Poulton: Life, Trade and Shipping in a small Lancashire port 1577-1839

In the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, Poulton, a small Lancashire village, became a bustling port, market, and textile town due to its location on the River Wyre. This book explores the lives, work, adventures, and voyages of the ships, mariners, merchants, farmers, and people of Poulton and the harbours of Wyer Water, revealing the town's legacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2018
Publisher: Carnegie Publishing Ltd

In the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, a small Lancashire village on the banks of the River Wyre transformed into a bustling port, market, and textile town. This captivating tale unfolds through the lives, work, adventures, and voyages of the people of Poulton and the surrounding harbours of Wyer Water. The book delves into the reasons behind Poulton's remarkable transformation, exploring whether many young men from Skippool and Poulton chose to embark on maritime careers and whether they returned to their hometown. It also sheds light on the town's legacy today, providing valuable insights into its maritime past and its significance in local and family history.

The village of Poulton, situated on the banks of the River Wyre in Lancashire, England, experienced a remarkable transformation during the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries. It evolved from a small market town into a bustling port, market, and textile town. This transformation was driven by various factors, including economic opportunities, trade connections, and technological advancements.

The village's location on the River Wyre, which provided access to the sea, played a crucial role in its growth. The construction of docks and the establishment of shipping routes facilitated the import and export of goods, leading to the expansion of the local economy. The village's proximity to the coal mines and cotton mills further contributed to its prosperity, as it supplied raw materials to these industries.

The influx of new industries and businesses also brought about changes in the village's population. Many young men from Skippool and Poulton, seeking better opportunities, left to become mariners. They sailed across the oceans, exploring new territories and trade routes. While some of them returned to their hometown after completing their voyages, others chose to settle in other parts of the world, leaving a lasting impact on their families and communities.

The legacy of Poulton's transformation is still evident today. The village has preserved its historic buildings, including the docks and the cotton mills, which serve as reminders of its past. The town also hosts a maritime museum, which showcases the rich history of the region's seafaring traditions. Additionally, the village continues to be a hub for trade and commerce, with a thriving port and a diverse range of industries.

In conclusion, the story of Poulton's transformation from a small market town to a bustling port, market, and textile town is a testament to the power of economic opportunities, trade connections, and technological advancements. It highlights the impact of migration on communities and the lasting legacy that it leaves behind. Poulton's story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and celebrating the contributions of those who have shaped our history.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910837191