Summary of Lectures

Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society

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Lecture Summaries

House History – Getting Started by Rob David on 20 October 2011.

Rob David’s lecture attracted both those members and visitors who live in old houses and want to research their home and those who enjoy the research aspects of history. As Rob pointed out at the beginning of the lecture he wanted to show people how to get started using research documents, both in local record offices and the National Record office in Kew. A comprehensive handout accompanied Rob’s lecture together with slides showing both buildings and examples of documents to be found when pursuing house history.

Although Rob focussed on the research documents he did stress that looking at buildings and where they were situated in their community gave clues to their history. Rooflines, neighbouring buildings and the backs of buildings, as they are less manicured than the front, may all give good information. But he also warned to be careful of objects such as date stones and spice cupboards as they may have been moved from their original situation and therefore give false information.

Rob explained that 1911 and 1851 are the 2 main dates where research information can be more readily accessed. For 1911 the census, maps and trade directories are all valuable sources but the 1910 Finance Act records are excellent and comprehensive as all property in England and Wales was valued (for tax reasons) and the information is summarised in field books and record maps held at the National Archives. For 1851 enclosure maps and tithe maps and both their schedules together with trade directories and the census are good sources of information although Rob warned that not every document has survived for every area and it is worth a call to the local record office to confirm the whereabouts of some documents. Other sources that can be used are building regulation plans, estate maps and architect plans if relevant to the property. To go back beyond the 19^th century is more difficult and manorial documents can be used together with records of the hearth tax, the window tax and land tax, if available.

Rob answered questions from the audience and added at the end that researchers of house histories had to be prepared for the highs and the lows, frustration but great satisfaction when another piece of the jigsaw is added.

Barbara Copeland.

"Windermere Steamboat Museum and Historic Boat Collection" - 22nd September 2011

Charlotte Upton told a lively audience about the Lakeland Arts Trust and their latest project to restore the historic boat collection and reopen the Lakeland Steamboat Museum.

The Trust are responsible for restoring and running Abbot Hall and the Lakeland Life and Industry Museum in Kendal and Blackwell, close to Bowness and added the Staemboat Museum and its collection in 2007. The Steamboat Museum, founded by George Pattinson, a local builder, land owner and collector of steam boats, originally opened in 1977 on a former sand and gravel wharf on the shore of Windermere. It had been a popular attraction with over 80,000 visitors a year at its peak but closed in 2006 after George’s death. Eleven of the historic boats, considered to be a nationally important collection, were accepted in lieu of inheritance tax on George’s death and were passed to the Trust. The remaining boats along with the museum were transferred to the Trust. A small grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for conservation work, part of an application for £7.5 million for conservation, restoration work and new buildings to enable the museum to reopen and operate, has recently been received. A further £2.5 million will have to be raised to match Lottery funding. A competition for a suitable design for new buildings is currently running and public consultations are planned for November 2011.

Charlotte gave us a brief description of the highlights of the collection and described the project including what work was planned to enable reopening to happen in 2015. It will be an active museum where visitors will be able to watch boats being restored or built and there will be boat trips on the lake. Details of the project can be found at http://www.steamboats.org. Currently the museum is not open to the public but guided tours can be arranged and if there is enough interest we will organise a trip in the future.

Pat Rowland.

“Kendal’s Treasures” by Trevor Hughes 19^th May 2011.
It is well known that Kendal has an extraordinary history, but Trevor’s talk revealed an unexpected and intriguing hidden history squirreled away in the Town Hall. A unique collection of objects, pictures, and documents chronicling Kendal’s civic past has miraculously survived. Trevor has so far catalogued around 500 items ranging from textile samples through to important Pictures.
There are far too many items to list but his slides included images of Kendal’s 1^st Market Charter 1189, including rights to ‘gather plants for lye kilns’ (potash kilns) for the woollen fulling trade and a Charter signed by Elizabeth 1^st, making Kendal a Borough with Alderman in 1575 giving it a sense of law and order. There is a tankard of 1649 presented by Alderman Wilkinson, a ceremonial sword, and a Charter dated 1684 with the Seal of Catherine Braganza wife of Charles II.
An intriguing & priceless item is a tiny handwritten prayer book known as Katherine Parr’s Book of Devotions (1699) a unique part of British History. By the 19^th century civic attire included a Mayor’s chain of office and Mayor’s jewel. There is a ceremonial tankard (1883) associated with David Huddlestone, manager of the Kendal Bank, & a silver trowel, mal and hammer relating to the foundation of the market hall in Kendal. In 1936 a solid-gold Mayoress’ chain was added to the list, the latest document dates to 1993 when the Town to its embarrassment found that its Coat of Arms had not been registered.
Trevor then went on to show us some of the pictures and drawings held in the Town Hall. These included many famous local names – Sam Gawth (snuff), George Braithwaite Crewdson, George Foster Braithwaite, John Sleddell (Almshouses), James Cropper (Paper-making), Gilbert Gilkes (Water engineering), Clarence Stanley Webb, Mr & Mrs Bindloss, Francis Webster (Architect), Katherine Parr, Queen Victoria and a ‘View of the Fells’ a picture by celebrated contemporary of Turner, artist Thomas Girtin. There is a photograph of Sir Arthur Eddington who was born in Kendal 28^th December 1882. He became a leading astronomer and scientist with medals from the Royal Society, and friend of Albert Einstein.
Finally, Trevor outlined how a rare textile pattern book (c1769) from Crewson’s Mill had been recovered from a bin in Kendal and how - much to the delight of the audience - the Kendal Green waistcoat he was wearing had been hand- woven from the pattern book especially for him.

Ken Howarth.

"Turnpikes and Tourists in 18^th Century Lakeland’’ by Dr Paul Hindle 17^th February 2011
It was fascinating to learn about the part played by the turnpikes in the development of tourism in the Lake District. Many of the early records that Dr Hindle discussed centred on the Keswick and Borrowdale areas and we were shown maps from the 1540s (John Leland) which indicated routes around the lake. Later maps showed more detail until by 1700 the first real tourist map by Celia Fennes was produced which clearly showed ‘’roads’’ (which were little more than horse tracks).John Wesley’s extensive travels around the district from 1748 to 1790 increased interest and by the mid 1700s we saw the first writings about the beauty of the area (Dr Dalton and Dr John Brown). Engravings were produced showing the lake and waterfalls, often with exaggerated slopes.

The Lake District was regarded as a cheaper alternative to the European Grand Tour and the journal (1768) one of the first non-local travellers (the poet Thomas Gray) and the first guidebook (1778) my the Dalton priest Thomas West increased awareness of the region. The artist Turner painted and sketched many Lakeland scenes.
The poor state of the roads was much improved by the late 1700s with the establishment of Turnpike Trusts from 1753 and by 1770 Thomas Jefferys was producing maps which showed much more detail, including mileages and toll gates. Most visitors still kept to the roads, only a few (including Wordsworth and Coleridge) venturing onto the fells.‘’Turnpike mania’’ occurred during the 1750s to 1760s with locals setting up turnpike trusts (each by a separate Act of Parliament) and manning toll gates, levying tolls with which their parish roads were improved. Maps of the late 18^th century (by Peter Crosthwaite - who ran a museum at Keswick - and by Donald and others) show the turnpike roads which were often alternative routes to other roads / tracks. For example, the roads which are now the A6 and the A590 were not shown on the maps but the route across Morecambe Bay was shown, extending to Kirkby Ireleth and across the Duddon Estuary (map by Thomas West). The improved roads set up a conflict between those who wished to maintain the quietness of the Lake District and those who wished to open it to tourists, a conflict which persists to this day.
Stuart Harling

"The Life of Thomas Hayton Mawson" by Bette Kissack on 23rd September 2010.
Thomas Hayton Mawson, garden designer, landscape architect and town planner was the subject of Bette Kissack’s lecture on 23 September. Bette has written a biography of TH Mawson and her lecture informed the audience of Mawson’s working life, the grand houses being built in the Lakes area at the turn of the 20^th century and the details of garden design in that period. The lecture was illustrated by Bette’s beautiful slides that showed the full glory of Mawson’s gardens.
Thomas’ family had a landscaping business in Windermere and Thomas’ first contract was to landscape a garden for a new house, Briars Wood. He was then commissioned by Colonel Sandys to redesign Graythwaite Hall. His work became much sought after and he designed the gardens of Brockhole, Langdale Chase and many more of the great gardens in the Lake District including Rydal Hall. Bette pointed out Thomas’ recognisable style of garden architecture together with the popular garden designs at the time, the Dutch garden the Japanese garden and she stated how Thomas always wanted the garden to appear that it wrapped itself around the house.
In addition to garden design and architecture Thomas also designed his own buildings and homes in Windermere and Hest Bank. After his third son was killed in the First World War, Mawson built the Westfield Memorial Village in Lancaster on land given by Herbert Storey for disabled soldiers who returned from the war. An appreciative audience asked further questions and Bette’s book was popular.

Barbara Copeland.

Keld Chapel and Shap Abbey Field Trip on1st August 2010.

Harry Hawkins gave a fascinating insight into the history of the Chapel and told us that there was still uncertainty as to the status of the Chapel although it is believed to be a chantry owned by the monks of Shap Abbey. A chantry was a building often separate from an Abbey to enable Masses to be said there for the repose of deceased souls. The obligation on religious houses to say such Masses in perpetuity (often a request from a wealthy benefactor) was one which became a burden to them and special Chapels were established for that purpose in the early part of the twelfth century.

These Chapels became separate from the Abbeys by the fourteenth century and Keld Chapel is thought to date from sometime after 1350. There is no record of what happened to the Chapel after 1540 but it is thought to have continued as a ‘chapel at ease’. There is evidence of a baptism there in 1672.

Prior to 1698 the building became a house: in that year it was sold for five pounds and ten pence.In 1857 it was sold to the Vicar of Shap who attempted to restore it as a Chapel. The parishioners refused to accept it and after later sales it was one of the first properties to be given to the National Trust. We enjoyed a look inside before a pleasant walk along the side of the valley to Shap Abbey itself.

After viewing the Abbey from the valley side we were given a detailed guide by Harry through the remains of the Abbey, bringing to life the lecture he presented in February.Shap Abbey was founded in about 1200 and was the home of a community of Premonstratensian canons. The monks wore white habits and built their monasteries in remote places, living a contemplative life and serving as priests in the local community.Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the reign on Henry VIII the land was granted to the Governor of Carlisle in 1540, some of the buildings being used as a farm. However, most of the buildings were dismantled and the materials re-used elsewhere.The original Church was laid out on a cross-shaped plan. Evidence can be seen inscribed on the 15^th century floor in the nave of the circles where canons stood at the end of the Sunday procession.

A stone coffin is visible in the floor of the Chapter House and two further burials are evident in the adjacent cloister.Richard Redman (d 1505) was Abbot from 1458 and became the head of the Premonstratensian Order in England, eventually being appointed Bishop of Ely.Information boards give further details of the life in the monastery and the layout of the Abbey Church, the Cloisters and Chapter House.
We also saw the site of the fish ponds and the water mill of which no evidence remains above ground (the land having never been fully excavated).

After a picnic in the Abbey grounds we retraced our steps to Keld to collect our cars and proceeded to Shap Heritage Centre which had on display a most detailed record of the houses and other buildings comprising the village of Mardale before the construction of Haweswater Reservoir. There were also meticulous records of the families who lived in Mardale in the period before the village was flooded.We were fortunate to have a warm and dry day for our visit, a welcome change from the several weeks of wet weather before that time.

Stuart Harling, Field Trip Organiser.

“Shorts Flying Boats” A lecture by Judith Shingler on April 15^th 2010.

Judith Shingler and Pam Kaye, from Ambleside Oral History Group, used recorded interviews to help relate the history of what it had been like to live and work at Calgarth for the short time the flying boats were built there. We learned how the village, which housed the workers, was built from scratch in just 18 months (on the site where the Lakes School now stands). We heard about the self-sufficiency of the residents who, for the first couple of years, were looked on with suspicion by the locals as the residents had been brought in from all over the UK. We also heard from one interviewee who described one of the flying boats he had seen on Lake Windermere as looking ‘like a huge butterfly on the water’. This respondent had started work at Shorts’ factory when he was 14 years old and was talking about planes taking off and landing on the lake. Shorts’ history was indeed short - by 1955 Whitecross Bay, where the huge hangers for the planes were located, had become a caravan park.

"Lakeland Architecture’ A talk by Andy Lowe on 18th March 2010.

Andy started his talk by informing us that he would take us on a ‘romp’ which would cover the history of 500 years of Lakeland architecture in just one hour, and then proceeded to keep his audience spellbound while he delivered on his promise.

Andy stressed how all buildings (no matter when they were built) have been adapted to meet their owners’/residents’ requirements over the years. Extensions, fancy fretwork, the addition of different styles and new windows are really nothing new, and have helped to ensure the viability of buildings which would, otherwise, have fallen out of use as fashions changed and more efficient building material became available.

It was also interesting to note how the emulation of the wealthier residents’ penchant for new architectural styles, adornment, etc., have, since at least medieval times, filtered down to the more humble dwellings as less wealthy owners and residents attempted to copy the latest style in architectural fashion – nothing really changes!

The talk was supported with a wealth of images which underpinned the sheer breadth of Andy’s vast knowledge of his topic

"Shap Abbey" A talk given by Harry Hawkins on 18th February 2010.

Members and visitors of the Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society were treated to a talk on Shap Abbey by Harry Hawkins. Harry has painstakingly worked on the Abbey’s history for the past decade, searching out and finding a variety of documents which help chart the life and work of the Abbey, and also of the men who spent their lives there.

Little research work has previously been done on Shap Abbey, very little excavatory work has been carried out (except during the 1860s to determine the layout of the Abbey), and the Abbey’s Cartulary no longer exists. Harry showed us how he has used documents as diverse as deeds, indentures, rights of common, and more, to bring the history of the Abbey’s inhabitants to life. For instance, from deeds he has managed to find out how much land the Abbey owned, where it was situated, who granted it, and how many sheep, cows and horses that land would support.

Harry’s lecture was both informative and extremely interesting. It showed us how history can be brought alive through the use of seemingly unrelated documentary sources. A number of attendees raised questions which Harry was pleased to answer.

AGM and Quiz on Thursday November 19^th 2009, one of the wettest days in the history of Cumbria. Consequently there were 12 members present. The Chairman thanked the Committee members for all their hard work. Membership had again increased by 50% and now numbers 102. Reports were presented by the Secretary and Treasurer.

Special thanks went to Dr Stuart Alan, a founder member and now a life member, and his wife Rita. After the business side of the AGM was concluded refreshments were enjoyed, and this was followed by a quiz entitled “Name this Place”, presented by Nigel Mills. A series of old black and white photographs taken around the area were shown and this produced lively debate. Members were able to identify some of them. The meeting was closed at 9.00pm.

Our programme for 2010 will commence on Thursday February 18^th with a talk by Harry Hawkins on Shap Abbey and the monks who lived there in medieval times. Please note that all our meetings will be held on the 3^rd Thursday of the month.

Diary Dates for 2010

Feb. 18^th See above

March 18^th Andy Lowe talking about Lakeland Architecture

April 15^th Judith Shingler on the history of Shorts Flying Boats

May 20^th Field Trip

June 17^th Chris Craghill talking about Yeoman Farmers and Reformation

July Field Trip

August Field Trip

Sept. 23^rd Bette Kissack talk on the life of Thomas Hayton Mawson, the

famous Gardner and Landscaper

Oct. 21^st Sheena Gemmell talk on the Dark Ages in Cumbria

Nov. 18^th AGM

All will be held in Cartmel Village Hall at 7.30pm. Members free and Visitors £2, most welcome. Watch our website www.cartmel-peninsula-lhs.org.uk or contact Ruth Hughes on 015395 32591 for further information.

“The Families of Holker” A talk by Janet Smith on 22^nd October 2009.

Janet Smith, part-time guide at Holker Hall for 9 years, gave an illustrated talk on “Families of Holker”. Her knowledge appeared boundless. Today Holker is the home of Lord and Lady Hugh Cavendish and yes, Holker can be pronounced Holker or Hooker. Both are correct. It is a Norse word and means Marshy Hollows. The history of the Hall begins in the 16^th Century and has only belonged to 3 different surnames since; Preston, Lowther and Cavendish. It has never been bought or sold during that time.

George Preston is thought to have built the first house on the present site in 1604 and he also played a major role in the restoration of Cartmel Priory after the Dissolution of the Monastries in 1537. Through marriage Holker passed from the Prestons to the Lowthers where it remained until 1756.

In 1756 Sir William Lowther died unmarried and left Holker to his cousin, Lord George Cavendish, 2^nd son of 3^rd Duke of Devonshire and is still in possession of the Cavendish family today.

In 1871 Lord Frederick Cavendish, son of the 7^th Duke of Devonshire, escaped a fire which burnt down the West Wing of the Hall, later in his life he was murdered in Phoenix Park Dublin. He was a member of William Gladstone’s Government and married to his niece. There is an effigy and memorial to him in Cartmel Priory.

In the 20^th Century Lord Richard and Lady Moyra Cavendish engaged Thomas Mawson of Windermere and together they designed and added much to the beauty of the gardens. Today children especially adore the giant 350year old tree, The Great Holker Lime, which provides many hiding places. It was grown originally for its abundance of fine branches used for staking animals.

These are mere snippets of the very complete history given by Janet Smith. If you would like to know the complete story why not have a tour of the house and gardens with her.

"The Edwardian Doomsday" A talk given by Dr Michael Winstanley on 24th September 2009.

Dr Winstanley from the History Department of Lancaster University gave an interesting, illustrated talk entitled “The Edwardian Domesday; a unique survey c. 1909-1914, to the Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society last Thursday 24^th September. Sometimes called Lloyd George’s Land Tax it was a national survey started in 1911 and 88% completed by 30^th June 1914. It was interrupted by the First World War and was quietly shelved and never brought in. Every piece of land was surveyed and valued as was every property, the property owner, number of rooms, outbuildings etc. A huge undertaking but it meant that a land tax and a value tax could be applied, and the wealthy with their mansions and large estates would pay the most. In total 13million properties were surveyed.

He showed maps of every property in Grange over Sands with its description plus the Valuer’s Field Book. It was noted that a many properties were rented, and owned by people who lived out of the area in Lancashire, Yorkshire, even Singapore. In Windermere a Mr Edward Holt, owner of a Manchester brewery still in existence, owned Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house. The total valuation was £10,000 at the time.

A wonderful resource locally is to be found at the County Records Office in Barrow in Furness. Here may be found the Valuation Books or Domesday Books and large scale maps showing the position of every property. The National records are at the National Archives Office at Kew.

"William Moss Settle- A Forgotten Architect". A talk given by Dr Ruth Hughes on June 25th 2009.

William Moss Settle was the architect responsible for designing and building 930 houses in Vickerstown, on Walney Island, Barrow in Furness between 1900-1905 for Vickers Sons & Maxim Ltd. Despite being responsible for this large and important project, Settle has been virtually forgotten by history. Dr Hughes explained how she managed to piece together the details of his personal and professional life through scraps of evidence located across the country. He had, for instance, designed a house for the Letchworth Cheap Cottages Exhibition of 1905, and the Masonic Hall in Ulverston the same year. Settle died in December 1905 aged 29 years, a victim of an influenza epidemic, and is buried in Ulverston cemetery. He therefore never had the opportunity to expand his professional career, and is probably the reason he has been forgotten. Dr Hughes’ lecture was supported with photographs, statistics and quotations and was well received by the audience.

" A Tour of Cartmel Priory" A summary of the tour with Gail Swanson and Maurice Howarth on May 28th 2009.

After a brief introduction 40 members and guests enjoyed a tour of the Priory. The party divided into 2 groups and were guided around the many fascinating features of the 12^th Century Priory Church.

The architecture was discussed along with the different stages of development. Members were intrigued by the fact that the upper tower had been built at right angles to the lower tower, a unique feature in England.

In the Chancel there was lively discussion on the wonderfully preserved misericords and the enormous East window, an echo of the East window at York Minster. The very rare 13^th century quadripartite stone vaulted ceiling and the Transitional Norman arch with dog tooth and chevron decoration in the Piper Choir, drew much interest. Also the four exquisite 20th Century sculptures by Josefina de Vasconcellos were greatly admired, especially ”The Young Martyr” which commemorates the 4 Canons and 10 Husbandmen who were executed at Lancaster Castle in 1537 for resisting the closure of Cartmel Priory during King Henry V111’s Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Members appreciated the opportunity of deepening their knowledge of the Priory and it’s 800 years of history.

“Cartmel Priory” A summary of the talk by David Sanders on 30^th April by Gail Swanson.

Over 60 members and guests enjoyed this lively and interesting explanation of the founding of the Priory, which will be followed by a field trip next month. David addressed “who, when, where, why” in relation to the foundation of this religious community. William Marshall, the founder, was Baron of Kendal and Earl of Pembroke. He rose from minor position to high status in the Royal court. He served five monarchs: Kings Stephen, Henry II, Richard I, John, and Henry III, acting as Protector and Regent of England until the young Henry III came of age. William was much admired for his honesty, fine character, and extraordinary successful skills jousting at medieval tournaments. Shortly after his marriage to the wealthy heiress, Isabella de Clare, Augustinian Canons were brought from a community in Wiltshire to commence work on his land at Cartmel in 1189. The most important building of any religious community is the church and William paid for a very grand one. In the 12^th century the valley bottom was lakes and bog country with rivers wider than today. Access to fresh water was essential for the monks as was the means to transport building stone by raft. These factors helped determine the chosen site on an outcrop of rock. It was customary then for the rich and powerful to endow religious communities to pray for their souls. William Marshall had the land, a suitable site, and the wealth with which to construct the church in which there would be daily prayers said for him and his family. 820 years later the Priory church is still a house of prayer. David read a letter from Sam Taylor’s book “Cartmel People and Priory” in which the young of the valley were encouraged to cherish the beauty of their valley and its ancient church. David certainly communicated his commitment to that cause.

"Cumbrian Tollroads" A summary of the talk by Ken Broadhurst on Thursday 26^th March 2009.

We were taken on a journey along one of the county’s old Tollroads, beginning at Burton-in-Kendal and ending at Eamont Bridge. During the journey we were introduced to some of the remaining toll houses along the route which, originally, would have been spaced about 10 miles apart. Toll roads (or Turnpikes) were created, during the 18^th century, as a response to the need for better transport routes as the industrial revolution caught hold. Cumbria’s Turnpike Trusts date from 1739-67; the Turnpike we were looking at dated from 1753. Parishes had, from 1555, been responsible for maintaining all the roads within their Parish, consequently Tollroads (Turnpikes) were built on the edge of Parish boundaries to link producers, suppliers and markets more efficiently. Because they potentially provided better surfaces and therefore a faster means of getting goods and produce from one place to another, major landowners and traders, those with an economic interest in the area, were often the bodies who formed the Turnpike Trusts in the first place.

Those interested in reading further might be interested in Paul Hindle’s book Roads and Tracks of the Lake District (Milnthorpe: Cicerone Press, 1998).

Jiggers &Swelks. A summary of the talk given by Dr H James Walklett to CPLHS on February 26th 2009 by Gail Swanson.

A “Jigger” is a small flat bottom boat crewed by 1 man and 1 boy, the payload being 30/70 tons. A “Swelk” is a basket made from woven oak strips, later known as a Swill, used for carrying potatoes, coal, limestone etc.

Morecambe Bay has been a thoroughfare for goods and passengers since earliest times, almost like an inland lake the shoreline is shallow, sloping and muddy, making it easy for flat bottom bottoms to float up and unload or take on cargo.

The Romans built a supply castle at Lancaster, the Vikings settled in the Furness area and on the Isle of Man and when King Harold of Norway imposed a tax on the inhabitants, some became economic migrants and fled to settle in Cumbria. Medieval monks from Furness Abbey built boats and traded wool and grain for Irish cattle, tea and spirits. Flat bottom boats ferried goods into Dalton.

The busiest period was during the 18^th and 19^th Century when there were ports in Barrow, Ulverston, Greenodd, Grange, Milnthorpe, Morecambe, Lancaster, Heysham, Glasson and Fleetwood. Boatbuilding and the trades associated sprung up and brisk trading went on between Heysham and Ireland. The church at Heysham is called St Patrick’s. In Furness slate, iron ore, copper, woodland products and swill baskets (swelks) were traded around the Bay.

The Slave Trade heavily involved the ports of Morecambe Bay, when not only natives but sugar, rum, tobacco and fine woods were exchanged for iron goods and gunpowder for Africa. Gillows of Lancaster made fine mahogany furniture and eventually became world famous.

The coming of the Railways in the 19^th Century had a massive effect on the economy of the area and lines were built to connect the main ports of Morecambe Bay, which became a thriving regional centre of industry and prosperity.