Whitehaven in 50 Buildings

Whitehaven, once a fishing village, became the second-busiest port in Britain due to the trade in tobacco, sugar, and other products with the West Indies. The port's development led to the construction of a Georgian planned town with over 170 listed buildings. Although mining has declined, the harbor has been regenerated with a marina and the old colliery buildings preserved and turned into a museum. "Whitehaven in 50 Buildings" explores the town's history through a selection of its most interesting buildings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Whitehaven, once a humble fishing village nestled along the Cumbrian coast, underwent a remarkable transformation when the Lowther family initiated its development in the seventeenth century. Their vision was to establish a port to export coal from the rich Cumberland coalfield, a move that would propel the town into prominence. The following century saw Whitehaven thrive as a hub for trade, particularly with the West Indies, resulting in its status as the second busiest port in the country. The influx of wealth brought about remarkable changes, including the construction of a new town, an exceptional example of Georgian planning. This town, meticulously laid out on a grid system, boasts an impressive array of over 170 listed buildings, showcasing the architectural heritage of the region.

Nestled alongside the Old Fort and Whitehaven Castle, which later transformed into a hospital, are a collection of historic houses, shops, churches, civic buildings, hotels, public houses, and banks. These structures serve as poignant reminders of Whitehaven's industrial past, encompassing the harbor, the colliery, and the railway. While the port has experienced a decline in recent years, the harbor has undergone a remarkable regeneration, with the addition of a marina and the preservation of the old colliery buildings, now transformed into a museum.

In Whitehaven in 50 Buildings, author John Mawson takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of this fascinating Cumbrian town. Through a selection of its most notable buildings and structures, Mawson showcases the remarkable changes that Whitehaven has undergone throughout its existence. This book appeals to a wide audience, including residents of Whitehaven and those with an interest in the town's rich heritage. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the history and architectural marvels of this remarkable coastal town.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445699226