Numbers 10-22 Incorporating City Walls

Numbers 10-22, incorporating city walls, is a significant structure located in Carlisle. This site includes a city wall dating back to the early 12th century, a school built in 1813, late 19th-century mews stables and warehouses, and various modern uses such as a theatre, public house, amusement arcade, and disco. While the later buildings are not of particular architectural interest, they are listed to protect the city wall behind them.

The front wall of each building along the West Walls facade is constructed on top of the west city walls. Architect Robert Smirke suggested that buildings could be erected against the walls when he advised on the construction of the Central School, as documented in correspondence held at the Cumbria County Record Office. The school, which closed on 31 August 1909, was later known as St Cuthbert's Parish Hall.

The existence of the city wall behind these buildings was confirmed by the Carlisle Archaeological Unit during renovations in 1985. Notably, there is a through-archway and chamber behind the wall, believed to be the sewerage outlet for Blackfriars Convent, which is now part of the Green Room Theatre. Historical references, including works by William Hutchinson and the Carlisle Journal, provide drawings and descriptions of this chamber.

Although this section of the city walls is not part of the Scheduled Ancient Monument of the exposed West Walls, it is a continuation of that historic structure. Further details about the continuation of this wall can be found under the Central Plaza Hotel on Victoria Viaduct.