Diverse land uses
Workington rose to prominence in the eighteenth century as a major port and industrial town, in particular in the sectors of iron, coal and steel, while the natural beauty found in the constituency now attracts millions of visitors.
Workington, centre of steel production in northwest England for over 100 years, had 30 pits in operation at this time, equally Buttermere and Crummock, pictured, are now recognised as two of most sumptuous lakes on the Lake District National Park.
In addition to industrial prowess and stunning natural beauty the constituency also bears witness to historical struggles between nations and empires with an extension from Hadrian’s Wall extending down the Cumbrian coast. The Wall was built by Roman Emperor Hadrianus between 120AD and 128AD to protect the northern extreme of the Roman Empire.
350 years after first landing on British soil the Romans gave up their attempt to control Scotland, or Caledonia as it was then known, in 400AD but over 1600 years after this decision was made remains of Roman occupation forts can be found at Kirkbride, Beckfoot and Maryport. Today, the history of the constituency may be discovered at many museums, such as the Maritime Museum at Maryport.
The Romans also built the fort of Deventio at Papcastle, about a mile from where the town of Cockermouth now sits, at the convergence of roads from Maryport, Carlisle and Penrith. Cockermouth Castle, meanwhile, was built in the 13th century, but little of the original castle remains because of Robert the Bruce’s actions. The majority of today's ruins date from 1360 to 1370, and tours are usually available during the Cockermouth Festival.
Cockermouth is an attractive market town on the junction of the River Cocker and the River Derwent, which received its Market Charter as long ago as 1221. Quarrying and mining for lead and iron were later developments outside the town, and a brewery has been built at the foot of the castle mound, where the two rivers meet.
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