A NATIONAL newspaper has been exploring Whitehaven's history.

Whitehaven businessman and deputy lord Lieutenant Gerard Richardson spoke with Helen Pickles of The Telegraph in order for her to get a broader understanding of Whitehaven and the surrounding areas.

In the article, Helen explores why Whitehaven often goes unnoticed by tourists despite its location, history, and architecture.

Whilst exporting large amounts of coal and iron ore from nearby mines, of which there were as many as twenty-five in the area at one time, Whitehaven also imported goods like rum and spices from America and the Caribbean.

Nowadays, Whitehaven's port is a much quieter marina overlooked by the popular Beacon Museum.

The Telegraph article also refers to Whitehaven's former prosperity, with the large Georgian-era houses that line the streets, of which 180 are listed buildings. 

The article cites Whitehaven's historic decline in prosperity to the port's trade being lost to bigger British cities like Glasgow and Liverpool.

Although there is a lack of chain stores in Whitehaven, there is of course Dixon's department store and hidden gems like Michael Moon's bookshop which has been a part of the town's high street since 1970.

Helen also visited The Beacon and The Rum Story, as well as The Vagabond on the harbourside.