Burrowgate,
originally Burghgate
is, along with Sandgate,
one of the oldest streets in
Penrith. Burrowgate Cross,
the original market cross once
stood in the middle of the
triangular area of Burrowgate.
It was the site of the horse market in
earlier times. The Penrith Co-operative
Society was formed in 1890.
The ‘Last Orders’ public house is in an early
Georgian building. Turn right into Middlegate.
Middlegate was formerly known as ‘The
Long Front’.
Burton’s shop incorporates Art Deco
features. Before rebuilding, Middlegate was
much narrower at this point.
Middlegate
Proceed back along Middlegate passing
Queen Street on your right. This used to be the
main road north to Scotland because Middlegate
was then a cul-de-sac, ending at Robinson’s
School. Thacka Beck (stream) was still open and
the most northerly of the town’s bridges -
Fallowfield Bridge – was here, just opposite the
end of Brook Street (Beck Street).
The Lonsdale Alhambra Cinema was built in
1910 on the site of a former brewery. It was
originally a public assembly hall with many uses
– concert hall, roller
skating and cinema.
This brings us to the
end of the tour. We
hope you enjoyed this
insight into the heritage
of Penrith.