EGREMONT, ST BEES TO SEASCALE...
The coastal strip between St Bees and the River Esk at Ravenglass was once part of the Barony of Egremont - a Norman feudal territory administered from a castle set above the old market town of Egremont.
Although the castle has since become a romantic ruin, the town still celebrates its medieval roots - the high point of the year being the annual Crab Fair, incorporating the internationally famous World Gurning Championship.
About the area
History & heritage
The castle is now a romantic ruin, the town still celebrates its medieval roots.
Art & culture
Lowes Court Gallery/Egremont Tourist Information Centre, displays a high standard of art & craftwork.
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Natural environment
Fleswick Bay, are home to large colonies of seabirds and form a RSPB reserve.
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What's on
The annual Crab Fair, incorporating the internationally famous World Gurning Championship.
Oddities
Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson went to school at St Bees.
Lord Byron figurehead
The Lord Byron figurehead adorning a house in Seascale was retrieved from a ship wrecked off the coast in January 1884.
Freshwater pearls
The River Irt was once famous for its freshwater pearls - sadly no longer in evidence.
Ehenside Tarn
When Ehenside Tarn to the south of Nethertown was drained in the mid 19th century, dozens of stone axes (including one still fixed to its wooden handle) and other prehistoric implements were found - many now on display in the British Museum.
St Bees Man
In 1981 the body of a medieval man was unearthed just outside the priory wall. His body was in a remarkably good state of preservation, due to the careful precautions taken at the time of his burial. His body was wrapped in cloth impregnated with beeswax - a natural preservative - and then encased in lead. St Bees Man is the most perfectly preserved remains of a body from medieval times ever found in this country and has undergone thorough scientific examinations. One candidate is Anthony de Lucy, Lord of Cockermouth, who died in 1368 whilst on crusade and whose body was brought back to the abbey for burial.
Where to stay
Using the search
This quick search allows you to find accommodation within 3 miles of Egremont. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.
