#133: Whitehaven - A remarkable history

...in which we tour the west coast town of Whitehaven in the company of Blue Badge guide and historic buildings expert Alexandra Fairclough. From the heart of the bustling harbour, we paint a picture of the settlement's early history – of a remote fishing village set around a tidal river – before coal transformed its fortunes forever. As the Lowther family entered the story, the town's wealth and population multiplied; coal and ship-building transforming the sheltered 'haven' into England's second largest port, trade tethered to the notorious 'Triangular Trade'. Leaving the harbour, we visit Whitehaven's informal 'old town', then proceed to the remarkable 'grid-iron' planned streets that introduced Grand Tour designs to Georgian Cumberland, and which inspired similar layouts in New York City. Admiring designed 'vistas', a bounty of listed buildings – more per quare mile than in any other UK town – and rare one-time warehouses, we discuss the end of many eras, and reflect on the 'gem' town of today.

• Alex can be found at https://linktr.ee/Alexatourguide

The harbour, from the Sugar Quay.

Our guest for the day: Alexandra Fairclough.

View from the Old Quay.

The harbour from Lime Tongue.

The harbour.

John Paul Jones: a forgiven baddie.

Mathias Reed's 'Bird's Eye View of Whitehaven' - circa 1735.

The Georgian 'grid iron'.

Queen Street 'vista' with block.

Whitehaven Castle - former seat of the Lowthers.

The next chapter of Whitehaven's architectural history: the harbour-side 'Pebble'.