The History Studio is the home based studio of historian Christine Craghill, who researches all aspects of Cumbrian History. Chris uses the latest computer based internet technology, archive material and landscape knowledge, to investigate local, family and house history, through the social, economic and landscape history of the region.

Chris Craghill graduated from Lancaster Univeristy in 1995 with a Diploma in Local History, and began her research work from her cottage based studio in the fell side village of Uldale in the Northern Fells of the English Lake District. Now relocated to the village of Tiptree in north east Essex, she continues to reserach the history of many of Cumbria's old established families and properties, as well as broadening her interests in other areas, such as Lancashire and connections with the USA.

Much evidence for such research can be found in the varied amount of documentary and literary sources available, as well as in the landscape. Chris has a great affinity wth the area, stemming from her own Craghill and associated family ancestors, who farmed for many centuries in the Northern Fells, the Solway Plain and the Anglo/Scottish Border. In her research she tries to activate the past to make it tangible with the present and the theme of the studio is very much that of historical detective work, as well as encouraging others to enjoy the thrill of the chase.

Much of Chris' work is conducted via the internet and the use of her own, growing archive, but ultimately there is no substitute for the feeling of place. Therefore she plans at least several trips a year back to Cumbria, in order to discuss projects, give talks, run day courses and touch base with friends and the landscape.