Life In The Small Cumbrian Town Of Cleator Moor

Cleator Moor is a small town in Cumbria with a population of just under 7,000. It is a civil parish in its own right and lies within the boundaries of the old county of Cumberland. The most direct way to Cleator Moor is to leave the M6 at Junction 40, then head west towards Workington along the A66. After about 30 miles, then take the A5086 and it's just a few miles away, nestling on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The town grew and prospered in the 19th century as the demand for limestone, coal and iron ore rocketed due to the Industrial Revolution. The Cleator and Workington Junction Railway was key to the success of the thriving mining industry and the town welcomed Irish immigrant labour to deal with the demand. The town even took the nickname 'Little Ireland'. By the early 20th century though supplies started to dwindle and the town went into decline although rallying particularly during both the World Wars when again Cleator Moor welcomed immigrant labour to the town this time from mainland Europe. The history of the town is a reflection of and a tribute to the hard working citizens that lived here. It was not without some Sectarian problems either. The vigorous anti-Catholic William Murphy came to town to speak in 1871 and was subsequently attacked. Although he recovered enough to identify and hold his attackers accountable, he died of his injuries a year later and a backlash from the Protestant community was felt. Subsequent Orange Order marches and parades led to scuffles and on one occasion the death of a 17 year old Catholic boy. If it is true for life itself that often turmoil precedes harmony, then this certainly rings true in Cleator Moor with its townspeople now all living and co-existing happily together. The history around the town is obvious. In the Market Square you'll find iron sculptures by Conrad Atkinson, an artist of international renown who was born in Cleator Moor in 1940. They are a true memorial to the mining industry. The old Masonic Hall, opened in 1898 is a fine imposing building with stone engraving on its front façade and on the wall outside the library sits a 'blue plaque' recording the fact the painter L.S. Lowry spent much time here. He painted several pictures of buildings in Cleator Moor including one of Wath Brow Church. To see how the 'other half' lived, go no further tha Ehen Hall, a fabulous old mansion built in sandstone and set in 8 acres of land. It's a town with a relatively modern history. At the end of the 18th century it would have been no more than open moorland before the rich deposits were found under the surface. The old railway lines that were used for transportation are now home to cycleways for the 21st century citizen. Great scenery still surrounds it and the seaport of Whitehaven is just over 4 miles away. It's a thoroughly modern town and like all good success stories, hasn't forgotten where it's come from.

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