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~ Market Charter granted to Dalton in 1239 ~
Dalton's History dates back to long before medieval times when, as the judicial and economic centre for the monks of Furness Abbey, Dalton became the capital of Furness. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century the town declined, but was revived with the discovery of iron ore in the area. This led to further development of the town and was also instrumental in the meteoric growth of Barrow as a port. Since the closure of the last mine in the 1920s, Dalton has not seen any significant changes. However, much of its interesting history is still in evidence. The town trail was developed by Dalton Environmental Forum, with the aim of helping visitors to see what Dalton has to offer as a place to visit. The Forum hope you will enjoy your 'Virtual Guided Tour' around the town and that you will wish to pay a visit soon. If you are intending to visit Dalton, please feel free to print out this page to keep as your own personal guide. Tudor Square is located at the junction of the roads leading to the market towns of Ulverston and Broughton. In the 16th century it was known as Town End, a village with its own green and one or two farms, one of which can still be seen adjacent to the car park. Administratively, it would have been part of Dalton town, which centred in the area around the castle. Early in the 19th century this junction became a watering place for the horses drawing carts of iron ore to the docks at Barrow. This traffic, taking place in all weathers, stained the ground red, resulting in the nickname 'Never Green Square'. Later it became known as 'Bally Green' for a reason yet to be discovered! Maps reveal the present name 'Tudor Square' from 1886 onwards. Note the neo-tudor fronted Golden Ball Hotel.
~ The Golden Ball Hotel ~ In the square, townsfolk gathered for the colourful, traditional Whit Tuesday fair, which extended along the whole of Market Street to the castle. Heading towards Ulverston from Tudor Square, turn right at the 'Horse & Jockey and right again into Beckside Road. 
At the corner of Dale Terrace and Beckside Road is a small building, once the local Grammar School and now a private residence. Proceed along Beckside Road towards Station Road, the land on your right was formerly the Romney estate and almost certainly contains the site of the cottage where George Romney, our famous local artist, was born. Reaching Station Road you will see Dalton Conservative Club, with its very interesting architectural details, formerly 'Beckside House'.
From Beckside Road cross Station Road and enter the footpath, which runs alongside Poaka Beck, called Little Fields. This forms part of the Cistercian Way, a renowned medeival footpath, between Grange and Piel Island, which follows the route taken by the monks and travellers to Furness Abbey. As you follow the path to the main A590 there are attractive views of the town, across fields now home to an animal sanctuary.
~ From Cemetary Hill to A590 ~ At the A590, cross the road and turn left passing Chequers Motel. This building occupies the site of the town's first school, founded in 1622 by Thomas Boulton, providing free education for children of the parish - those from outside being charged 12 pence. The Free School later became the Elementary School and in November 1868, the Boys National School. Passing Chequers you will see the pinfold, a circular stone structure, known to exist before 1825. There, stray animals were impounded and released to their owners only on the payment of a fine. On the right you will notice two cottages (adjoining Chequers Motel) against the cliff. These mark the site of and contain much of the structure of, the Dalton poor-house built in 1825, replacing an earlier institution. A short distance to your left is the Brown Cow Inn, reputedly built on the site of an inn which existed in the monastic era. Proceed up the hill towards the church. 
An attractive row of cottages (at the very top of the hill) is situated opposite the church. The two stone columns, outside the door of Bank House, formerly helped to support the upper floor of the ancient houses built against the front of the castle. The space below was used as a covered market and known as the Shambles.
St Mary's Church was designed by Paley and Austin and built between 1883 - 1885 and is architecturally significant for its chequerboard stonework detail. It replaces one of unknown date, but probably medeival, and it is believed there have been churches on this site since the 8th century. Inside you will find a font and some examples of stained glass reputed to have come from Furness Abbey. In the churchyard a plaque marks a mass grave containing the remains of 360 former inhabitants who died during the plague of 1631 - 1632. The Bubonic Plague, which decimated the population, was brought into the town, from London, by an itinerant trader by the name of Lancaster. Here also can be found the last resting place of Dalton's famous painter, George Romney (1734 - 1802).
On entering Market Place the dominant features include the Pele Tower, generally known as the castle, St George's Cross and the Victorian drinking fountain. This is the original site of Dalton's ancient market. The semi-circular formation of stone slabs, on which fish was displayed for sale, presents an unusual and interesting feature. In the castle garden look for the stone carrying details of the Market Charter granted to Dalton by Henry III in 1239. Until the end of the last century the stocks and whipping post were also to be found here, relics of the days when punishment was mercilessly effected. The castle, although greatly altered over the years, dates from the mid 14th century. It was built to protect the townsfolk, and their animals, from the raiding Scots and used by the Abbots of Furness Abbey as a courthouse and jail.
~ Dalton Castle ~ The castle is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public on Saturdays from 2.00pm - 5.00pm from Easter until October.
~ Cross on Market Place ~ The trail continues down the main street - although time may be taken to explore the ginnels (pedestrian ways) off Market Place, with their picturesque cottages.
~ The Red Lion ~ Carry on down the hill, through the conservation area, noting the different eras of architecture, to the centre of the town. Here you can find every amenity, including Post Office. Turn left after the Wellington Hotel to find the Library at the end crossroads. Turn right at these crossroads to find the Leisure Centre coming into view over to the left. Dalton Leisure Centre which was built by public subscription, offers excellent facilities and is fronted by the WRVS Centenary Rose Garden. Walk along Fell Croft (directly opposite the entrance to the Leisure Centre) until you emerge once again in Market Street next to the Masons Arms. Note the doctor's surgery directly ahead on the far side of the road. This was the site of Cuckstool farm, where there was reputedly a pond complete with ducking stool. Turn left and continue up the hill, passing the old police station on your left, to the end of the trail, the place where we began - Tudor Square.
~ The Black Bull ~ |
