Maryport Maritime Museum
Where is it?
1 Senhouse
Street, Maryport, Cumbria, CA15 5AB.
You can view a
location map.
Links to local transport
and roads information are also available.
When is it open?
Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm
How much does it cost?
Admission is FREE
The Museum
The Museum houses a wealth of objects, pictures, models and
paintings that illustrate Maryport's proud maritime and painting
tradition. The collection at the Museum was initially based on the
donations of items by local resident Miss Annie Robinson, and
consisted almost entirely of artefacts from or linked to the Town
of Maryport. Miss Robinson was instrumental in setting up the
Museum in 1974. The collection has grown in all areas since then.
During the refurbishment of the Museum in the 1990's several items
were obtained on long-term loan to be used in the displays.
Occupying three floors, the museum houses a diverse and
fascinating collection of artefacts. The majority of exhibits hold
a unique association with Maryport's maritime, industrial, social
and political history, having been donated by townspeople and those
connected with the port. Two of the most interesting artefacts in
the museum are this painting by William Mitchell and the scrimshaw
whales tooth.
"A Breezy Day' by William Mitchell, 1863. A ship rounding
the outer wooden pier at South Harbour, Maryport"
"Sperm whale tooth etched with a picture of the whaler
'Eagle'. Carving of bone and ivory, known as "scrimshaw" work, was
an art mainly from the Anglo-American whaling ships in the first
half of the nineteenth century."
There are also displays about Fletcher Christian of the mutiny
on the Bounty and Thomas Ismay, owner of the Titanic.
Maryport Festivals Ltd
The Maritime Museum is home of the Maryport Festivals
Ltd (MFL) office, a local non-profit making organisation dedicated
to the organisation and promotion of festivals in Maryport for the
economic, social and cultural benefit of the town. MFL deliver an
annual festival programme including Maryport Bitter and Blues, Sea
Maryport and Maryport Christmas Festivals.
For more information please contact the Festival Coordinator on
01900 817200 or email maryportfestivalsltd@tiscali.co.uk
You can also download the museum guide below.