Exploring the (extra)ordinary spaces of West Cumbria
You may think that a walk round Workington's Hall Park is one of those ordinary everyday activities; whether you're walking the dog, relaxing during your dinnertime break, or enjoying a jog.
Today the park hosts a community garden, a pottery shop, a beautiful circular walk through woodlands and open fields with an abundance of wildlife, and the inaccessible ruin of Workington Hall and all the stories (and mysteries) that hide behind its walls.
But if we look at Hall Park through a different lens, we can imagine how different the space may have looked 100 years ago. This is not about historical accuracy but about using our imagination to add another dimension to a space we (as locals) see so often that it becomes ordinary.
We've included some photos sourced from Whitehaven Archive to get you thinking, but why don't you see what your own research could turn up? Or if that doesn't interest you just use your imagination- it's all about engaging with the space in a different way!
So next time you're in Hall Park and whilst you're enjoying the beautiful space it is today, maybe take a moment to imagine what the place may have looked like 100, 200, or 300 years ago and think about some of the stories those walls may hold.