Cleator Moor and the surrounding area is situated inland from the coast, just a few miles from the old port of Whitehaven and sits at the foot of the Western Lake District Fells.

Points of interest:

LS Lowry had a long standing friendship with Geoffrey Bennett (1902-1991), who was manager of the Westminster Bank in Cleator Moor.  Lowry often visited his friends in Cleator Moor and painted several pictures of buildings, including the Old Co-op building, Cowles fish and chip shop opposite the library, the former Westminster Bank and Wath Brow Church.  Some of Lowry's local landscapes were also inspired by his trips into the hills at Ennerdale.

NE Copeland has a strong sporting heritage producing nationally renowned sportsmen in the fields of football, rugby league and cricket.  The area also hosts traditional lakeland sports including hound trailing and fell running - with the 23mile annual Ennerdale Horseshoe race attracting only the most fearless local runners!

Background:

The area has been settled for many centuries, from Viking invaders to the Romans and civilizations before them. A lot of the places bear witness to these settlers; there are Stone Circles and remnants of major historical dwelling sites all over this part of Cumbria and many of the villages' names are derived from these settlers.

Our industrial heritage (agriculture, mining and heavy industry) shows how our landscape and economy have developed over the years. Mining and heavy industry gradually declined and agriculture became the main supplier of work to the area until the 1950's, when the demand for nuclear power increased and the nuclear industry provided new employment opportunities to the area, and still does to this day with Sellafield growing to become the largest single employer.

There is a selection of nostalgic black and white photographs and vibrant colour images showing the evolution of how things were and how the area has changed.