In 1956, Queen Elizabeth II visited Westmoreland, Appleby, Ambleside, Bowness and Kendal, accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Special - Queen In Lake District (1956) - British Pathé on YouTube
In August 1956, the county of Westmorland witnessed one of the most significant civic events in its mid-century history. Queen Elizabeth II, having been on the throne for only four years, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the Lake District and the surrounding market towns. Accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, the visit was designed to allow the young monarch to connect with the rural and industrial communities of Northwest England. The tour took place against the backdrop of a region that was still transitioning out of the post-war era, with the Lake District having recently been designated a National Park.
The logistics of the 1956 visit were immense. The Royal couple traveled primarily by the Royal Train, using the scenic and steep railway lines that carved through the fells. This allowed them to visit multiple towns in a single day, ensuring that thousands of local residents—from schoolchildren to elderly veterans—could catch a glimpse of the Sovereign. For the people of Westmorland, a county that has since been administratively absorbed into Cumbria, the visit was a rare moment of national spotlight.
The Royal Arrival in Appleby
The tour began with a stop in Appleby-in-Westmorland, the historic county town. Appleby held a special status due to its ancient lineage and its role as the seat of the county's assizes. On the morning of the visit, the town was decorated with miles of bunting and floral displays. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were officially welcomed at the railway station before being driven through the Boroughgate, the town’s wide, tree-lined main street.
In Appleby, the focus was on tradition and local governance. The Queen met with the Mayor and members of the Corporation at the Moot Hall, a building dating back to the 16th century. The Duke of Edinburgh, known for his keen interest in rural industry, took time to speak with local farmers and landowners. The atmosphere in Appleby was one of formal respect mixed with genuine local excitement. The visit highlighted the town's importance as an administrative center, even as the world around it was modernizing.
Journey Through the Fells to Ambleside
From the historic streets of Appleby, the Royal party moved deeper into the heart of the Lake District, heading toward Ambleside. This leg of the journey showcased the dramatic geography of Westmorland. As the Royal cars wound through the narrow passes and alongside the scree slopes, crowds gathered at every vantage point. In 1956, many residents of the more isolated fell farms had traveled miles by tractor or on foot to line the route.
Ambleside provided a different atmosphere from Appleby. It was a hub for the burgeoning tourist industry and a center for outdoor education. During their time in the town, the Queen and the Duke visited local institutions and met with representatives of the Lake District National Park. The Duke of Edinburgh was particularly interested in the conservation efforts being made to balance the needs of the local residents with the increasing number of visitors. The Royal visit to Ambleside served to validate the town’s role as a gateway to the mountains.
Bowness and the Waters of Windermere
The most picturesque portion of the 1956 tour took place in Bowness-on-Windermere. Arriving at the shores of England's largest lake, the Queen and the Duke were greeted by a flotilla of boats. The Victorian steamer piers at Bowness were packed with onlookers. The Royal couple boarded a vessel to travel across the water, providing them with a clear view of the surrounding fells and the grand houses that lined the shore.
The visit to Bowness was not merely for sightseeing. The Queen took the opportunity to learn about the freshwater biological research being conducted on the lake and the traditional industries of charcoal burning and woodturning that still survived in the nearby valleys. The Duke of Edinburgh spent time discussing the technical aspects of lake navigation and the use of the water for both commercial and recreational purposes. For Bowness, the Royal presence was a significant boost to its reputation as a premier destination, cementing its status in the post-war era of British domestic holidays.
The Civic Reception in Kendal
The tour reached its climax in Kendal, often referred to as the "Auld Grey Town" due to its distinctive limestone buildings. As the largest town in Westmorland, Kendal provided the most substantial crowds of the day. The Royal Train arrived at Kendal station, and the Queen and Duke were driven through the narrow "yards" and main thoroughfares to the Town Hall.
Kendal was a town of industry as much as it was a market center. In 1956, the town was famous for its shoe manufacturing (notably K Shoes), its tobacco and snuff processing, and the production of Kendal Mint Cake. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited local factories, where they observed the manufacturing processes and spoke with the shop-floor workers. The Duke was noted for his technical questions regarding the machinery, while the Queen focused on the working conditions and the history of the family firms that dominated the town's economy.
The civic lunch held at the Kendal Town Hall was a formal affair involving the High Sheriff of Westmorland and the Lord Lieutenant. It was here that the Queen gave a short address, thanking the people of the county for their hospitality and acknowledging the beauty and the industry of the region. The visit to Kendal demonstrated the town’s transition from a medieval market hub to a modern industrial center, all while maintaining its unique Westmorland identity.
The Significance of the Duke’s Role
Throughout the 1956 tour, the Duke of Edinburgh played an active and engaged role. This visit took place during the early years of his efforts to modernize the monarchy’s relationship with science and industry. While the Queen performed the formal and symbolic duties of the visit, the Duke often delved into the practicalities of the local economy. Whether he was discussing hill farming techniques in the fells or manufacturing tolerances in a Kendal factory, his presence added a layer of modern, technical interest to the Royal tour.
The Duke’s interest in the youth of Britain was also evident. At several stops, he broke away from the formal procession to speak with groups of Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and students. This informal interaction was a hallmark of the 1956 visit, helping to bridge the gap between the ancient traditions of the Crown and the younger generation who were growing up in a post-war world.
The Legacy of the 1956 Visit
The 1956 Royal visit left a lasting mark on the collective memory of Westmorland. For many towns, it was the first time they had hosted a reigning monarch in living memory. The photographs and film footage of the Queen and the Duke in the Lake District became iconic images of the early Elizabethan era.
For the county of Westmorland itself, the visit was a final celebration of its independent identity. Within two decades, the administrative boundaries of England would be redrawn, and Westmorland would merge with Cumberland and parts of Lancashire to form Cumbria. The 1956 tour remains a historical snapshot of the county at its peak—industrious, traditional, and deeply connected to its landscape. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s journey through Appleby, Ambleside, Bowness, and Kendal served to reinforce the ties between the British monarchy and the rural heartlands of the United Kingdom.
Helpful Links
Cumbria County Council - Archive Service The Royal Family Official Website - History Section
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