tarboat's photos with the keyword: ulverston

The Furness Railway Company's main line west of Ulverston opened in 1854 but was built with tight curves and steep gradients that proved problematic for heavy freight trains. In 1876 and 1881 the company obtained Acts for the construction of a new double-track railway line following the north coast of Morecambe Bay from Ulverston to Barrow to provide an alternative route. Only two miles of this proposed line was ever built before the scheme was abandoned. This section, from Plumpton Junction, east of Ulverston, to Bardsea (Priory Station), opened in 1883. To carry this new railway track across the Ulverston Canal a sliding bridge, designed by the engineer Frank Stileman (1851-1912), was installed. A bridge with a moveable subsidiary framework was built at 90 degrees to the canal and onto this the railway tracks were attached, at 45 degrees to the framework. The bridge crossed the canal at towpath level. To allow boats to pass, the framework's central part was designed to roll back on wheels into a small dock built into the canal's south bank, thus leaving a central navigable channel for boats. The bridge was hydraulically operated, however the cylinders and rams were removed in 1952-3 and an associated engine house was demolished. A tall brick accumulator tower stands nearby on the canal's south bank. The bridge and tower are listed Grade II.

This is one of three kilns on this hillside at Scales Green, a few miles from Ulverston, and is much larger than the other two. The kiln is generally in very good condition although the tree growth on top will eventually destroy the structure if not removed. A particularly rare survival is the lime shed/store on the front. The roof of the shed has been repaired recently and it is now used for agricultural storage.

The Ulverston Canal was completed in 1796, in order to provide the town of Ulverston with a port. At 15 feet (4.6m) deep and 66 feet (20m) wide, it was intended to accommodate large ships. Railway competition led to a decline through the second half of the 19th century. Commercial traffic ended c1914 and it was abandoned in 1945. These are the top gates of the sea lock with the 1 mile dead straight canal heading off towards the terminal basin.

An astonishing building in the little market town of Ulverston. The use of at least four different colours of bricks on this late 19th century building creates a very striking effect. The whole building may appear to house an estate agency, but the ground floor is actually a cafe!

The old Hartleys Brewery in Ulverston dates back to 1755, but the Hartley family only became involved in 1896. In July 1982 Hartleys (Ulverston) Ltd was acquired by Robinsons of Stockport and brewing ceased on the site in November 1991. Today it is used as a distribution depot by Robinsons, but a planning application has recently been submitted to develop the site as a supermarket.