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Village: Whitehaven
OS grid ref: NX975185
Coordinates: 54° 33′ 05″ N, 3° 35′ 10″ W
Whitehaven
Whitehaven was the nation’s third port in the 18th century, after London and Bristol. It was rich on coal exports and tobacco imports. To learn more about Whitehaven’s mining industry you should visit the Haig Colliery Mining Museum.
This was the first planned town in Britain as Sir John Lowther, who was inspired by Christopher Wren’s designs for rebuilding London after the destructive Great Fire in 1666, laid out a grid system of streets and specified what type of houses to build.
This was also the last place in Britain to be attacked by the American naval forces. During the American War of Independence, John Paul Jones arrived in Britain on 23rd April 1778 with the intention of setting the whole merchant fleet on fire. However, the alarm was raised and he hastily retreated. This town has many attractions, tastefully restored listed buildings and hosts many Tall ships.
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