Maryport (not its original name) has strong Roman connections. There is Senhouse Roman Museum. Humphrey Senhouse started to develop the port and named the new town after his wife Mary. ... The town quickly developed throughout the 19th century.

An iron foundry opened and the port developed as did shipyards, such as Wood's yard and Ritson's yard, which was famous for launching ships broadside into the River Ellen because it was not wide enough to allow ships to be launched the usual way.

At the northern edge of the Cumbrian coalfield many collieries were developed and there was a thriving iron trade.

Today it is rediscovering its rich past and attracting tourists to this little known part of Cumbria. (Principal source Wikipedia)
Photo Ref: ct5752