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| Businesses in Maryport | Towns and Villages of Cumbria | |
Maryport town lies at the mouth of the River Ellen CumbriaMaryport(See also Lake District Coast Aquarium and Maritime Museum)
The town was home to two famous men. Fletcher Christian, of mutiny on the Bounty fame, was born here at Ewanrigg Hall, the family's home. Thomas Ismay, founder of the White Star Line of which the Titanic was one vessel, grew up here. A 90-minute Ismay trail touts the town's connections.
Lovers of sea life will enjoy the Lake District Coast Aquarium with a
large range of native Two miles north of Maryport on the B5300 are reconstructed
18th century salt workers cottages. There once were salt settling tanks here at the
appropriately named Saltpans. The government men who collected the salt tax were based at
Netherhall, the manor home of Humphrey Senhouse. Formerly known as Ellenfoot, he renamed the town
after his wife when he extended it Maryport came into its own during the exploitation of the West Cumberland coal fields, when Senhouse built the harbour to carry coal from his mines to Ireland. In 1777 three shipyards were at work, and the port saw up to 80 vessels at anchor. Newly built ships were launched sideways into the river because the channel was too narrow for traditional launching methods. In 1784 a blast furnace went into operation. The rail line was extended from Carlisle in 1845.
Sand beaches and clifftop paths beckon walkers. A walk along the
Solway Firth seawall opens up sea vistas as far as the Galloway hills of Scotland, and,
apparently, much more. Originally a small hamlet of fishing cottages, Maryport is now restoring and reviving its maritime and industrial past for the visitor. Location Map of Maryport Maryport TIC Maritime Museum Maryport Steamship Museum Senhouse Roman Museum
Photos courtesy of Barbara Ballard , Graeme Dougal and Pam Grant © 1997 - 2009 by The Cumbria Directory. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from The Cumbria Directory is prohibited. |
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Maryport lies at the mouth of the River Ellen on Cumbria's western
coast. The natural harbour was used by the Romans as a port for troop supplies. They built a fort
on high ground to the north of the town as one of a chain of coastal defenses against the
barbarians to the north of Hadrian's Wall. The fort, called Alauna, was in use as late as the
5th century when the Romans withdrew from Britain.
During 18th century excavations of the site many altars
were uncovered. This collection, the largest from one site in Britain, is now housed in the
Senhouse Roman Museum along with displays on the Roman occupation of the area and Celtic
religious sculptures. Everyday life of the Roman outposts is explained in the museum, which is
housed in an 1885 Naval Reserve Battery.
Another Roman fort, Deventio, was constructed at Papcastle, a mile
from Maryport where the Roman roads from Maryport, Carlisle, and Penrith converged. At the
southern end of the town is Castle Hill, the scant earthwork remains of a pre-Norman motte and
bailey castle.
Maryport was part of a smuggling
route used by the 'Solway Smugglers' who transported their goods from here to Ireby.
The Maritime Museum contains photographs of the ship's wreck made by Dr
Robert Ballard's expedition. Further exhibits in the Maritime Museum include objects, models, and
paintings illustrating the town's maritime history, including information on the harbour and
docks. The museum is housed in the former Queen's Head pub, an historic building.
Another nautical
museum, the Maryport Steamship Museum, tells of the shipbuilding industry and offers tours of two
ships. One is the Flying Buzzard, a River Clyde tug, and another is the Vic96, a WW II supply
ship. A 1908 steam yacht and a trading schooner complete the picture.
Cumbrian sea creatures on display. Manta rays, tub gurnards, sharks, eels,
and many more are on view. There are feeding demonstrations and educational displays. A fishing
tradition is part of the picture in Maryport, and fresh catches are sold in local shops.
in 1749, laying the streets out in a grid pattern.
Buildings include the 1847 red sandstone St Mary's Church, rebuilt
in 1890-92. The tower of the first church remains. In the older part of town narrow cobbled
streets compete with sea views and Georgian architecture in Fleming Square. The Golden Lion
Hotel, a former farmhouse, hosted Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
A large shipbuilding centre to the end of the
19th century, Maryport declined with the onset of the 1930's depression, and the
harbour was closed to shipping in 1961. The harbour is now a popular marina and anchor spot for
fishing boats.
The promenade is one of the prime sites in Britain for spotting UFO's
according to an investigator of extra terrestrial sightings.acrosstheSolwayFirthPam.jpg "Maryport Harbour with Criffel (mountain) across the Solway Firth Courtesy Pam Grant")
Lake District Coast Aquarium