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Backbarrow Ironworks Heritage Trust

Backbarrow Ironworks, Ironworks Road, Ulverston, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8RF

  • 08 Sep 2024
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

Backbarrow Ironworks is one of the first built [1711] in the North of England continuing for over 250 years until 1965. This amazingly long period of iron production represents the best illustration of iron smelting technology develoment nationally.

The first furnace was built in 1711 and was the forerunner of 7 furnaces built in the South Lakes area, helping to establish a thriving industry of iron production culminating in huge furnaces particularly in the industrial towns of Ulverston, Barrow, Millom and Workington.

As noted Backbarrow produced iron for over 250 years, which makes it a unique site, it kept in production until the run down of the iron industry in the Southern Lakes Area.
Currently the site is owned by Backbarrow Ironworks Heritage Trust, who welcome pre-booked groups and hold open days for visitors to have conducted tours of the whole site. We are organising special tours for the heritage festival. Tours last 1 hour approx. Please see or web-site for further information.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 08 September:
1100 & 1300

Location & directions

Backbarrow Ironworks, Ironworks Road, Ulverston, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8RF

Directions:
Use the A590 to reach Backbarrow turn into the village on the old road and the ironworks road is approx half a mile after The Whitewater hotel travelling west, or travelling east half a mile after leaving the A590.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Booking must be in advance, details below. Strong shoes or boots essential. The site is not suitable for years R and year 1 or pets.
Booking contact name:
Richard Sanderson
Booking email:
[email protected]
Booking opens:
05 Aug 2024 12:00 AM
Booking closes:
07 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Old industrial site, rough ground, high doorways on two levels with long flight of stairs. hence access is restricted to those fully mobile and as above not suitable for young children or pets. No toilet.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:
15
Est. tour duration:
1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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