A look back at what life was like in Longtown in the 1980s

Some four decades have passed since this era and Cumbria is quite a different place than it was all those years ago.

We wanted to focus today though on Longtown and what was going on in this area all those years ago.

Longtown is situated on the English/Scottish border and is close to Carlisle and Gretna Green.

The area is said to have a turbulent history that is very interesting when explored.

Currently Longtown has a population of around 3000. Whilst other places in the area grew from small villages and settlements Longtown was planned and built in the late 18th century by the local landowners, the Grahams of Netherby.

The Grahams decided that the town would be laid out with long tree lined streets which are still noticeable to this day.

Longtown is situated on the north band of the River Esk and is the site of the largest sheep market in England.

Dr Robert Graham also established the Graham Arms which was an inn for travellers, many of whom were travelling up to England from Edinburgh.

These photos show what life was like here in the 1980s. We hope you enjoy this gallery.

We can see people taking part in Longtown Gala, people on a float at the Gala and children showing off their potatoes at Longtown Flower Show.

Other photos show the opening of Longtown Community Centre, pupils from Longtown Junior School handing over harvest festival produce, a new sheep ring at Longtown Auction, a boy and his mother at the showfield, the 1980 Longtown Gala Queen Helen Brown and Longtown School pupils visiting Brunton Park.