place names and speech of Cumbria, revealing a landscape shaped by a deep and surprisingly ancient heritage. Through stories embedded in the land and language, Julian uncovers a dominant cultural thread that has survived far longer than traditionally believed.

Born and raised in Cumbria, Julian grew up immersed in local traditions and stories of Viking settlement. During more than forty years living and working at sea, he continued to explore his Cumbrian roots, drawing on folklore, linguistic evidence, and historical records of the Lake District and surrounding fells. The result is a compelling case for re-assessing post-Roman Cumbrian history.

Once considered an unconventional theory, this perspective is now gaining academic support, reinforced by recent archaeological discoveries and research.

This event will be a thought-provoking talk for anyone interested in history, language, archaeology, and the enduring stories written into the Cumbrian landscape.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday January 17th, 1:00 - 2:00PM

Venue: Kendal Museum

Price: £10 General Admission, £6 for under 16s/students

PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately the venue is accessible only via a staircase, so is not suitable for wheelchair users. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Host or Publisher Kendal Museum