Ports and Harbours of the North-West Coast

Who now would link such varied cargoes as slaves, stone, slate, cheese and wine even shipbuilding itself with Wardleys, Skippool, Sunderland Point, Silloth, Conishead or Bardsea? More than two centuries ago, shipbuilding was cheaper in the north-west of Britain. This stormy coastline was prized for its craftsmen and many harbours and calling places of refuge developed here. A number of them have long since disappeared, but their interesting history remains. Well-known local historian Catherine Rothwell has travelled the length of the north-west shores and conducted many interviews with locals. In this in-depth study, revising and expanding work originally undertaken thirty years ago, she looks back at the history of both the ghost ports and such mighty names as Liverpool, Birkenhead, Barrow-in-Furness and Whitehaven. This illustrated book is sure to appeal to locals and sea-goers alike.