A look at the history of the town centre of Whitehaven

The town has a vast history that spans back a number of centuries and is one of the first post renaissance planned towns in the country.

Whitehaven grew to prominence through its shipping and mining industries, however both of these have now declined.

The area is known for its attractiveness and it is one of only 40 gem towns in the country, with the only other in Cumbria being Cockermouth.

Much of the heritage of Whitehaven is owed to the Lowther family, it was sir John Lowther wo created the grid system in the town after being inspired by the rebuilding of London following the Great Fire. Many people believe that New York's grid system was inspired by Whitehaven's design.

Looking down Lowther Street is Sir John Lowther’s former home, known as ‘The Castle’ since the beginning of the 18th Century. The building became Whitehaven Hospital in 1926, and is now housing.

Whitehaven was the last place in Britain to be attacked by American naval forces. On April 23,1778 during the American War of Independence, John Paul Jones arrived in Britain with the intention of setting the whole merchant fleet on fire.

The alarm was raised, and he retreated forthwith. Another American link is that Mildred Warner Gale, the grandmother of the American president George Washington, came from Whitehaven.

These photos show two main streets in the town centre and what has occurred on them over the years, these being Lowther Street and King Street. We hope that these pictures help to bring back some fond memories for some of you.