Maryport

From its earliest days as a fishing port to its more recent history as a port during the Georgian and Victorian eras, the coastal town of Maryport has always had a close affinity with the sea. Part of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site, ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’, Maryport is steeped in history. From tales of Roman soldiers to maritime history and heritage, there’s plenty to learn in this coastal town - and some great museums in which to do so. 

It also boasts stunning sunsets over the Irish Sea, with the west-facing Solway coast affording expansive views which can be enjoyed from the promenade.

History & Heritage

The area around Maryport was largely uninhabited until the arrival of the Romans around AD 70. Fifty years later in AD 122, under orders of the Emperor Hadrian they began constructing a wall that would secure the northern frontier of their mighty empire. It started as a turf wall, stretching from across from the mouth of the Tyne to the Solway Firth, but was later converted to stone. The section fronting the western edge of the Solway Firth did not feature a curtain wall but had a series of forts, milefortlets and signal turrets placed at strategic intervals to secure the coastal defences and supply lines. Near Maryport, the Romans built a major fort (Alauna) at a junction with the Roman road that led to Papcastle (near Cockermouth).

The Romans remained here for roughly 250 years, departing in AD 410 and surrendering the area to Romano-British tribes, who were in turn colonised by Viking settlers who infiltrated rivers along the coast and founded settlements such as Flimby and Crosscanonby; and later the Normans, who built churches at Dearham and Crosscanonby. Both churches display stone carvings that portray the transition from pagan cults to Christian worship.

The town of Maryport owes its existence to the mining of coal and the patronage of Humphrey Senhouse of Netherhall. In the early 18th century, the area was little more than a fishing hamlet at the mouth of the river Ellen, known as Ellenfoot (owned by the Senhouse family). In 1749, Humphrey Senhouse obtained an Act of Parliament to develop a new town and harbour (to rival Whitehaven), which he named ‘Maryport’ after his wife. The town expanded rapidly in a planned way that incorporated elegant features such as the cobblestone Fleming Square surrounded by graceful Georgian architecture. By 1800 the town had 3,000 inhabitants and 90 ships.

Maryport was built to capitalise on the discovery of nearby coal deposits. Initially the coal was brought in by packhorses to be loaded onto ships for export. The 19th century saw the completion of the Maryport to Carlisle railway and new ship docks (Elizabeth and Senhouse Docks), which enabled large quantities of coal, iron ore, steel rails, timber, cotton, cattle and other goods to be brought in and out of the port. In the peak year of 1845, over 300,000 tons of coal were shipped out of Maryport.
 
Shipping and shipbuilding were primary industries, and many master mariners lived in palatial Georgian houses near to the docks. Between 1765 and 1914, over 280 ships were built in Maryport’s shipyards.
 
The town was the birthplace of Thomas Henry Ismay, one of the great shipping magnates of the time and owner of the White Star Line (which built the ill-fated Titanic). Other local shipping names include the Hine Brothers (who founded the Holme Shipping Line in 1873) and the Ritsons who constructed the first iron ships at Maryport.

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Things to Do

Learn more about the Romans who once patrolled the area at Maryport’s Senhouse Roman Museum. Standing next to the site of a Roman fort, it’s home to an extensive collection of Roman artefacts - with many taken from the neighbouring fort and settlement. The collection is thought to be one of earliest ever compiled in Britain and is of international significance. Meanwhile, the area’s coastal heritage is on display at the Maryport Maritime Museum.

KIds will love a visit to the Lake District Coast Aquarium, home to a diverse collection of marine life from across the Cumbrian and UK coastline. There’s also a 14-hole mini golf course, the ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ adventure playground and a fishing tackle shop.

Once you’ve explored Maryport, enjoy a walk to nearby Allonby; or hire a bike and cycle along the Hadrian’s Cycleway - Route 72.

Maryport hosts an annual food festival, Taste of the Sea Maryport. Part of the popular Taste Cumbria food festivals, it celebrates local food and drink with market stalls, kids activities, cooking demonstrations and plenty more. 

Enjoy a gentle stroll along the prom, with an accessible beachfront boardwalk; or challenge yourself to the long distance King Charles III English Coast Path.

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FAQs

Where is Maryport located?

Maryport is located on the Cumbrian coast between Workington and Silloth, just a short distance west of Cockermouth. It stands to the west of the Lake District national park, and on the edges of the Solway Coast National Landscape.

Where is there to eat in Maryport?

From catch of the day to freshly baked bread, Maryport boasts a burgeoning food and drink scene with something for everyone. Here, you’ll find cosy pubs like the Sailors Rest, quirky cafes like Marina View and The Wharf, and even Britain’s best curry!

Where is there to stay in Maryport?

In and around Maryport, you will find a good selection of accommodation options to suit a range of tastes and budgets. This is a popular choice for motorhomes and campervans, with caravan sites nearby.

How to get to Maryport?

Maryport can be reached by car along the A596 and A594, or by bus from several local towns and villages. Maryport also has a train station, standing along the Cumbrian Coast Line and connecting the town to destinations along the Cumbrian coast and up to Carlisle. 

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Surrounding Areas

Allonby - the fishing village of Allonby enjoys beautiful far-reaching views over to Scotland and the Isle of Man. Its sand and shingle beach follows the edge of a wide crescent-shaped bay while in the village itself, you’ll find an assortment of grand Georgian architecture and humble fishermen's cottages, linked by narrow cobbled lanes and passageways.

Aspatria - the ancient township of Aspatria (pronounced ‘Spi-atry' by locals) is now described as ‘milk town’. It has one of the most modern creameries in England on its doorstep, with several local farms supplying milk on a daily basis.

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Did you Know?

JOSEPH PIELE (1684–1790)

Joseph was born at Bank End Farm (at the far end of the Promenade). He went to sea at 17 and for a time was the shipmate of Alexander Selkirk (the original Robinson Crusoe who was marooned on the island of Juan Fernandez for 4 years). Joseph lived to be nearly 107 years old and died after his horse reared up and threw him to the ground. His long life witnessed the reigns of 7 monarchs from Charles II to George III. A plaque commemorating his long life can be found on the northeast wall of St Mary’s Church in Maryport.
 

CROSSCANONBY SALTPANS

Salt making was a highly important industry, as salt was needed for preserving meat and fish and for medicinal purposes. There were many saltpans along the north Cumbrian coast, but the ones at Crosscanonby are among the best preserved in England and were probably built around 1650 by the Senhouses of Netherhall.

THE MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY

Maryport is associated with Fletcher Christian who led the Mutiny on the Bounty. On 28 April 1789, Fletcher Christian and other sailors on the Bounty overthrew Captain Bligh and some of his crew and cast them adrift on a boat. The mutineers eventually reached the Pitcairn Islands where most were murdered. It is uncertain whether Fletcher Christian was killed or whether he escaped back to England, but it is believed that he and a few other crew members founded a colony on the Pitcairn Islands, which is still inhabited by his descendants today.

WILKIE COLLINS

The author, Wilkie Collins, used Ewanrigg Hall near Maryport as the setting for his novel, The Woman in White. He came to Maryport with his friend, Charles Dickens, in 1857 and stayed at the Golden Lion Hotel.

DOUGLAS CLARKE (1891–1951)

Douglas Clarke, five-times World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion in the 1930s and given the accolade of the Strongest Man in the World, was born at Ellenborough, Maryport.

ELIZABETH DOCK

Elizabeth Dock was the first non-tidal or ‘wet’ dock in Cumberland, with gates that could hold in the water between high tides.