People Ships Industry
Acts of Parliament of the years 1749, 1756 and 1791 refer to the Harbour as that of Ellenfoot, but in an Act of 1812 the name appears as Maryport. Between the years 1791 and 1812 a change of name had been effected, and the then owners of the soil, Humphrey Senhouse, Esq., had caused the change to be made in honour of his wife, Mary – Maryport.
The progress of the port from a fishing creek into a harbour for the export of coal in the first instance. Later an expanded port exported pig iron to Rotterdam, steel rails to all parts of the world, and the import of foreign iron ore from the Spanish and Mediterranean and Black Sea ports, from India and the West Coast of Africa.
“Maryport, like most of the towns of the western coast of Cumberland, derives its origin and consequence from the coal trade. Sixty years ago, in 1750, the beach was occupied by only one house, called Valentia, and about half a score of miserable huts that served to shelter a few fishermen.
The small hamlet from which the town arose was named Ellen, or Ellenfoot, from its situation. Wooden piers with quays have been erected on each side of the river for the convenience of the shipping, which rapidly increases. Between 90 and 100 vessels are now belonging to the port, some. of which are of 250 tons burden. They are chiefly engaged in the exportation of coals to Ireland and in the importation of timber, flax and iron from the Baltic.”
From “Description of Cumberland,” in 1810 printed in Sea Breezes magazine June 1927 Maryport Rise and Progress of the Port 1740 – 1926 Maryport Rise and Progress of the Port
1700 In the olden days coal had been raised in the neighbourhood and brought down to the mouth of the River Ellen in panniers on the backs of donkeys and ponies. 1740 – 1926 Maryport Rise and Progress of the Port
1709 The earliest vessel recorded to have entered the River Ellen was the Betsy, a sloop, which arrived from Dublin in ballast DS
1740 – Only one house at Ellenfoot, a farmstead now the ‘Golden Lion’.
1740 onwards, coal was shipped, and the records show that in 1781, twenty-two small cargoes were loaded in that year. [sea-breezes-june-july-1927/1740-1926-maryport-rise-and-progress-of-the-port/]
There was no harbour but the shore at that time was sandy so flat bottomed ships could settle when the tide went out. Flat bottomed ships were unstable when not loaded and a return cargo was not only profitable but gave stability. Coal was exported to the Isle of Man, which had no coal for home or industry, and the coal was used to fire bricks which then provided a stable ballast weight on the return. See Lanefoot brick video.
1750 – Second house built.
1754 127 tonne brig Delight. Like his brother John, at Workington, William Wood built a steady flow of brigs, averaging two or three a year. DS
1756 – Present name by Act of Parliament. MARY PORT ELLEN RIVER – SENHOUSE DAUGHTERS
1759 The first plot to be leased by Humphrey Senhouse in in the ‘new’ town of Maryport was at first a private house, later listed in the 1856 Directory of Maryport as ‘Queens Head Public House’, owned by Jane Bryce.
It continued as the Queens Head well into the latter half of the 20th century until it became the Maritime Museum in 1975. Miss Robinson was the driving force behind its inception, donating many items from her personal collection and encouraging other townspeople to do the same. These donations and loans formed the mainstay of the collection which from 2023 to today in 2025 are in storage, though paintings and a few models can still be seen on the first floor of the building which is now used as an art gallery.
1765 First shipbuilding yard William Wood of Strand Street on January 19. DS
1765 Sally 106 tonne brig launched, Woods first vessel DS
1766 – “Delight” Brig 119 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .Arg
1769 The Methodist ‘Whitehaven Circuit’ was formed. It was immense and included Carlisle Maryport Workington Ulverston Kendal Penrith and even the Isle of Man. Methodist Churches of Brow Street and Well Lane – Maryport History (click here for home page)
1774 – Shipping commenced, and a series of pens were built each side of the river for loading vessels, about 70 belonged to the port.
1775 – To be sold at the house of Mr Abraham Mason, the sign of the George & Dragon, Maryport on the 10th of March – the good Brigatine ‘Lively’ Joseph Peat – master Burthen 160 tons – built at Maryport 4 years ago. A remarkable fast sailer. Purchaser to pay 30 guineas in hand and remainder in equal payments of 3 & 6 months.
1775 – Now loading at Lancaster for Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven – the good Sloop ‘Friends Adventure’ of Maryport John Barnes – master will be ready to sail in 14 days.
1778 – ” Thomas” built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1778 – We hear from Maryport that a subscription is being set on foot for the defence of that port and adjoining coast.
John Christian of Unerigg opened it with 20 guineas and his donation was followed in a suitable manner by gentlemen and traders of the town, a company of gentlemen volunteers are also raising. They number at present between 60 and 70 and have already made a considerable proficiency in the manual exercises etc.
1779 – The ‘Shamar’ (Captain Harris) and another vessel both of Maryport were taken by the ‘Dunkervonife’ (Captain Morel) near Naise of Norway and ransomed for 400 guineas, the other vessel for 1,100 guineas.
The ‘Dunkervonife’ mounted twenty guns and in company with another eighteen gun privateer took a number of English vessels.
1780 John Peat opened his shipbuilding yard at Maryport on the western side of the River Ellen in what was known as the Old Glasshouse Yard in the 1780’s.
The firm’s offices occupied premises called the Old Custom House Building, situated at the northern corner of Irish Street near the harbour-side. Maryport Shipping by Herbert and Mary Jackson
John Peat of Maryport lived from the time when there were only two or three houses and very few inhabitants, and at the time of his death he had set the seal upon it becoming a town of world importance with a population of several thousands, and can truly be known and remembered as a great pioneer and one of the many who helped to fashion our Maritime Heritage. Shipbuilding 1793-1840 Peats Yard –
1780 The “Samuel” 173 tons The first vessel to be launched from the stocks.
1780 The “Anthorn” built by Peat launched broadside for the first time.
1780 The ‘Industry’ – built by Woods for Captain John Steele. ARg
1781 20 cargoes of coal had been shipped out of the river. 40 years later shipments had increased to 40,000 tonnes and by 1853, Maryport exported 269,000 tonnes of coal fast gaining on her sister towns. DS https://maryporthistory.uk/shipbuilding-yards-and-ships-1765-1911-introduction/shipbuilding-woods-yard-1765-1862/
1781 – ‘Christian’ (Captain Harris) of Maryport was taken by ‘Victory’ (Captain Delly) of Dunkirk 18 miles north of Lands End and ransomed for 1,200 guineas.
1781 – The ‘Felicity’ of Maryport was captured some time before, and the ‘James and Hannah’ (Captain Gardener) was taken by the notorious pirate Kelly.
1781 – ‘Ann’ (Captain Borriskell) of Maryport was taken by French Hibernian privateer near Youghel and ransomed for 600 guineas.
1781 – It is supposed that ‘Draper’ (Captain Carter) was taken by the same privateer and carried to French port.
1781 – The ‘Kirkham’ (Captain Bone) of Maryport was taken by thirty guns French frigate off Waterford. Ransomed for 400 guineas.
1781 – ‘Mary’ launched from Woods Yard for Captain Barnes. Pierced for 18 guns. 1780 – ‘Tyne’ (Captain Potts) of Maryport missing from West Indies, now reported at Kinsale after losing masts and bowsprit in October on banks of Newfoundland.
1782 Zephir 377 tonnes, a snow (small brig like vessel with supplementary trysail mast), the biggest vessels to come out of the Woods yard DS
1782 – ‘Tyne’ (Captain Potts of Maryport) on shore of Golway, feared vessel will be lost.
1782 – “Zephyr” – a snow a small brig like vessel with a supplementary trysail mast of 337 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1783 – Fishing boat from Maryport caught on one tide more than 66 maze of herring. The success in that port and at Allonby was never known so great in memory of the oldest person living.
1783 – The Herring Fishery at Maryport still continues to be very brisk. Herring being sold at 10 for one penny.
1783 William was joined by his brother’s son, Thomas Wood and built 70 vessels until their deaths in 1804. DS
1783 – Sale by auction of ‘Industry’ – built 1780 by Woods for Captain John Steele.
1783 – ‘Robinson’ launched from Woods for John Atkinson of Workington.
1783 – “Terry” Brig 171 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1793 – “Woods” Brig 85 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1784 – the “Fortitude” 220 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .Arg
1784 Brig – “Thompson” – 210 tons – John Peat & Co. jp
1784 – Whitehaven Customs Collector seized 20 herring boats at Maryport.
Mr Humphrey Senhouse sent protest to Sir Wm. Musgrave of London Customs and this led to release of a number of boats except those suspected of illicit practice. ARg
1785 – “Unerigg” Brig 140 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1785 – ‘John & Bella”. Launched at Maryport. ‘Jeremiah’ launched from Woods for B. Wise. ARg
1786 – ‘Isabella’. Launched from Woods for Captain A. Harris. ‘Senhouse Moor’ launched from Woods for F. Mackenzie. ‘Delight’ from Peats for J. Fawcett. Arg
1786 – Just imported on the ‘Langton’ to Maryport under Captain Thomas Fawcett a cargo of fir timber and plank from Memel. Now selling at lowest prices – apply John Fawcett. Arg
1786 – The “Nonsuch” which was built by Barns, Potts & Co. She was owned by eight ladies. Shipbuilding 1840-1910 Ritson Yard
1787 – The Brig “Mary” – 160 tons by Burns, Potts & Co. Shipbuilding 1840-1910 Ritson Yard
1797 – “Thetis” built by Askew, Ellwood & Co. Shipbuilding 1840-1910 Ritson Yard
1787 – ‘The Letty’ from Woods Yard. New brig for sale at Barns, Potts & Co. Yard, to be launched on April 13th 87. ARg
1787 ‘The Bridekirk’ (Captain R. Watson) of Maryport lost near Donaghadee, Ireland – all perished. ARg
1788 – ‘Blessing’ of Maryport (Captain Chambers) lost off Irish coast, crew of eleven in boat for 26 hours before being rescued by ‘Fame’ (Captain Matthews) who reported the incident at Waterford. ARg
1788 ‘Fortitude’ 220 tonnes. William was aged 79 at the time of his death and Thomas, his nephew, 47. Afterwards the yard was carried on by Adam Wood, the son of Wilton Wood. He in turn was joined by Kelsick Wood from Workington in 1818. DS
1788 – “Economy” built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1789-1800 – A large number of ships were sold from private homes, The Globe, Wood’s Shipyard, Golden Lion Inn, W. McKenzie’s Inn, J. Fawcett’s Yard and H. Currey’s Yard.
A number of ships sold during this period were – Brig ‘Joshua’, Brig ‘The Lady Grace Douglas’, Brig ‘William & John’, Brig ‘Good Intent’, Brig ‘Dolphin’, Brig ‘Belfast’, Sloop ‘John son’, Brig ‘Skelton’, Brig ‘Fly’, Brig ‘Rose’, Brig ‘William’, Brig ‘James & Hannah’, Brig ‘Hannah’, Brig ‘Betsy’, Brig ‘Mally’, Brig ‘Industry’ and Brig ‘Peggy’.
1791 – “Bella Isle” Brig 117 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1791 – About 90 vessels were Coal traders. Woods – Shipbuilders employed 200 men in various departments and built since.
1793 John Peat opened his yard in 1793 at what was known as the Old Glasshouse yard situated on the bank of the River Ellen where he built 40 vessels before his death, aged 94 years on June 18th, 1840. Shipbuilding 1793-1840 Peats Yard –
1793 – Brig – “Samuel” – 172 tons – John Peat & Co jp
1793 – ” Ann” Brig 90 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1794 – “Sarah” built by Wood’s Yard Maryport .ARg
1796 ‘Harrison & Tomb’ 188 tonne brig built by Thomas Wood brought Canadian timber. In April 1822, she left Maryport, sailing north about around the coast of Ireland, bound for Canada.
The weather came onto blow when she was a beam of Tory Island, and by midnight she was running under storm canvas in very reduced visibility. Later during darkness she collided with a Danish brig bound for Naples with a cargo of salt fish from the Grand Banks.
While the ships were locked together, the master and four of the crew from the Dane leapt aboard the Harrison & Tomb somehow knowing that their vessel had received the greater damage. When the ships parted the Dane quickly sank, but the Harrison & Tomb limped along until she met up with the Princess Royal, out of Liverpool, which took aboard the Danish survivors. The master of the Maryport brig considered that his ship was in no fit condition to brave the North Atlantic, turned back and made for Belfast to undergo repair.
The Harrison & Tomb was once again in some difficulty in 1824 while laying at her berth at Maryport. She was moored ahead of a vessel discharging logs over the side for rafting when, unknown to anyone, a log wedged itself under her keel. When the tide ebbed the vessel took the ground across the log, causing her to hog and strain her timbers, and she was unable to make her intended passage to Quebec until she had undergone repair, thereby losing a valuable charter.
1797 March 21st A new ship ‘Postlethwaite’ was launched from Woods Yard, Maryport and was the property of Kelsick Wood.
It was pierced for 20 guns and was said by most competent judges to be the handsomest vessel ever built in Cumberland. A ball was given on the occasion by Humphrey Senhouse of Netherhall to ladies and gentlemen of Maryport and also attended by members’ of the first rank in the neighbourhood. The evening was spent in greatest convivial. ARg
1797 – The “Postlethwaite” 258 tons built by Wood’s Yard Maryport at a cost of £5,740, her cost to sea was £149 a ton and the price of a sixteenth share in her was £233. 15s. 0d, and the dividend paid out to their shareholders on six year’s trading was £521 10s.0p, per 16th share, her total profits for the period being £8,744. .ARg
The Postlethwaite of 258 tonnes, built at the Woods yard in 1797 at a cost of £3,740, gives us a fair idea of the cost and profits of a vessel in this period.
Her cost to sea was £149 a ton and the price for a 16th share in her was £233 15 shillings. In 1797 she made four passages to Dublin, showing a profit of £261 1s 1s. In March, 1798, she made a profit of £179 on a voyage from Waterfield to Liverpool and again in July of the same year £54 14s 6d on a voyage to Belfast.
1779 was a better year for her owners; the Postlethwaite was a prison ship at Belfast, netting an income of £1,016.
In 1800 she made a passage from Martinico to London, and showed a profit of £82 2s 2d. Between 1803 and 1804 she was employed as a government transport, chartered at 18s a ton, which gave her oners a total of £3,919 8s. After one more passage to Memel at a profit of £24 11s 6d she was sold for £2,800. The dividend paid out to her shareholders on six years trading was £521 10s per sixteenth share, her total profits for their period being £8,744.
Sailing Ships Built in West Cumberland from 1700s by Desmond G Sythes 1969
1798 – Brig – “Dykes” – 235 tons – John Peat & Co., 1st Brig named “Dykes”
The following notice appeared in “The Cumberland Journal” Saturday – April 15th 1830
FOR QUEBEC To sail from Maryport for Quebec direct, the fast sailing “Brig Dykes” 350 tons burthen, Thomas Cockton, Commander. This vessel will be found to possess excellent accommodations for passengers intending to proceed to upper Canada, as she is high between decks and fitted up with commodious berths for the passengers, having this season undergone a thorough repair She will positively sail on or about the 20th instant. A regular Medical Man is going out in the Dykes who will attend on the passengers free of expense. This gentleman has been repeatedly in the Upper Province, and intends to proceed direct from Quebec to Little York. For freight or passage apply to the Captain on board. Maryport, April 7th 1830. jp
1799 – Brig – “Jane” – 171 tons – John Peat & Co. jp
………….. End of 1700s ….