Maryport, Allerdale, Cumbria: Historic Area Assessment
Author(s): Fiona Wooler
Maryport is a planned town and port in north-west Cumbria established in the middle of the 18th century. It was planted in an area that had seen Roman and medieval activity and was preceded by a small settlement and harbour of some form known as Ellenfoot. The new town of Maryport began as a port, built to serve the growth and expansion of the local coal mining industry and an associated settlement was also planned on a grid pattern by Humphrey Senhouse (1731-1814). The town expanded considerably during the 19th century as the shipbuilding industry developed and the port expanded to serve the local iron and steel industries amongst others. However, by the 1920s the port and most of the other local industries were in decline and ultimately ceased to be. The cessation of major industrial activity in the area and the subsequent decline in importance of the port has was a major blow to the town which has not seen significant economic growth since the middle of the 20th century. This historic area assessment (HAA) is part of Historic England’s contribution to the Maryport High Street Heritage Action Zone. It aims to provide a better understanding of the history, development, character and significance of the historic centre of Maryport and its buildings and provide an evidence base for future management.
- Report Number:
- 48/2022
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 140
- Keywords:
- Post Medieval Area Assessment Architectural Investigation
