In the 16th century graphite was discovered in the hills surrounding Keswick, a discovery that was to have a dramatic impact on the town.

The Cumberland Pencil Museum is located on Main Street, to the west of the town centre. It is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.

At first the graphite was used for making moulds, but once pencils had been invented Keswicksoon became an important centre for the pencil making industry.

By the late 18th century the industry had gone into decline, and today there is only one remaining factory, attached to which is a museum tracing the history of graphite use and pencils.