If these walls could talk...

From its beginnings in 1886 to the present day, Stanwix School has been much more than a place of education. It has been a place where friendships have been made, memories created and generations of local families have grown up together.

For 140 years, Stanwix has been woven into the fabric of the community — adapting and changing with the times while retaining the sense of belonging that makes the school special.

Below, you will find footage, photography and stories from our Stanwix School Alumni.

Circa 1972 Stanwix School Summer Fete and Sports Day

 

Footage courtesy of the Scott Family.

Photographs over time:

For well over a century, Stanwix School has been an important part of the life of the Carlisle community. The present school building dates from 1886, when it opened as a Board School, replacing an earlier National School dating from 1843. The building was later enlarged in 1898, and generations of children have passed through its doors ever since.

Steeped in Roman History

But the history beneath Stanwix School stretches back much further than the Victorian era. The school stands in an area with an extraordinary Roman heritage. Petriana (also known as Uxelodunum), a major Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall, lay beneath the surrounding area, and the school itself sits within this remarkable historic landscape. Stanwix was home to the Roman cavalry regiment Ala Petriana, and the fort was one of the most significant military sites along Hadrian's Wall. Today, this Roman connection remains an important part of school life, with pupils learning about the archaeology and history beneath their feet.

Archaeological investigations undertaken during school improvements in 2009 have uncovered evidence of significant Roman activity beneath the grounds, including cobbled surfaces, possible defensive features and Roman pottery, demonstrating the exceptional historical significance of the site. You can read the full archeological report here: Microsoft Word - Stanwix_schlWB.doc

Alumni – We Want to Hear From You

Did you attend Stanwix School, or were you part of the school community in years gone by?

Perhaps you remember your teachers, school friends, sports days, school plays, trips, special events — or simply the everyday memories of growing up at Stanwix.

We would love to hear from former pupils, staff and members of the wider school community. If you have a story to share, photographs from your time at Stanwix, or would simply like to get back in touch, please get in contact with us at office@stanwix.cumbria.sch.uk.

Your memories are an important part of the story of Stanwix School — and we would love to help bring those memories together for future generations.

Stories from the past

The School House wasn't always used for breakfast and after-school club like it is today...

"My father was [ ] caretaker of Stanwix from 1974 until 1981.We lived in the old school house that is now part of the school.I think my father was the last "live in caretaker", we relocated to Barrow in Furness in April 1981.

I have so many memories of past teachers and headmasters who used to come to our house, as my mother was such a good cook. It was commonplace for the staff after school to pop to the school house for a bite to eat with us. Lovely times, and I remember them so clearly.

It was a wonderful time. I remember the house had a garden that led off the front street on the Crescent, it was ablaze with poppies and roses. It's since lost that access. The schoolrooms still had open fires too, which my dad used to light before school"