About the North West

History

Industry has had an enormous impact on the North West, and the region’s natural resources were exploited from the earliest times.  Stone axes, made in the Langdale area, were traded across Europe in the Neolithic period.  The Romans mined lead in the Lake District, iron in the Furness peninsula, and copper and salt in Cheshire. 

The strategic importance of the North West, on the border of England and Scotland, has been evident since Roman times.  Hadrian’s Wall, World Heritage Site, the Romans’ most important monument in Britain, marks the best known frontier in the Roman Empire, crossing England from Newcastle to Carlisle and down the Cumbrian coast.  Carlisle Castle witnessed the conflict of countless sieges plus Mary Queen of Scots was confined here in 1568 and it was also here that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s supporters blockaded themselves, trying to fight back the Hanoverian Army. 

The great textile mills of the North West are among the region’s most distinctive historic buildings.  They dominate the urban landscape of east Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and parts of inner Manchester itself, the ‘cottonopolis’ of the Industrial Revolution. Liverpool became the country’s largest port outside London during this time, and evidence of such Victorian ingenuity can still be seen at Stott Park Bobbin Mill.

William Wordsworth and Gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe were both inspired by the beautiful Furness Abbey set in the secluded ‘Vale of Nightshade’, whilst legend has it that majestic Beeston Castle guards buried treasure once belonging to Richard II.  Lanercost Priory, close to Hadrian’s Wall, was the base for King Edward I and his court as well as being ransacked by William Wallace.

 

Towns and Cities

Manchester

Manchester was the world’s first industrial city.  Work has begun towards putting forward a nomination for World Heritage Site status.  The city has now transformed itself into a lively cosmopolitan centre with the largest number of theatres outside London, museums, galleries, and a busy nightlife, plus a bustling city centre with unrivalled cuisine and shopping.

Carlisle

On the border of England and Scotland, this popular city lies within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and the Scottish Southern Uplands, and marks the western end of Hadrian’s Wall.  Stroll from the Cathedral to the Castle and stop in at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery and the Guildhall Museum. 

Liverpool

Liverpool boasts the famous waterfront including the Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool at Albert Dock. With more museums and galleries anywhere outside the capital, the city hosts a wealth of cultural attractions.

English Heritage in the North West is delighted that Liverpool has been selected as the European Capital of Culture 2008. It’s fantastic news for Liverpool, and the benefits will be felt by the North West region as a whole. English Heritage has supported Liverpool’s Capital of Culture bid through its involvement in the production of the bid document and through our support for the inscription of Liverpool, Maritime Mercantile City as a World Heritage Site.

Our work in Liverpool also includes the Historic Environment of Liverpool Project, a joint initiative with the North West Development Agency, The City of Liverpool Council, National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside and Liverpool Vision, to promote access to Liverpool's historic environment. 

Over the next few years the city will be the focus of a remarkable renaissance of culture and tourism thanks to the exciting programme that Liverpool has developed.  It will have a truly positive and lasting effect on the growth of all cultural sectors across the North West.

Chester

The legacy of the Roman Empire is still evident in Chester today including the remains of the Roman amphitheatre. Other historic sites include the Castle, Cathedral and the city walls.

Countryside

Beyond the conurbations of Greater Manchester and Merseyside, the North West remains predominantly rural.  Roman forts, castles, abbeys and priories nestle amidst the landscape. The region contains some of England’s most beautiful and unspoilt countryside, from the central fells of the Lake District, to the farmland of the Cheshire Plain and the stunning Lancashire Hill Country.

Along the Lancashire and Merseyside coastline are some of the country’s most popular seaside resorts.  From Blackpool famous for it’s tower, pier and bustling nightlife, to the family resort of Morecambe or the picturesque favourites of Southport, Lytham St Anne’s and Formby.

The region has long been a favourite with TV and film-makers and played host to Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth, Moll Flanders, Cold Feet and the ever popular Coronation Street.

Museums and Galleries

The culturally rich North West includes: theatres such as The Royal Exchange Theatre, the Everyman Theatre and Theatre-by-the-Lake; top class museums – Imperial War Museum North, Merseyside Maritime Museum and Museum of Science and Industry; music at the Bridgewater Hall or Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall showcasing 4 of the region’s orchestras; or more contemporary music from the Mersey Beat and The Beatles to the recent ‘Madchester’ music scene; visual arts represented by Manchester Art Gallery, Walker Art Gallery, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, and Irwell Sculpture Trail, to name but a few. 

The North West landscape has long inspired British writers and painters: William Wordsworth, gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe, Elizabeth Gaskell, Beatrix Potter and L.S.Lowry.

The region is a favourite for sports fans with 4 Premier division football clubs including the world famous Manchester United Football Club, situated close to the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club. 

Local Attractions

The Lowry
Located at The Quays, close to Manchester city centre, The Lowry contains 2 theatres, a contemporary art gallery, an inter-active gallery and a gallery to house the city’s extensive collection of Lowry paintings and sketches. 

Imperial War Museum North
Across The Lowry footbridge is the impressive Imperial War Museum North designed by the world-famous Daniel Libeskind.  Exploring modern day conflict from the 20th century through original artefacts and state-of-the-art exhibits, and changing exhibitions.

Albert Dock, Liverpool
One of the most impressive waterfront sites in the country and designated as a World Heritage Site, the Albert Dock hosts the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool Life, plus the Tate Liverpool and a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain, and is a World Heritage Site.  From Newcastle to Carlisle and down the Cumbrian coast, forts, milecastles, temples and turrets appear all along its line and museums, reconstructions and visitor centres bring the whole frontier to life. 

The Lake District
Charming towns and villages including Kendal, Ulverston (home of the Laurel and Hardy Museum), Keswick and Ambleside nestle amongst the unspoilt beauty of The Lakes.  One of the most popular spots is Lake Windermere.  Local attractions include Holker Hall and Gardens, Rheged and the Beatrix Potter Museum.  The process has begun to eventually nominate the Lake District as a World Heritage Site because of its significance as a cultural landscape.

Aquarium of The Lakes, Windermere
Discover the fascinating array of life found in and around the Lakes.  Follow a Lakeland river from its starting point high up in the mountains to its final destination in the sea.
Carlisle Castle
900 years of turbulent history form part of this medieval fortress on the boundary of England and Scotland.  Wander through the castle’s chambers, stairways and dungeons and discover where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1568 and all about Bonnie Prince Charlie’s stay in 1745.

Tatton Park
One of England’s most impressive historic estates, with 1,000 acres of parkland, including the Mansion, Tudor Old Hall, stunning Gardens and the Farm.  Events are held year round.

Beeston Castle
Set 500 feet above the Cheshire plain on sheer rocky crags, with stunning views over 8 counties.  Beeston’s history dates back to its origins as a Bronze Age hill fort through to the medieval fortress visible today.

Chester
The history of the Roman Empire is clearly visible in Chester in the remains of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre.  Its medieval past can be seen at Chester Castle and on a walk along the city walls.