Millom Before 1860 GAZ Millom

Economic Activity: A charter for a market and fair was granted 1251, though no medieval urban growth followed; the market was described as ‘long discontinued’ in 1777. Early iron mining at Waterblean (and Hodbarrow from c.1840). Charcoal burning (said to have destroyed woodland in the deer park) and iron making (recorded in name ‘Furnace Beck’) by later 17th century. Small harbour at Borwick Rails, from which slate and corn were shipped in mid-19th century. Medicinal springs at Marshside and Hodbarrow recorded in 1847.

Places of Worship: Medieval parish church of Holy Trinity (next to Millom Castle), probably a pre-Conquest foundation, as Viking Age sculptural fragments are preserved in the fabric.

Institutions: A school in Millom Above and another in Millom Below were endowed by William Atkinson of Thwaites, who left a legacy of £1222 in 1811, to support the education of poor children in the parish. That in Millom Below had previously been endowed by Joseph Hudleston (d. 1700) but the endowment had been lost by 1818. In 1818 there was also one unendowed day school in the parish.

Compiled By: AJLW