The house was constructed by Carlyle’s father and uncle, both local stonemasons, and is a fine example of Scottish 18th-century vernacular architecture. The Arched House has remained virtually untouched since 1881, when it was first opened to the public.
Many of Carlyle’s belongings are still in situ, along with domestic items of the time, providing an authentic glimpse into Victorian life and a fascinating insight into Thomas Carlyle’s early years. There are also many photos and reproductions of paintings of Carlyle and his wife Jane, a famous 19th-century literary couple.
After your visit, enjoy a wander round the pretty village of Ecclefechan and absorb the atmosphere that nurtured the ‘Sage of Ecclefechan’. There is a great view from the top of the village, where there is a replica of Boehm’s statue of Carlyle on the Embankment in London.
