workington...
Workington was built on the bedrock of coal, its reserves exploited by the Curwen family who reaped huge wealth and prosperity from the underground resources.
From their base at Workington Hall, the Curwens developed the old town on the hill clustered
around the market place and cobbled Portland Square. Once the docks, shipyards and ironworks were established on the coast, the town rapidly extended towards the sea to become the bustling town and port of today.
About Workington
History & heritage
Workington is thought to have derived its name from ‘Weork' - an Anglian chieftain
Art & culture
In recent years, several eye-catching artworks have been commissioned to provide interactive focal points for the town centre
Natural environment
The range of habitats from willow carr to herb-rich meadows and woodlands supports a diverse flora and fauna
Oddities
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) stayed at Workington Hall for one night in 1568 after fleeing from Scotland by boat. From here she wrote to her cousin, Elizabeth I, expressing fears for her safety. Three days later she was imprisoned in Carlisle Castle and later executed as a threat to the Tudor monarchy. After her stay at Workington Hall, Mary Queen of Scots gave her host, Sir Henry Curwen, a drinking cup made of agate, which became known as the ‘Luck of Workington'.
Bessemer converter
Henry Bessemer (1813-1898) developed his revolutionary steel making process - the Bessemer converter - in Workington in 1862. The sleepers and rails made at Moss Bay ironworks are used on railways all over the world.
First and largest
The bus station in Workington, dated 1926, was the first purpose-built covered bus station in Great Britain. Seaton is the largest village in Cumbria.Workington accommodation
Using this search
This quick search allows you to find accommodation within 3 miles of Workington. For more detailed searches click on the advanced option.
