heritage of workington...

Helena Thompson Museum
Park End Road, Workington, CA14 4DE
Park End House, a handsome pink-stuccoed Georgian building, was given to the people of Workington by Helena Thompson in 1940, with the express wish that the house should be used as a museum and a meeting place for local groups. Helena Thompson's fascination with fashion through the ages is reflected in her collection of women's costumes and accessories from the 18th century. Some rooms are laid out in period style, whilst upstairs there is a comprehensive exhibition on Workington's history. Free admission.

St Michael's Church, Workington
An Anglo-Saxon church occupied this site in the 7th century, when the sea lapped against the cliffs on which the church is built (the dumping of slag from the ironworks has since raised land levels to isolate the church from the sea). The earlier church was replaced by a Norman building in the 12th century, which in turn was replaced by the present building of 1770. After a disastrous fire in 1994, the interior of the church was thoroughly renovated and is now a focal point for conferences and community activities. Many gravestones in the churchyard record the names of those lost at sea and one describes an unsolved murder.

The epitaph on Joseph Glandoning's gravestone in St Michael's churchyard bears these words:
‘You villains if this stone you see
Remember that you murder'd me
You bruised my head & pierc'd my heart
Also my bowels did suffer part'

Joseph's body was discovered in 1808 on a public footpath that ran beside the beach between Harrington and Workington. He had suffered multiple stab wounds to all parts of his body. A reward of £50 was offered, but with no further information the inquest reached a verdict of ‘murder by person or persons unknown' and Joseph was laid to rest with a mystery surrounding his death.

St John's Church, Workington
The imposing neo-classical façade of St John's is a replica of St Paul's church in Covent Garden, London (designed by Inigo Jones in 1631). The church was built in 1823 using a government grant given as thanksgiving for the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Open by arrangement with the vicar.

St Peter's Church, Camerton
A beautifully sited church on the banks of the River Derwent, with a 14th century nave, chancel and south transept. The church was first built in 1000 and has undergone several phases of rebuilding. Inside is a beautifully preserved effigy of a knight in full armour, said to represent Thomas Curwen (‘Black Tom of the North'), who died around 1500. The church is kept locked for security, but a key can be obtained from the wardens (telephone numbers on main door).

Jane Pit, Workington
The remains of this 19th century coal mine sunk by Henry Curwen in 1843 are the best surviving examples of castellated colliery architecture. The monument retains a gin circle and steam engine house, demonstrating the evolution from horse-powered to steam powered winding. Jane Pit operated until the mid-1870s.