Museum launches First World War Lecture Day programme

The Gallipoli- themed Lecture Day on Saturday 3rd October will be held at the Museum which is located within the former home of The Border Regiment, in Carlisle Castle.

Now an annual feature, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is delighted to host speakers at their third themed Lecture Day in October. The event will allow speakers to explore different aspects of the First World War Gallipoli campaign, which took place between 1915 and early 1916 and involved two battalions of the Border Regiment.

The day, which is supported by Carlisle-based solicitors Wragg Mark-Bell, is aimed at anyone wanting to expand their knowledge or learn about a new area of history and includes lunch and refreshments. The Gallipoli Association has also provided support.

Nick Kennon, managing director at Wragg Mark-Bell, has personal and professional reasons for his firm to be supporting the lecture day. His grandfather was part of the Border Regiment and Nick has continued his family’s military tradition, becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves, and formerly Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Wragg Mark-Bell has also signed the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant, meaning it offers support and benefits to members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families who are staff or clients.

He said: “Cumbria's Museum of Military Life is a great asset to our city, and we are very proud as a firm to be supporting its Lecture Day on the Gallipoli campaign. Events like this help develop people's understanding of important moments in history and bring to life the conditions that our armed forces endured and the experiences of some of the individuals involved."

The Museum’s previous two lecture days have sold out, and this year’s theme promises to be as successful. “The Lecture Day will enable attendees to focus on one aspect of the war and gives us the opportunity to bring first-class speakers to Cumbria,” explained Museum Manager, Jules Wooding. “An empty barrack block named ‘Gallipoli’ can be found within Carlisle Castle, the former Border Regiment Depot, so it is fitting that the Lecture Day will be hosted in the Museum also located within the Castle.”

The four speakers will investigate different aspects of this campaign:

● Former curator Stuart Eastwood will look at the Border Regiment’s contribution to the campaign

● Peter Hart, formerly of the Imperial War Museum, will discuss the conditions at Gallipoli

● Steve Warburton will be focussing on Brigadier-General C H T Lucas of the 29th Division which included 1st Battalion Border Regiment

● Former education officer at the Gallipoli Association, John Wilson, will be talking about the Indian Army’s contribution to the campaign

The Lecture Day is designed to appeal to anyone with a keen interest in this campaign, from those with a family connection to those who would like to find out more.

Gallipoli Lecture Day - Saturday 3rd October 1000-1700hrs. Tickets cost £30 and include lunch, refreshments, and free access to the Museum.

Spaces are limited. For further information or to book tickets visit: https://www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org/product/gallipoli-lecture-day-2026/

or telephone 01228 532774