Workington is a sea-port and market-town, near the fall of the Derwent and Cocker, into the ocean. The public buildings are all of a late date. The houses are principally disposed into two clusters; in that called the Upper Town. In the area of the new square is the corn market; and at a little distance are the butcher’s shambles, a neat assembly room, and a small theatre. It has a market on Wednesday, and contains 1384 inhabited houses, and 7188 inhabitants. An agricultural society, founded at Workington by J. C. Curwen, Esq. has operated much to the improvement of the county. Upwards of 100 vessels are employed in the coal trade to and from this port.

Near the east end of the town, on a fine eminence, stands Workington Hall, the seat of John Christian Curwen, Esq. The Mansion-House, which was formerly a castle, is a large quadrangular building, which still bears marks of great antiquity, notwithstanding various alterations and improvements, which have been made during the last 30 years.—The walls are so remarkably thick that they were able a few years since, in making some improvements, to excavate a passage sufficiently wide, length-ways, through one of the walls, leaving a proper thickness on each side of the passage, to answer every purpose of strength. In this mansion the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, in the year 1658, after her escape from the Castle of Dunbar, and subsequent defeat, took refuge, and was hospitably entertained, till the pleasure of Queen

Elizabeth was known, when she was removed to Cockermouth and Carlisle. The chamber in which she slept is still called the Queen’s Chamber.

The coal-pits in the vicinity of Workington are about sixteen in number; their depth is from forty to ninety fathoms. The coal lies in bands, or seams, divided from each other by intermediate strata. The thickness of the uppermost seam is generally three feet; of the second, four feet; and of the third, or lowest that has hitherto been worked, from ten to twelve feet. The extraneous matter that separates the former, varies; but the covering of the main coal is of the finest white free-stone, generally about twenty yards thick. The quantity of coals shipped per day is about 300 tons; the raising of which employs several steam engines, and about six hundred workmen. The coal consumed by the inhabitants is purchased at the rate of two shillings for four customary bushels. A new seam was discovered in the year 1794, at a place called the Chapel-bank, on the estate of Mr. Curwen, and, from its extent and quality, promises to be of incalculable advantage to the proprietor, who celebrated the opening of the works by a splendid festival, in which the populace were partakers. The principal articles manufactured in this town are sail-cloths and cordage.

Leland noticed Wyrkenton as being, in his days a lytle prety fyssher toun; and Camden has mentioned it, as famous for its salmon fishery. The latter is considerable, both on the coast, and for several miles up the Derwent. The salmon, as appears from a statement in Hutchinson’s History of Cumberland, are sometimes caught on the shallows, or sand-banks, near the mouth of the river, by persons on horseback, locally termed Salmon-hunters. The huntsman is armed with a spear of three points, barbed, having a shaft fifteen feet in length, which he holds with both hands; and while the horse is going at a swift trot, or moderate gallop, middle deep in water, by strikes the spear into the body of the salmon, and with a turn of the hand raises the fish to the surface, and runs it the readiest way to dry-land without dismounting. The passage of the salmon is frequently obstructed by nets; but whether thus intercepted, or left in the shallows by the tide, the fish is commonly discovered by the effect that his endeavors to escape has upon the surface of the water. The months for killing salmon at Workington are August, September, and October, and sometimes February.

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WORKINGTON is an ancient and considerable market and seaport town, municipal borough, township and parish, at the mouth of the river Derwent, 5 ½ miles south-south-west of Maryport, 6 ½ north-by-east from Whitehaven, 9 west-by-south from Cockermouth, 33 ½ south-west from Carlisle and 306 ½ from London, with stations on the London and North Western and Cleator and Workington Junction railways. The Cleator and Workington Junction Railway Co.’s line from Cleator Moor through Workington, joins the London and North Western Railway at Siddick junction. The branch lines from Distington to Rowrah and Workington to Lynefoot are worked by the company, but only for goods traffic. The London and North Western Railway Co. erected a new station in 1886, and also widened the railway, there being now four lines; bridges have also replaced the level crossings, and a better entrance has been made to the station. The parish is in the Cockermouth division of the county, and is the head of a petty sessional division, within the ward of Allerdale-above-Derwent, Cockermouth union, county court district of Cockermouth and Workington, rural deanery of Cockermouth, archdeaconry of Westmorland and diocese of Carlisle.

The town extends for more than a mile along the south bank of the Derwent, and though irregularly built, contains some spacious streets and good buildings and shops, and now has direct railway communication with every part of England and Scotland The “Local Government Act, 1858” (21 and 22 Vict. c. 98), was adopted by the District of the Town Trustees (12th February, 1864), under the Act 3 and 4 Vict. c. 45. The district was subsequently enlarged, under other Acts, and constituted a Local Government District, under the Acts 28 & 29 Vict. c. 108 & 31 & 32 Vict. c. 10, the “Sanitary Act, 1866,” s. 35, was adopted by the Local Board, 10th October, 1871, under which the town was governed until 1888, when it was incorporated by Royal Charter, dated September 6th, 1888, and is now governed by a Corporation, consisting of 6 aldermen and 18 councillors, and is divided into 3 wards, viz:-St. John, St. Michael, and South. The town is lighted with gas from works originally built in 1840 by a local company, and disposed of by them in 1847 to the Town Trustees; the works now belong to the Corporation The water supply is derived from reservoirs at Stainburn, supplied from Crummock lake: the Cockermouth Union Sanitary Authority (now the Rural District Council), obtained, an Act of Parliament in 1878, authorising them to draw water from this lake for the use of the surrounding parishes; and in 1883, the Workington Local Board (now extinct), obtained a further Act, enabling them to take water from the Derwent for the supply of the district; the water works, purchased by the Local Board in 1865, are now the property of the Corporation.

The harbour is safe, and is capable of receiving ships of 1,500 tons burden; the depth of the water at spring tides is from 15 ft. to 18 ft., and at neap tides from 10 ft. to 11 ½ ft. Vessels entering by stress of weather, and departing without discharging, are exempt from harbour dues. When there is a depth of 8 ft. of water, a Ted ball is shown from John pier, and at night a Ted light which may be seen in clear weather three leagues seaward. The number of fishing boats registered as belonging to the port on 31 December, 1895, was 10 of 37 tons, employing 22 men and boys. Fishing boats and implements were ordered (22nd June, 1869) to be distinguished by the letters W. O. In 1873 a breakwater was constructed, commencing from the end of John pier and extending 300 ft. north-west. The Lonsdale Dock, opened in 1868, is at the north-west entrance of the harbour; it is 300 ft. wide by 600 ft. in length, and has gates 40 ft. wide, and a depth of water of from 15 ft. to 18 ft. A red ball is shown by day and a red light by night on the Lonsdale tower when a vessel is coming out of the harbour, so that the navigation may not be impeded. The harbour and dock are the property of the Earl of Lonsdale. The Customs port was extended from Lowca Beck to Canker Beck, and legal quays appointed, 16th April, 1850. The Merchants’ quay and the South quay are built on the opposite sides of a wide branch of the Derwent, called South Gut, which, with the Mill Race, separates the town from Cloffocks. On the Derwent is a considerable salmon fishery, belonging to the Earl of Lonsdale, but Henry Fraser Curwen esq. D.L., J.P. has the draught at the mouth of the harbour and to the Merchants’ quay. The bridge over the Derwent is a noble structure of three elliptic arches, erected in 1842 in place of the former bridge of 1763, which stood rather higher up the river, and was built on the site of an ancient structure, dating from 1650.

The parish church of St. Michael, at the west end of the town, rebuilt in 1770, was almost completely destroyed by fire, 17th January, 1887; it has since been reconstructed and restored, at a cost of £7,185, and is now a building of stone with red sandstone dressings in the Decorated style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, south and west porches, and a western tower, containing a clock and 6 bells: the east window and four others are stained, one of these being a small window given by the Sunday school children: in the church is an altar tomb, dating from about 1440, and bearing the recumbent effigies of a knight in plate armour, said to represent Sir Christopher Curwen, and a lady; the front of the tomb is arcaded, and exhibits five shields, bearing the arms of Curwen impaled with those of other families; there is a memorial to the Rev. William Thomas Addison, 40 years rector, d. 14th January, 1792, and his three wives, and others to Capt. Milham Ponsonby R.N. d. 21st Oct. 1815, and the Rev. Peter How, A.M. 37 years rector, d. 18th July, 1831, and Margaret, his wife, d. 1st August, 1831; a brass to the Rev. Edward Stanley A.M., J.P. rector, d. 5th January, 1834; another to Anthony Peat esq. surgeon, d. 4th June, 1,877, a marble tablet to Edwin Darcy Curwen esq. hon. attache to the British Embassy at Constantinople, d. 14th April, 1891, and buried at Scutari. The fine pulpit of Caen stone and Derbyshire marble was presented in 1890, at a cost of £500, by Miss Mary Dickinson: the brass lectern was presented by Miss Osborne in 1896, at a cost of £200, and the font was given by the Sunday school children; the organ cost £800; during the restoration a fine Roman arch and several fragments of ancient carved stone were discovered: the church affords 1,500 sittings. In the churchyard is a headstone to the memory of Joseph Glandoning, murdered in 1808. The register dates from the year 1680. The living is a rectory, gross yearly value £900, net £800, with residence, in the gift of Henry Fraser Curwen esq. and held since 1895 by the Rev. Herbert Ernest Campbell M.A. of Exeter College, Oxford, and surrogate. The parish room is in Dean street, erected in 1885.

St. John’s is an ecclesiastical parish, formed 9th October, 1835: the church in Washington street, erected in 1823, by the Commissioners for Budding Churches, at a cost of £10,000. is a plain rectangular edifice in the Italian style, and has a portico supported by massive pillars of the Doric order, and a turret with cupola containing one bell: there are 1,320 sittings. The register dates from the year 1835. The living is a vicarage, net yearly value about £350, with residence, in the gift of the rector of Workington, and held since 1892 by the Rev. Robert Saunders Greene M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin and surrogate. St. Mary’s mission room, at Westfield, in connection with this church, is licensed for divine service. The parish room is in St. John’s court, at the back of the church.

The Catholic church, dedicated to Our Lady and St. Michael, and erected in 1,876, at a cost of £11,000, is a building of red sandstone, in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, clerestoried nave, and aisles; there are three stained windows, and sittings for 800 persons: in the burial ground adjoining is a stone cross to the memory of the Rev. C. W. Clifton, d. October, 1891: the Rev. Father Francis Bernard Hutchison O.S.B, is priest in charge. The former chapel is now used as a school room, the school being conducted by the sisters of charity of St. Paul, who reside in the adjoining convent, of which Sister St. Vincent Murray is lady superior.

The Wesleyan chapel, in South William street, erected in 1840, was burnt down in 1889, but has been rebuilt at a cost of £5,000, and is now an edifice of stone in the Italian style, with a tower surmounted by a cupola, and will seat 1,200 persons.

There are also Baptist, Congregational, Free Methodist, Presbyterian, and Primitive Methodist chapels, and places of worship for Plymouth Brethren, and for the sect called the Church of Christ; the Salvation Army have a ball in Eakin street; and in Bell street, Marsh side, and Southey street are halls used for Sunday school purposes.

The Cemetery, in Harrington road, was formed and laid out in 1877, at a cost of £10,000; it comprises an area of 10 acres, and has two mortuary chapels, united by a covered archway, above which rises a bell turret with spire; the cemetery is under the control of a burial board of 9 members.

The Town Hall is in Washington street.

The County police station is in Nook street, and there is a branch station in Chamber street.

The Fire Brigade, consisting of a captain and 24 firemen, has its head quarters at the police station in Nook street.

The chief industries here are concerned with the manufacture of iron, steel rails and tinplates; there are also works for the manufacture of iron bridges, fences, gates, rivets, boilers, and railway spikes, the immediate vicinity of the town affording an almost inexhaustible supply of iron ore, and the port offering ready facilities for the export and import of goods and material. The Moss Bay Hematite Iron & Steel Co. Lim.; the Workington Hematite Iron & Steel Co. Lim.; Kirk Brothers & Co.; the Lowther Hematite Iron Co. Lim.; Cammell & Co. Lim. of Sheffield, and the Distington Hematite Co. Lim. all have important works here, there is also a paper mill, a brewery, a shipbuilding yard and a cycle and motor carriage manufacturing company; the exports include lime, coal, tinplate bars, and pig iron; the chief imports are timber and iron ore. In the year 1573 a charter was granted to the lord of the manor by Queen Elizabeth to hold a market and a fair. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday, and the market is well supplied with corn and provisions; there is an auction mart for cattle in Guard street. The fairs are held on Whit-Wednesday, and the Wednesday after the 11th of November. The shops close at 1 p.m. on Thursdays.

There are branches here of the Bank of Whitehaven Limited, the London and Midland Bank Limited, the Clydesdale Bank Limited, and the Cumberland Union Banking Company Limited. The Workington Savings Bank, established in 1827, is in Pow street.

The “Public Libraries Act, 1855” (18 & 19 Vict. c. 70) was adopted by the town 19th December, 1889, and there is a Free library and reading room in Pow street, with about 6,000 volumes.

The Theatre Royal, in Washington street, will hold 800 persons; George John Smith, proprietor. The Queen’s Jubilee Hall and Opera House, in Pow street, will hold 2,000 persons; Clark & Wood, managers. There are also several Public Halls. The National Lifeboat Institution has a boat stationed here, and there is a station of the Board of Trade with rocket and life-saving apparatus. In Portland square stands a fine memorial of granite, erected by public subscription to Anthony Peat esq. surgeon, who died 4th June, 1877.

Charities:-Leathes’ charity of £741 in securities, left in 1856, produces about £19 yearly for distribution in money. Jane Scott's charity of £756 in Stock, produces about £20 a year, which is paid in pensions to 10 poor women. Jackson's charity of £430 in Stock, bequeathed in 1820, produces about £12 per annum, which is also paid in the same way to 12 poor women. Falcon’s charity of £24 is distributed on Christmas Eve among 12 poor persons over 60 years of age. Priestman’s charity of £2 is distributed on Christmas Eve to 8 poor people over 60. Hannah Scott’s charity of £3 is distributed on New Year’s Day to 6 poor people over 60.

The Infirmary, in Infirmary road, built in 1885, is principally intended for the treatment of accidents; and during the year 1895 124 cases of this kind were received; the infirmary has 20 beds, and is supported by voluntary subscriptions.

The Dispensary, in Pow street, was established in 1828, and during the year ending October, 1895, there were 160 patients.

The Hospital for Infectious Diseases, on the Whitehaven Road, was formerly the workhouse, and is the property of the Corporation.

About one mile south-west of the town is an ancient building, known as the Old Chapel, or the How Michael, and probably the chantry chapel which was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Percival Gunson and John Soukey; the building, which forms a prominent object along the coast, is a useful landmark to mariners; it is now used by the artillery volunteers as a magazine, and a battery has been constructed here, on which are mounted two 64-pounder guns.

Workington Hall, the seat of Henry Fraser Curwen esq. D.L, J.P. is a large quadrangular embattled structure, on a woody acclivity at the east end of the town, overlooking the Derwent, and near the edge of the park, which is 40 acres in extent. The original mansion was crenellated pursuant to a royal licence granted by Richard II. in 1379, to Sir Gilbert de Culwen. Mary Queen of Scots landed near the Hall on Sunday, May 16th, 1568, and was hospitably entertained here by Sir Henry Curwen, till she removed to Cockermouth, on her route to Carlisle, and the chamber in which she slept is still called the Queen's chamber; the existing fabric dates, for the most part, from a period subsequent to 1660, but it was partly rebuilt by John Christian Curwen. esq. great grandfather of the present proprietor; the principal entrance is on the south-west front, where a gateway opens into a courtyard, and over the entrance door is a shield bearing the arms of Curwen with quarterings, and the date 1665. According to Camden, the ancient and knightly family of Curwen derive their descent from Gospatrick, one of the Saxon Earls of Northumberland (1067—72), and took their surname from Culwen, a lordship of Galloway, which Thomas, eldest son of Gospatrick, received from one Rowland, son of Ughtred, and died 7th December, 1152. Through Orme, 2nd son of Kitel, 3rd baron of Kendal, this family trace their descent from Ivo de Tailebois, who came to England with William the Norman, and was the first lord of the barony of Kendal, brother of Fulk, Earl of Anjou and King of Jerusalem. A fine stone bridge crosses the Cockermouth road, connecting the estate.

Henry Fraser Curwen esq. is lord of the manor and chief landowner. The chief crops are oats, turnips and potatoes, and there are several market gardens. The soil in some places consists of a fertile loam; a tract of light, sandy land extends along the coast, and in other places it is inclined to moss; subsoil, clay. The area of the borough is 1,734 acres; rateable value, £65,668; the population of the parish in 1891 was 23,749, and the borough 23,490; the population of St. John’s ecclesiastical parish in 1891 was 8,846 and of St. Michael's, 15,263.

Under the provisions of the “Local Government Act, 1894,” Workington has been divided into two townships, Workington and Workington Rural, the former comprising the municipal area. The area of the rural township is 2,300 acres; rateable value, £2,796.

Schoose, about ½ mile south-east of Workington, consists only of a farm and a few cottages.

Petty Sessions are held at the Police Station, Nook street, every Wed. at 11 a.m.

The following places are included in the petty sessional division:-Camerton, Great Clifton, Little Clifton, Cloffocks, Seaton, Stainburn, Winscales & Workington.

Volunteers

1st Cumberland Volunteer Artillery, Drill hall, South Watts street: Officer commanding No. 5 & 7 companies.

1st Cumberland Volunteer Battalion, The Border Regiment (K. company), Drill hall, Assembly rooms, Portland square.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of Services

St. Michael, Parish Church, Rev. Herbert Ernest Campbell M.A. rector & surrogate; Rev. William Roberts, Rev. Charles Cecil Ellis B.A. & Rev. William Nicholson Watson, curates; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.

St. John's Church, Washington street. Rev. Robert Saunders Greene M.A. vicar; Rev. William Hartley B.A. & Rev. R, J, Burton B.A. cut ate s; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. in parish room.

St. Mary’s Mission, Westfield, in connection with St. John's; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Our Lady & St. Michael (Catholic), Banklands, Rev. Father Francis Bernard Hutchison O.S.B, priest in charge; 8, 9.30 & 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. & 7.30 & 8 a.m. daily.

Presbyterian, Thompson street; 10.45 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.; rebuilt in 1888, seats 500.

Baptist, Harrington road, Rev. James Hardacre Brooksbank; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 p.m.; built in 1886; seats, 400.

Church of Christ, Dent hall, North Watts street; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; seats, 200.

Congregational, South William street, Rev. Charles Burrows; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.; built in 1780, rebuilt 1884; seats, 600.

Exclusive Brethren, Central hall; 6.30 p.m.

Gospel Union Mission, Duke street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; & Thursday, 7.45 p.m.; built in 1884; seats, 1,600; William J. Rogers, evangelist.

Plymouth Brethren, Hyde street; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. & Friday, 7.30 p.m.; built in 1891; seats, 150.

Primitive Methodist, John street, Rev. Fred Firth; 10.45 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 7.30 p.m.; built in 1882; seats, 482.

Primitive Methodist Mission Room, Brook street; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.; seats, 100.

Seamen's Christian Friends’ Society, Bethel, Falcon street; 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.

United Free Methodist, Victoria road; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; built in 1891; seats, 200.

Wesleyan Methodist, South William street, 10.30a.m. &6p.m.; Tuesday, 7.30 p.m.; built in 1890; seats 1,200.

Wesleyan Methodist, Westfield, 10.30 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.; built in 1889; seats 300.

Wesleyan Methodist, Wesley street, 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Monday, 7.30 p.m.; seats 150.

Wesleyan Methodist Mission, Queen street, 10.30 a.m. &. 6 p.m.; Thur. 7 p.m.; seats 150.

Welsh Presbyterian, St. John’s court; 10.30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7.30 p.m.; seats, 150.

Salvation Army, Eakin street; 11 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; seats 170.

SCHOOLS

A School Board of 9 members was formed for the township 11th March, 1873; George Bell McKay, 85 John street, clerk to the board; John Higgins, 71 Harrington road & Jacob Sloan, Roper street, attendance officers.

Workington Academy, Public Higher Grade, St. John’s court, under committee of management, W. G. Scott, chairman; will hold 120 (mixed); average attendance, 115.

Borough of Workington Technical Instruction Committee, 10 John street, Frederick Wm. Jackson, sec.

Board (Higher Grade), Guard street (mixed), originally erected in 1831, by Thomas Wilson esq. of Workington, as an infants’ school, & school of industry, & endowed by him with £600 in Consols, given by deed in 1831 & 1845, & producing £18 yearly; this endowment is now in the hands of the School Board; for 250 children; average attendance, 194.

Westfield Board (mixed), erected in 1884 (with master’s residence), for 130 boys, 130 girls & 240 infants; average attendance, 212.

Victoria Road (Board), erected in 1884 (with master’s residence), for 253 boys, 253 girls & 300 infants; average attendance, 232 boys, 216 girls & 245 in fants.

Lawrence Street Board, built in 1876, for 153 boys, 159 girls & 250 infants; average attendance, 126 boys, 128 girls & 207 infants.

St. Michael's, Station road (Board), built in 1882, for 241 boys, 241 girls & 396 infants; average attendance, 250 boys, 225 girls & 230 infants.

St. John’s, John street (Board), built in 1859, for 241 boys, 304 girls & 300 infants; average attendance, 234 boys, 286 girls & 289 infants.

Catholic, Banklands (mixed & infants), will bold 750 children; average attendance, 450 boys & girls & 284 infants.