In a corner of the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral is a simple memorial to Robert Anderson, the Cumberland Bard.
The inscription on the front of the memorial reads: Erected by public subscription to the memory of Robert Anderson, The Cumberland Bard. Died September 26th 1833. Aged 63 years.
Robert Anderson
Born on the 1st February 1770 in Carlisle, into a poor family, Robert Anderson received an early education in a local School. Some reports indicate this may have been a Quaker school, others that it may have been under the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral.
Life was hard for the young lad and, as was custom in those years, he was sent to learn a trade.
Aged ten years old he was an assistant to a calico printer.
Later he served his apprenticeship as a pattern-drawer.
During 1798 Robert Anderson published his first volume of poetry in London.
This was called ‘Poems on various Subjects‘.
Commentators have since used his assorted works as an insight to manners, customs and general life.
Much of his work was written in dialect.
Further details Autobiography and text of songs and ballads
A life of the Cumberland Bard
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