Workington

Workington's main areas of interest lie about its busy, pedestrianised shopping district in the middle of town, where most of the country’s best-known high street brands are well-represented. The wonderful Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre takes care of most of the cultural and entertainment needs, with a superb programme of concerts, plays and shows year-round. There’s a fine multiplex cinema and the Lakes Escapes, while if you fancy splitting some pins there’s always a spot of bowling.

Workington’s long history is proudly on show in Curwen Park, home to the picturesque ruin of Curwen Hall. Workington was originally built on the bedrock of coal, and the Curwen family who traded in this resource, developed the old town on the hill clustered around the marketplace and cobbled Portland Square. Once the docks, shipyards and ironworks were established on the coast, the town rapidly extended towards the sea to become the bustling town and port of today.

History & Heritage

Workington old town developed on high ground near Workington Hall and expanded to the south and west as a result of industrial exploitation of the local coal and iron ore deposits. When James I ascended to the English throne in 1603, he clamped down on the reivers – many of the ringleaders and their families were brought to Workington to await transportation by boat to the ‘wastes' of Ireland.

Under the guiding influence of the Curwens, Workington quickly expanded into a major port and town. The first dock operated in the 1760s, exporting coal to Ireland. By 1800 there were no less than 37 pits around Workington. In 1837 disaster struck when the roof of Chapel Bank Pit collapsed and 27 miners and 28 horses drowned as sea water inundated the mine. The Curwens suffered heavy financial losses as a result of this incident and made renewed attempts to find fresh sources of coal by sinking Jane Pit in 1843 followed by Annie Pit in 1864.

The expansion of the mines aided exports, prompting the Curwens to build Lonsdale Dock in 1865 to take ships up to 2000 tons. A major shipbuilding industry developed in the wake of the new dock, providing collier brigs for coal exports along with the complementary trades of sail and rope making. In 1927, the dock was enlarged again, this time to take 10,000-ton ships, and re-named the Prince of Wales dock.

The low phosphorus content of the iron ore was highly suitable for use in the Bessemer converter - a means of producing a higher grade of steel by blasting air through molten pig iron to drive off any impurities. The mines, ironworks and docks were linked by a network of railways that transported the coal and steel to other parts of the country and overseas via the West Coast ports. With the decline of the coal and steel industries in the 1950s, Workington diversified into light industries. The old iron ore workings and slag heaps were flattened and sites re-landscaped for modern industrial estates and out-of-town shopping centres. Instead of tall chimneys and iron furnaces, Workington's skyline is now dominated by the white blades of wind turbines, providing an alternative and clean source of electricity for over 20,000 homes.

---

FAQs

Where is Workington located?

Workington is located on the Cumbrian coast, between Maryport and Whitehaven.

How to get to Workington?

Workington is accessible by car on the A595/6 and the A66. It can also be reached by bus, with services from nearby towns and villages. Standing on the Cumbrian Coast Line, Workingtos is also accessible by train.

---

Surrounding Areas

- The maritime port of Whitehaven was once the third largest in the UK with trade links all over the world. The wealth of Georgian architecture led to Whitehaven being listed as a ‘gem town' by the Council for British Archaeology.

Cockermouth - The Georgian town of Cockermouth is the gateway to the Western Lake District. It’s a lovely place to stay and the added bonus is you can be on a lakeshore, at the beach or up a fell within 20 minutes’ drive – if you can tear yourself away from its wealth of attractions.

---

Did you know?

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (1542–1587)

Stayed at Workington Hall for one night in 1568 after fleeing from Scotland by boat. From here she wrote to her cousin, Elizabeth I, expressing fears for her safety. Three days later she was imprisoned in Carlisle Castle and later executed as a threat to the Tudor monarchy. After her stay at Workington Hall, Mary Queen of Scots gave her host, Sir Henry Curwen, a drinking cup made of agate, which became known as the ‘Luck of Workington’.

JANE PIT, WORKINGTON

The remains of this 19th century coal mine sunk by Henry Curwen in 1843 are the best surviving examples of castellated colliery architecture. The monument retains a gin circle and steam engine house, demonstrating the evolution from horse-powered to steam powered winding. Jane Pit operated until the mid-1870s.

UPPIES AND DOWNIES

Workington is home to a game known as ‘Uppies and Downies’, a historical version of football traditionally played by sailors and colliers. The goals are about a mile apart, one being a capstan at the harbour and the other the park wall of Workington Hall. There are no rules, except those of cunning, skill and brute force. The 'Uppies' attempt to ‘hale’ the ball over the park wall; the 'Downies' over the capstan, with the winners emerging from the best of three games.