Whitehaven

During the 18th century Whitehaven became one of the most important ports in the country, from a previously small fishing hamlet. Mining and exporting coal was a key to the success of Whitehaven as a port. In the 18th century Whitehaven had the deepest coalmines in the world, some even ran underneath the sea.

It also exported iron, rope and cloth. It brought in many imports, including rum, sugar, spices, cotton, timber and hemp. Like many ports at that time, Whitehaven also took part in the slave trade.

The town developed a very successful shipbuilding industry, and over 1000 ships have been identified as having been made there.