Norman Nicholson

Norman Nicholson, the twentieth century poet was born and brought up in the idyllic Cumbrian town of Millom, on the Cumbrian Coast. 

Nicholson’s poetry displayed unique characteristics such as his no nonsense use of language. He was hugely influenced by the local industries including mining, quarrying and ironworks.

Nicholson was active from the 1930s right up until his death in 1987. His works include ‘Rock Face’ and ‘Sea to the west’.

For hundreds of years poets and writers have drawn inspiration from the natural beauty of the Lake District terrain. Nicholson didn’t use this famous landscape as a basis for his writings, instead the industrial coastal towns of Whitehaven, Workington, Egremont, Askam and his hometown of Millom provided the subject matter. Real people and real life were the hallmarks of his work.

Norman was born in a Victorian terrace in Millom which is where he spent his whole life. He is buried in St George’s Churchyard in the town. 

Millom was an important mining town. Nicholson witnessed the decline and eventual disappearance of this once dominant industry and all the repercussions associated with it. The changes brought about the town and the people were a constant source of inspiration. He wrote about the working classes using the language of the working classes.

He also published two novels and four plays, but poetry was his specialism and he received the Queens Gold Medal for poetry in 1977 and was awarded the OBE in 1981.

Today his legacy lives on. The Norman Nicholson society is based in Millom and boast a worldwide membership. They host events and provide educational material to showcase the poets work to a new audience.

The Victorian terrace house where he spent his life - 14 St. George’s Terrace proudly sports a blue plaque to commemorate the life of this important and unique poet.