DORIAN PLAYERS CANCELLED

4th September 2025

Due to the ill health of one of the players, our next event scheduled for 1st November at Holy Trinity Church has had to be cancelled. We are hoping to rearrange for next year.

TRIBUTE TO DUANE FARREN

28th September 2025

Fifty people attended the Tribute to Duane event the History Society organised on 27th September at Holy Trinity church.

Duane's wife, Sharon, began the event by sharing his life story whilst a video of photographs from when he was small was shown in the background.

The Chair of the Society, Jan Bridget, shared the many History Society events Duane had been a part of, including

• Romans in Millom
• Looking Back
• Prehistory
• His collaboration with Jan Bridget on "Millom and District Prehistoric Past"
• And his involvement with the Community Dig.

Jack Park, Millom Heritage and Arts Centre, said how lucky they were to have Duane as a trustee and how proud they are to have a room dedicated to him where several of his finds are on display.

Councillor Ray Williamson, Chair of Millom Town Council, talked about his many meetings with Duane where they shared discussions about football, rugby and, of course, history, and how he admired Duane's font of knowledge of the history of Millom.

Margaret Edmondson told us how Duane had supported Holy Trinity on many occasions and that they had put a plaque on the gate into the churchyard to acknowledge where Duane is buried.

Jan Bridget concluded the event by looking at Duane's footprints and launching a new Footprint Project for volunteers to continue Duane's work of monitoring the incredible prehistoric footprints on Duddon foreshore. Part of this presentation included tributes from several archaeologists whom Duane had been in touch with about the footprints.

Duane's many finds were on display.

More information can be found here.

RAF MILLOM AIRFIELD MEMORIAL

1st September 2025

About 50 people, including several veterans and the family of John Nixon, who died earlier this year, attended the unveiling yesterday of a memorial to RAF Millom Airfield. John set up the RAF Millom Museum (closed but memorabilia available at Millom Heritage and Arts Centre) wrote "The History of RAF Millom: And the Genesis of RAF Mountain Rescue."

The mayor and deputy mayor of Millom Town Council and county councillors Bob Kelly and Andy Pratt were also in attendance, as well as staff from HMP Millom. Apologies were received from the local MP Michelle Scrogan and the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott.

Richard Outram, Mayor's for Peace UK Chapter Secretary, instigated the event by contacting Kenneth Bannerman, Director General of Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust (ABCT) , to ask for a memorial to be placed at the old RAF Millom site. As well as being the secretary to the UK Mayor's for Peace Chapter, Richard is also secretary of Nuclear Free Local Authorities.

Both men gave moving speeches covering the background of RAF Millom, Richard saying he came across RAF Millom whilst researching the background of the airfield as a potential site for a GDF (Geological Disposal Facility) and knew about the ABCT so contacted them to see if they would dedicate a memorial to RAF Millom airfield and all the personnel who worked there, some losing their lives in WWII.

Richard referred to an interesting Pathe News item Doom Town aka Down Town 1955 about RAF Millom being reused in 1955 as Britain's biggest mobile defence training centre, where thousands of national service men a year spent the last month of their service learning all there is to know about rescue methods in the atomic age. Ironically, if the GDF (nuclear dump) is built on the old airfield of RAF Millom, it will become a prime target should a nuclear war ever happen.

The speeches were filmed by volunteers of the ABCT and it is hoped we will be able to get a link to this and post on here.

MILLOM'S FOOTPRINTS

29th August 2025

The Prehistoric footprints of Formby and Happisberg are well known about and rightly celebrated. But did you know about the ones in Millom, Cumbria? If you are local you would know about them and possibly even have been on a trip down to see them with local historian Duane Farren.

Duane died suddenly in March this year and Millom and District Local History Society are organising a 'Tribute to Duane' at Holy Trinity Church where he is buried in the churchyard. His gravestone includes an image of a Prehistoric footprint. The event will take place at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, 27th September, 2 p.m.

In preparation for the event, his wife Sharon loaned the History Society chair, Jan Bridget, a box full of some of Duane's belongings. To Jan's delight, this included six display books full of photographs of footprints from the Duddon foreshore. Duane had been monitoring the area for about seven years, since he first discovered what they were in 2017, resulting in 170 photographs of Prehistoric footprints including many human (plus a hand print) and lots of animals including aurochs - a huge cow that became extinct in Britain in the Bronze Age; wild boar, roe deer, red deer, as well as birds such as oyster catchers, which are still a regular visitor to these shores.

Duane has succeeded in keeping a photographic record of the amazing natural phenomena that often occurs after high tides when mud crops can appear which retain the footprints but, once uncovered, they soon disappear with the tide sweeping them away. Hence the crucial evidence Duane has preserved through his photographs and dedication of visiting the foreshore on a regular basis for years!

His excitement at discovering the prints is shared in his diary for 2017:

22nd August: Had a fantastic afternoon on the Duddon estuary. Found over 25 human footprints and one hand print.

30th August: Starting to find animal footprints on a raised piece of ground, red deer, roe deer, wild boar.

31st August: More and more footprints are starting to appear on the raised ground. Same as the day before and what looks like aurochs footprints.

1st September: Tried a new patch of ground where over 60 roe deer footprints were found off a peat deposit. Also found one human footprint with all the toes showing. Going back in the morning at first light for another look.

2nd September Had a great day, found a pair of 8 footprints, looks like they had been stalking an animal.

Duane's wife shared his excitement and commitment to discovering the footprints:

"Duane's life revolved around the tide times and the weather...he got excited when it was a big tide and the chance that footprints and artefacts would be uncovered once again. He got so excited one day as he found a whole hazelnut... I thought he'd lost the plot as I didn't really understand the significance of it.

The Duddon foreshore was definitely his happy place and he strove every day for recognition of this Mesolithic site, his passion to show people what he'd found was amazing but also in trying to protect it for future generations so they could discover Millom's past."

The photographs are an incredible glimpse into what was happening in Millom in Prehistoric times. Put these alongside the huge nearby stone monuments of Swinside Circle, Giant's Grave and Lacra Bank, as well as numerous Neolithic cropmarks, only visible from the air in drought weather, and several stone axes found in the area plus lots of flints found in ploughed fields as well as human bones dated to between 2210-2010 and 1620-1440 B.C.E., not to mention the six Bronze Age bronze axe heads found in early 2023 and you end up with a feast of Prehistoric evidence which shows that the area was clearly important to both humans and animals in ancient times.

The History Society have scanned the photos and introduced a special section on our website so that folk can access this incredible collection - see MILLOM FOOTPRINTS. We have also contacted a specialist in ancient footprints to assess their importance.

The History Society published 'Prehistoric Millom' in 2023, available from Sutton's Bookshop in Ulverston and The Heritage and Arts Centre, Millom.

The tribute will include a display of some of the photographs which will then move to the Heritage and Arts Centre which has a room dedicated to Duane.

MEDIEVAL MILLOM

18th August 2025

We had several apologies from folk who couldn't make the talk on Medieval Millom given by the Chair of the Society last Saturday. Nevertheless, 31 people attended the event. Here is a link to the presentation.

And here is the quote from Rev T.N. Postlethwaite, April 1899, North Lonsdale Magazine and Furness Miscellany:

The Hodelstons, Hudlestons or Huddlestons, had their domicile in Yorkshire for many years before the Conquest. Of the earlier members little record remains. Adam de Hodelston, of York, was succeeded by his son Adam, who in turn was succeeded by John, and John by Richard; these all lived prior to the Conquest. Then we have in succession Nigel, Reginald, Richard, John and Adam. The family domicile was then at Millom, in the extreme south western corner of Cumberland. A district shut in by the sea and mountain, and at that time a forest of birch, thorns and oaks, lofty and imposing on the sounder lowlands, degenerating into thick scrub on the peaty flats, and becoming little more than overgrown copse-woods on the hill sides, leaving the hill tops bleak and barren. The forest was intersected by numerous streams or becks, obstructed in their course by fallen timber, so that the water spreading over the surface formed impassible morasses. The woods were frequented by wild boar and probably wolves, and gigantic red deer or leigh, roamed on the hills. The mountain crags formed a nesting place for sea-eagles, hawks and ravens. Fish swarmed in the streams; the salt marshes were alive with herons, wild ducks and curlew; and the sands yielded flukes, salmon and cockles, then, as now considered the best in the land. A chronicler in the seventeenth century writes:- "Duddon Water, a brave river where the famous cockles of all England is gathered in the sands, scraped out with hookes like sickles, and brave salmons and flookes the bravest in England, hanged up and dryed like bacon, and as good feeding as Iseland salt wish." The roads were few and bad, serviceable only for pack-horses and men on horse or foot.

ANDY'S WAR

15th August 2025

The Chair of the Society gave a talk at Millom Library about the photographs Andy Shaw, an RAF cook, took during his time in India during WWII.

The talk coincided with the 80th Anniversary of the end of the war in the far east.

Here is a link to the presentation: Andy's War.

Several attendees shared stories about their friends and family members. One woman, from Broughton, brought her relative's photo album - it is hoped to get these scanned and made available in some form.

We watched the King's speech and adhered to the two minutes silence at noon.

Altogether, it was a very moving experience with positive feedback from many of the attendees.

AMERICAN HUDDLESTON DESCENDANT TO VISIT MILLOM

4th August 2025

Millom and District Local History Society are delighted to welcome Elizabeth Barrett, a Huddleston descendant from America who is visiting Millom, on Tuesday, 12th August.

Elizabeth is a Ph.D. student working on 17th and 18th century British transatlantic history. She will be visiting several sites related to the Huddleston family of Cumbria and Yorkshire in the coming weeks.

Funded by Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the Lawrence Henry Gipson Institute for Eighteenth-Century Studies, her research will explore multiple archives and historical sites, including Holy Trinity Church, Millom and Millom Castle, Boscobel House and Moseley Old Hall.

The Huddlestons were lords of Millom Manor for 500 years; they were an important Cumbrian family, several holding the position of sheriff of Cumberland amongst other titles. Many were knights and thus had to fight for their lord and monarch. Different generations fought at battles and sieges including Falkirk; Caerlaverock; Bannockburn; Agincourt; Bosworth Field; Lindal Moor, Cockermouth, Carlisle Sands.

Nine Huddleston brothers fought in the English Civil Wars for King Charles I, with Colonel Sir William Huddleston taking a leading role - this will be covered in a book the Society hope to publish in the Autumn.

Father John Huddleston descended from a branch of the Millom Huddlestons who lived at Hutton John - it is likely he was also at Lindal Moor in the first civil war. He was a Catholic priest and helped King Charles II to escape after his escapade in the oak tree at Boscobel. He looked after him at Moseley Old Hall and hid the king in his priest hole; Father John later gave Charles II the last rites and converted him to Catholicism on his deathbed. There is further information about Father John on the Society's website: Father John Hudleston.

Elizabeth's visits will help to uncover evidence of the family's economic shifts before and after the Civil War and potentially illuminate the Huddleston connections and presence in North America during the early colonial period.

The History Society look forward to meeting Elizabeth and are delighted she is conducting this research which will add to our growing knowledge about the Huddleston family.

MOTHER NATURE

11th July 2025 2025

This photograph, taken by Nerissa Nicholas early this morning, shows the fog clinging to the ground around Millom Castle and Holy Trinity church, revealing what it would have looked like as an island. Well done, Nerissa, for being up so early and for taking the photo.

MEDIEVAL MILLOM

7th July 2025 2025

The Medieval part of Millom Through Time on our website has now been completed. Medieval Millom.

MILLOM HISTORY GROUP

8th June 2025 2025

We are delighted that the monthly meet up of the Millom and District Local History Society, facilitated by the Society for the past 18 months, is now independent and is being run by Kathryn Miller.

The group continues to meet at Millom Library 10-12 on the first Saturday of the month and has its own Facebook page Millom History Group.

1701 STORM

1st June 2025 2025

On his trip to Carlisle Archives, to examine the Bridget Huddleston financial records kept by Humphrey Senhouse, within the Senhouse Family Records, Jonathan Brind found this little snippet:

"The Great Storme and Tempest that did the Great Damidge amonst the Shipping at Whitehaven and occationed soe much Shipp wrack and Blew up soe many Trees was on Friday and Saturday nights being the 3th and 4th of October (1701)

Red Hill Barne was Blawen Down on the Saturday night the 4th October (1701)"

The Rev. William Slater Sykes told us (in late 19th Century) that Red Hill was "an ancient farmstead. The soil is red here under the turf but not otherwise noticeable. In the M. Estate Act, 1741, it is called the Low Demesne. It is part of the high ground called Barrow, cf. Hodbarrow, Barow Crails, overlooking the fords of Duddon used from the time of Agricola who must have crossed close to this hill."

DAVID BATES

20th May 2025 2025

We are thrilled to be able to bring to you the exhibition of David Bates' drawings and paintings of Millom, which he completed when he lived here in 1949-50.

Here are just a handful of his works:

Millom Iron Works Railway

The exhibition is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Millom, over Holy Trinity Weekend, 13, 14, 15 June, 11.30-6 p.m. with his son, Malcolm, giving a talk about his father's life and works at 3 p.m. on Saturday 14th June.

MONTHLY MEET UP

15th May 2025 2025

In order to be able to concentrate on other projects, Millom and District Local History Society committee have agreed to stop running the monthly meet ups in Millom Library on the first Saturday of the month.

The Society has been running the group now for a year and nine months - it began as two groups, Millom Metal Detectorists and Prehistory Appreciation Group but then amalgamated.

The group is well established now and should be able to run independently of the History Society.

Whilst it will no longer be a History Society run group,it is hoped it will continue to work with the Society to share the incredible history of the area.

THE WISH OF MILLOM'S FATHER OF HISTORY COMES TRUE

25th March 2025 2025

Rev William Slater Sykes was curate at Holy Trinity church, Millom, from 1895 to 1900 then vicar of Eskdale church from 1900 to 1904. He was a keen antiquarian and member of Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society (CWAAS).

Wherever he was posted he conducted research about the area and produced notebooks and articles based on his research. He wrote nine articles for CWAAS Transactions and other antiquarians utilised his notes for their articles.

Indeed, two books about the history of Millom, written by his friend Frank Warriner and published in the 1930's, are predominantly based on Rev Sykes notebooks.

In other words, you could say Rev Sykes is the 'father of Millom history' - his work is essential for anyone writing about or studying Millom's history. Sykes donated three of his notebooks to Holy Trinity church in the hope that they would be made available for future researchers.

Well, 125 years after he first said this, his wish has come true: volunteers at Millom and District Local History Society transcribed the three books and Cumbria Archives, Whitehaven, gave permission to the Society to photograph the three volumes of his work held there and make these available here Sykes Project.

Thus, most of his work about Millom and Eskdale is now available to download from their website. It was a huge task made more complicated as Rev Sykes left two, slightly different, versions of his notes. They include the Annals (year by year notes) of Millom, 1058-1781; information about roads, place-names, ancient families and customs, church records, and much more, including local gossip and tales.

Here are two stories he shared:

The train Ravenglass to Boot under the old management often came to a standstill at the incline near Boot. And the guard would address the passengers: First class passengers keep your seat. Second class passengers get out and walk. Third class passengers push behind.

The old farm house at Water Blane was pulled down many years ago. It was noted for the following story. There used to be two sculls laid on the staircase window. No one knew their history. Attempts were often made to get rid of them but without success. They were sometimes taken away and hidden, sometimes even buried but they were always found next morning in their accustomed place on the stair window sill. The people of the house got used to this and let them remain but if any strange visitor tried to eject the gruesome objects it was no use they were always returned before morning. My informant said that people passing on the road used to keep a wary eye on the house till they were safely passed. But nothing uncanny was ever seen or known to happen.

VERY SAD NEWS

3rd March 2025

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden death of Millom's very own Duane Farren.

Duane gave an awful lot to finding and sharing Millom's history, from showing folk the Prehistoric footprints on the Duddon Estuary to telling people about the history of Holborn Hill and more recently the Medieval history of Millom.

He has given many talks at Millom and District Local History Society events and most recently took part in our archaeological dig - even appearing briefly on Digging for Britain.

He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. A fund has been set up to support Duane's family: GoFundMe.

ARE WE ABOUT TO LOSE MORE HERITAGE?

15th February 2025

At the end of January 2025 Nuclear Waste Services confirmed land between Haverigg and Kirksanton is a focus area for a proposed Geological Disposal Facility (GDF aka nuclear dump) which will be huge.

Whilst NWS have excluded Giant's Grave, the whole area is steeped in Prehistory - if a GDF were to go ahead we would lose the opportunity to make further discoveries in this area.

Here is a link to extracts from my book Millom and District Prehistoric Past which highlights relevant Prehistoric evidence close by (and possibly within) the area of focus. Ancient History of GDF Focus Site.

And here is a link to Megalithic site which gives you an idea of what you might see from Lacra.

MILLOM MANORIAL RECORDS: COURT BOOKS

12th February 2025

We are delighted to say the Trustees of the Lowther Estate have given us permission to share photographs of part of the Court Books held at Carlisle Archive. One of our volunteers, Jonathan Brind, went up last week and photographed well over 1,000 images - but these are just a snippet of the Court Books. They are taken from documents which were transcribed in the early 18th Century and are, therefore, legible. We are breaking them down into smaller PDF documents, a process that will take some time, but the first document can be found at the bottom of our Names Project.

CLAY PIPE BOWL: STAG'S HEAD

15th January 2025

Just for a change, Josh Carr has found a clay object, this lovely clay pipe bowl with the image of a stag's head.

DIGGING FOR BRITAIN

7th January 2025

Our Community Dig will feature on Digging for Britain, Series 12, Episode 4 next Tuesday, 14th January, 8 p.m. on BBC2. But if you can access BBCi Player, the series is already available, here: BBCi Player - we start at 1540.

It really puts Millom on the map. Thanks to D4B team, our volunteers, Dan Elsworth of Greenlane Archaeology, Dot Boughton of Greenlane Archaeology, the Diocese of Carlisle for letting us dig there, and the Levelling Up scheme for the funding. Thanks also to Bill Amos of Whamos Ltd., for making the drone shots of Millom available.

It would have been good if Swinside, Giant's Grave and Lacra had been mentioned and also the History Society, but all the same, a good message put out there about Millom and its wonderful history. Well done, Josh Carr, yet again!

DAVID'S RECENT FINDS

4th January 2025

Here are David Hartley's latest finds: a silver cuff link and a Victorian gold half sovereign. Well done, David.

BOXING DAY FIND: STRAP FITTING

27th December 2024

Josh Carr's Boxing Day 2024 find: copper alloy zoomorphic belt hook in the form of a serpent or dragon. Dated to 16th or 17th Century. Similar ones have been found in Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire and Leicestershire. Well done Josh.

DIGGING FOR BRITAIN

13th December 2024

The new series of Digging for Britain starts on 7th January. The episode that will feature our dig in Millom is on 14th January.

NAMES PROJECT

12th December 2024

Details of the Names Project and the various documents acquired and transcribed can be found in our Projects section.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

12thDecember 2024

We held our AGM on 23rd November at Holy Trinity church attended by about fifteen people. The Annual Report and Jan's presentation of the activities over the past year are available on the main page of the website (scroll down to bottom).

KIRKBY PRESENTATION

19th November 2024

Jan was invited to give a talk about our archaeological dig at Kirkby History Group on Monday, 18th November. Here is a link to the presentation.

SYKES PROJECT

28th October 2024

We have just completed phase one of our Sykes Project which involved transcribing the three notebooks the Rev William Slater Sykes donated to Holy Trinity church. These are titled: Kirksanton; the Placenames of South Cumberland Collected and Annotated by Rev. W.S. Sykes; and Roads in and through Millom. See our Projects page to access the original documents kindly scanned by Barrow Archives and the transcripts.

PRESENTATION AT CONVENTION

15th October 2024

Here is the presentation Jan gave at the Cumbria Local History Federation Convention last Saturday: the visitors seemed well impressed both with the venue (Holy Trinity Church), the food (Margaret) and our History Society.

KEY FINDS

13th October 2024

The key finds from the Community Dig are now on show at Holy Trinity church.

THIS IS MILLOM

15th September 2024

Local film maker, Jonathan Brind, held the premier of his film This is Millom recently.

DIGGING FOR BRITAIN

14th September 2024

Josh Carr went down to the Cotswolds to meet Alice Roberts 'in the tent' to look at the six axe head finds. Dot Boughton, Greenlane Archaeology, also went to give her expert opinion on the axes.

They should appear on the next series, possibly January 2025.

Well done, Josh.

DIGGING FOR MILLOM DISPLAY

14th September 2024

The Digging for Millom display boards have now been moved to Millom Library; free copies of the Final Report are available while stocks last. Thanks to Millom Heritage and Arts Centre and the Library.

DIGGING FOR MILLOM DISPLAY

27th August 2024

The Digging for Millom display boards are now being exhibited at Millom Heritage and Arts Centre (Railway Station) until 10th September and free copies of the Final Report are available while stocks last.

FINDS DAY SUCCESS

25th August 2024

Around 70 people attended our Finds Day at Holy Trinity on Saturday, 24th August 2024. The final report and power point presentations have been uploaded and are available in our Projects section.

GETTING IT OUT THERE

31st July 2024

The Society have managed to get some regional publicity in the form of an article in the Summer edition of CWAAS News and in the August issue of Cumbria and Lakeland Walker!

SAD STORY

11th July 2024

It is not often you get to read about the character of a teenager who died when they were only 16 years old over 200 years ago. But this is what research by Millom and District Local History Society have uncovered.

Colonel Humphrey Senhouse of the Cumberland Militia represented Cockermouth in parliament in 1786 and the county of Cumberland in 1790. He married Catherine Wood of Northumberland and they had six children but only one survived, another Humphrey who was their eldest son but this story is about their youngest son, Thomas (1779-1795).

As part of a project researching and acquiring information about Millom Castle, a volunteer for Millom and District Local History Society, Jonathan Brind, visited Carlisle archive where he found an image of Millom Castle drawn by John Wilson, an artist from Whitehaven (DSEN/10/Box 200. Cumbria Archive Centre, Carlisle). It is clearly a copy of an original engraving of Millom Castle by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, 1739. Here are the two side-by-side, with the copy on the right:

Jonathan discovered a very moving story written on the back of the sketch:

This drawing, along with two others namely Rose Castlet (and) St Bees Priory were done for the amusement of Mr Thomas Senhouse a little before his death. He was a youth of great abilities, of a ready witt and refinement rich, quick conceptions; there was a very great deal of probability that he would have made a shining figure in life had it pleased God to have spared him; he was taken of (afer lingering two years) in that slow hectic complaint occasioned by a decay in some of the Vital Parts, particularly the Lungs.

He died the 8 of June 1795 aged 16 years and about a month; in his person (before his illness) he was rather smallish but of remarkable great activity, running and leaping with the greatest agility in the most dangerous places, of a great spirit not fearing danger in any shape; took great delight in horse and dogs very fond of riding on horseback.

Temperate with strangers but proud of his friends, of a quick and hasty (in his) disposition.

Drawn by John Wilson painter of Maryport, one who he housed with his mother during the greatest part of his life, but particularly in the latter part of it. "Full oft shall memory mind."

We have Thomas' father, Colonel Humphrey Senhouse and his ancestors, to thank for the contents of the Senhouse Roman Museum in Maryport. During the 18th Century when the stones of the Roman fort were being removed to build the new town of Maryport, Colonel Senhouse employed a man to preserve and record any carved stonework that came to light. His ancestor, John Senhouse, began collecting inscribed stones from the Roman fort and civilian town in 1570.

DIGGING FOR MILLOM

5th July 2024

The Community Dig in Millom has come to an end for this year. Although volunteers were unable to dig investigative trenches in the places originally identified through geophysics and drone surveys (perhaps next year?) nevertheless, plan B proved fruitful.

Altogether seven investigative trenches were sunk: 1, 2 and 7 in the Old School playing field and school master's house garden, near Millom Castle; 3 up on a nearby hill; and 4, 5, and 6 in the 'urn' field where, in 1842, two Bronze Age burial urns were found. The team were hoping to discover a Bronze Age cemetery here but only found a small flint, an old field boundary and some charcoal clearly showing something had been burnt there in the past - but no bones or urns!

It is possible the old map, which shows where the urn was found, is wrong - or, if there had been more urns, these would have been churned up with the plough over hundreds and hundreds of years.

Trench 3 turned out to be a Medieval field boundary whilst the most fruitful trenches in terms of artefacts were 1, 2 and 7.

Trench 2 contained lots of rubble and tiles left over from building the Old School in 1858 and most likely used to level out the area for the playing field but also revealed items from when the building was used as a school including an incised piece of slate for practising writing on; two pieces of slate pencils to write on the slate; and a broken ink well.

Then, from the period the school was used as the headquarters for the scouts, the remains of a flag-pole very deep, and a metal woggle (used to tie scarves) with Baden Powell embossed on it. Local man, Neil Hartley remembered losing it in about 1965 and told the dig his aunt, who was an arkela in Bristol, had given it to him. Other intriguing items found in trench 2 included four pieces of clay tobacco pipes, one of which is a stunning representation of a young African boy; two carbine balls, probably from the Civil War, and various pottery sherds with one including the words "Millom School."

Digging down to the natural level revealed several sand pits.

Trench 1 was a bit of a puzzle at first as the volunteers dug deeper and deeper to get to the natural bottom here. It was discovered this was part of the moat built in 1335 when King Edward the 3rd gave permission to the Huddleston family to crenellate their manor house and build a moat. As the youngest volunteer, twelve year-old Edward France, pointed out, if you stand next to what is left of the moat near Holy Trinity church, trench 1 is directly aligned - this is also revealed on old maps which show the moat narrowing at this point whereas the dig has proven it was originally wide and must have been made narrower at some later date.

Apart from lots and lots of old broken drainage pipes, trench 1 came up with quite a few Victorian pottery sherds, lots of animal bones, and the largest amount of Medieval pottery to be found in this part of Cumberland. It seems likely the moat was used as a dumping ground for waste from the castle. One tiny item which came from the moat trench and found by Edward France whilst sieving the waste, is a tiny metal buckle in the shape of a stirrup; it is dated to c.1250-1400, fitting neatly to when the moat was originally dug. Nearing the end of the dig a small spindle whorl and a penny of Edward I, minted in Canterbury, class 3g3 or 4a2 (based on the crown), dating from AD1280-1283 (thanks to Dot Boughton, archaeologist working with Dan Elsworth).

The final trench, 7, was opened in the hope of finding what looks like on the geopysical image, the continuation of an ancient road from Aggie's Lonning, which could have been used by the Romans after crossing the Duddon Sands. We know Prehistoric people hunted on the foreshore as every now and then, after storms, human and animal footprints appear. And local metal detectorists have found lots of Roman artefacts including coins, weights and two Roman trumpet brooches. Early last year local metal detectorist, Josh Carr, made the find of a lifetime - six Bronze Age socketed axe heads, not far from the dig. These, along with other metal objects including an amazing array of coins from different historical periods found nearby, suggest that the area has been continuously inhabited since Prehistory. However, we found another old field boundary, a few pieces of medieval pottery and a badge with what looks like a boar's head and the Latin phrase, "vix ea nostra voco" meaning, "I scarcely call these things our own." It is the motto of the Campbell clan as well as, interestingly, the crest of the Warwick family whose daughter Margaret was married to Richard Huddleston and who is buried alongside her first husband in Holy Trinity church.

Jan Bridget, chair of Millom and District Local History Society, who applied for funding for the dig from the government's Levelling Up scheme, is delighted with the results: "We didn't find what I was hoping for, a Roman road, maybe next year if we are given permission from the landowners and can get more funding?" "But what we have achieved is worth a lot: a group of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who have helped unearth some of Millom's historical past to reveal part of the amazing history to be found here. If we can get permission to dig next year some of the potential sites include three 'new' areas identified in the drone survey: a possible harbour, a platform and a Prehistoric funerary monument. These will be added to other interesting sites to investigate: a possible hill fort, kiln and road, some earthworks maybe connected to the Civil War or a rabbit farm, and the remains of the lost Medieval village.

Watch out for series 21 of Digging for Britain: they spent a day at the dig interviewing Josh Carr and Daniel Elsworth as well as volunteers.

DIGGING FOR MILLOM

15th June 2024

Supervised by Greenlane Archaeology of Ulverston, fourteen volunteers have worked hard to hand dig two trenches near Millom Castle in week one of Digging for Millom, a Millom and District Local History archaeology project.

From an archaeological perspective the most important finds have been Medieval pottery sherds, thought to be the largest collection found in this part of Cumbria.

Other finds include Victorian pottery sherds, pieces of old roof slates and stones which might be from the old vicarage, which was demolished in 1644 by the Royalist Huddlestons to avoid the Parliamentarians using it to attack Millom castle.

Some of the more visually interesting finds include a metal Baden Powell House woggle which is not surprising given the Old School was the headquarters of the local boy scouts for many years!

Of the Victorian and later pottery sherds, one depicts part of the word 'recruits,'

another part of the Cerne Abbas Giant,

and a third has the word 'Millom' on it!

But by far the most intriguing find is a small clay pipe bowl depicting a young African boy with earrings which needs researching.

The Society are holding Open Days at the site, next to Holy Trinity Church, on 15th, 23rd, 29th June and 1st July, 10-4 pm when members of the public can watch the digs taking place, view the finds and attend a presentation in the church on the background to the project.

Week two will see volunteers again hand digging a trench along an impressive mound across a nearby field which is possibly the remains of an ancient field boundary. In week three the hard work of hand digging will be taken over by the top soil being lifted by a digger in the 'urn' field, where a Bronze Age funerary urn was found in the mid-19th century. The Society are hoping to find more Bronze Age material in this field.

LATEST DETECTORIST FINDS

7th June 2024

Two of our local metal detectorists have been at it again.

Josh Carr has found a bronze mount, possibly from a belt, possibly dating 1200-1400:

And David Hartley found an Edward 7th and Queen Alexeandra coronation medal of 1902:

As well as a bronze Guild of St Stephen medal:

The writing says: REGNARE EST CUI SERVIRE (FOR WHOM SERVICE IS PERFECT FREEDOM) and on the other side: SANCTI STEPHAN ARCHI SODALITAS (Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen). The Guild was founded in 1904 and in 1906 it was made an archconfraternity meaning that all the parish branches could be linked with it.

The purpose of the Guild is "to encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church's liturgy and so contribute to the whole community's participation in a more fruitful worship of God, to provide altar servers with a greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life, and to unite servers of different parishes and dioceses for their mutual support and encouragement."

DIGGING FOR MILLOM

14th May 2024

Millom and District Local History Society are moving into Phase 3 of their Millom Castle and Holy Trinity church archaeology project, Digging for Millom.

Evidence, prehistoric footprints on the Duddon estuary, Neolithic flints, stone axes, and artefacts found by metal detectorists, in particular the six Bronze Age socketed axe heads found early last year by Josh Carr, but also Anglo-Saxon gaming pieces, Medieval ampullae, musket balls and lots and lots of coins from Roman times up to the Victorian era, shows that people have inhabited the area for at least 3,000 years.

Last year twelve volunteers helped to conduct a geophysical survey of fields around the castle and church to identify potential sites to sink investigative trenches. This was followed by a specialist drone survey which found new sites to place trenches including a possible fish pond or tidal harbour (there have been suggestions in the past that before the embankment was built the sea would have come in some way, possibly even to near the castle); a possible Prehistoric burial ground; and a ditched feature with right-angles which could simply be some kind of Prehistoric enclosure or maybe it could be related to the English Civil War when Millom castle was besieged. The drone survey was conducted with funding from Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeology Society.

The Society have been awarded just under £30,000 from the government's Levelling Up scheme, via Cumberland Council, to conduct phase three: a Community Dig.

About 40 volunteers will take part in three training events this month before the dig starts on Monday, 10th June and will continue until Friday, 5th July.

There are so many possible areas to dig and only a few can be explored this year. The sites identified for this year include areas next to Holy Trinity Old School and Cottage; and two fields: one could be either a Medieval field boundary or related to a hill fort or Parliamentary Works associated with the siege of Millom Castle in the English Civil Wars (1644 and 1648). The other is in a field where two middle Bronze Age funerary urns were discovered full of bones in the mid-19th Century.

A spokesperson for the Society said, "In 2001 a flat (as opposed to a barrow) cremation cemetery was found in Allithwaite near Morecambe Bay and a second one found in 2015. We are hoping to find something similar here, not least because of the collared funerary urns with bones found in the mid-19th century but also because of the possible site of a burial ground found in the recent drone survey. And, of course, Lacra, with Bronze Age burial circles, is literally just over the hill. Daniel Elsworth of Greenlane Archaeology, Ulverston, will be leading the dig.

Digging for Britain have shown an interest and, depending on what is found, may visit the site.

COMMUNITY HISTORY MONTH

18th April 2024

To celebrate Community History month, Millom Library are hosting an event, with free refreshments, on Saturday, 4th May, 10-12.

Millom and District Local History Society will share their achievements over the past few years, emphasising communjty involvenent, and talk about their up and coming Community Dig.

Members of Millom Detectorists will showcase some of their best finds and the Prehistory Appreciation Group will be there too.

Come and learn how to navigate our website with links enabling the community to conduct their own research and find out about the impressive history of Millom from Prehistoric times onwards.

COMMUNITY DIG

11th April 2024

With funding from Cumberland Council (government's Levelling Up Scheme) Millom and District Local History Society have been awarded just under £30,000 to fund a Community Dig managed by Greenlane Archaeology, Ulverston.

About twenty volunteers will be trained during May and then dig trenches during June.

Some trenches will be hand dug next to the Old School and Cottage - the Rev. William Slater Sykes suggested the old vicarage, pulled down in the civil war, once stood here.

There will also be trenches in a field where cropmarks suggest there might have been a Roman or Iron Age settlement of some sort. Not far from this area two Bronze Age burial urns were discovered full of bones in the mid 19th Century.

It is hoped pupils from Millom High School will be taking part and members of the public will be invited to watch the dig on certain days.

The project must be completed by the end of August with the publlication of a brochure and event to share the findings with the public.

MILLOM CASTLE

9th April2024

With funding from Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society and special thanks to Michael and Pauline Park, we have been able to commission a 3D image of Millom Castle.

Although in the past, on special occasions like heritage days, the Castle has been open to the public, due to the instability of the walls this can no longer happen at this time. But many people would like to see inside the castle.

You can now visit the castle, on-line, and go into the different rooms (not, of course, the pele tower which is the owner's home). Click here to see.

MEDIEVAL AMPULLAE

31st March 2024

Today, Easter Sunday, Josh Carr found this wonderful Medieval ampullae.

This is the second ampullae found in our area, David Hartley found one a few years ago but his was plain. These were filled with holy water and sometimes sold by monks as souveniers of having visited a place of pilgrimage: could there have been something before Holy Trinity church which attracted pilgrims?

ROMAN COIN FINDS

11th March 2024

On Sunday,10th March, Kallan Ainsworth, who has recently taken up the hobby of metal detecting, was out with Josh Carr and was thrilled to find THREE Roman coins. Two silver denarius belonging to Hadrian (117-138 AD) and Severus Alexander (222-235 AD).

And a third, bronze, coin as yet unidentified:

These add to the numerous other Roman artefacts found in the Millom area providing more evidence that they either lived here or passed through.

EXCITING LAUNCH TO 2024

11th February 2024

Our first event of the year attracted 93 people who were presented with a fascinating talk by Sue and David O'Neil on her father's 18 year research into Swinside stone circle. Sue has recently published a book on her father's research, Stone Circle Calendars, A New Understanding, copies of which are for sale at Greetings in Millom and Sutton's Bookshop in Ulverston.

We are looking forward to an exciting year of talks and projects. Our archaeology project has reached its second stage with funding from Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeology Society of £5,000 which will see a specialist drone survey of the walls of Millom Castle and its surrounding fields. The result will be a 3D model which can then be examined for indications of any reworked stones or evidence from when the castle was attacked by Roundheads during the English Civil Wars.

We have applied for funding from the government's Levelling Up scheme for Phase Three which, if successful, will see around twenty volunteers trained by Greenlane Archaeology of Ulverston dig trenches in the fields around the Castle and Holy Trinity Church. As the area has been occupied since Prehistoric times the potential for finding archaeological evidence from a period spanning thousands of years is extremely exciting.

We are also hoping to produce a book about Millom Castle, the Huddlestons and the English Civil Wars based on research conducted by volunteers which has unearthed original documents from the 17th century that sheds new light on the siege of Millom castle.

Our next event will be about Norman Nicholson's book To the Lakes, in collaboration with the Norman Nicholson Society and the Wordsworth Grasmere Trust.

We are also planning an event to share the findings of our Sykes Project which entails the transcription and digitisation of three notebooks the Rev William Slater Sykes donated to Holy Trinity church on research he conducted whilst he was curate here in 1895-1900.

Exciting and revealing times ahead for both the Society and Millom folk who are interested in history.

SOUTH CUMBERLAND CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

9th January 2024

We can report that the South Copeland Tourist Community Interest Company has now changed its name. It is now the South Cumberland Cultural Heritage Community Interest Company.

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PUBLICITY

11th December 2023

We have had two articles published this month, the first one in Cumbria Local History Federation Bulletin and the second in Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeology Society (CWAAS) News, as well as a short item in the British Association for Local History News. The latter concerned us finding the will of Nathaniel Ward and the Sir Wilfred Lawson document regarding the Civil War. The first article looks at how we discovered the date of the siege of Millom Castle in 1644; and the CWAAS one concerns our Millom Castle and Holy Trinity Church Archaeology Project.

FUNDING SUCCESS

27th November 2023

The History Society applied to Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeology Society for funding under their 'Investment in Cumbria Scheme' to fund Phase Two of our Millom Castle and Holy Trinity Church Archaeology Project.

Phase Two will commission Greenlane Archaeology to:

Task 1: commission a specialist contractor to carry out UAS (drone) geospatial survey to produce 3D model, elevation and plan orthophotos of standing remains of the castle.

Task 2: commission a specialist contractor to carry out landscape earthwork UAS (drone) geospatial survey of up to 25ha of earthworks to south of castle and in the 'axe field.'

Task 3: commission the same specialist contractor to carry out landscape earthwork GIS analysis of outputs and produce interpretation report.

This will complete the initial investigations of the land surrounding Millom Castle and Holy Trinity Church, adding to the information gathered from our earlier magnetometer surveys.

The results of both surveys will be examined to identify potential sites to sink trenches. We do not know what we will find: it could be nothing or it could be anything from the Neolithic Period down to Victorian Times including a possible Roman Road; the deserted Medieval village; something that existed prior to the current church being built in the 12th Century; evidence from the English Civil Wars including where the old vicarage may have been before it was pulled down during the Civil Wars; right up to building the Old School in 1858.

As well as identifying possible trench sites, at the end of the drone survey we are hoping to have a 3D model of the remains of Millom Castle to put on our website; any indication of reused stones in the Castle; and an indication of what is needed to make the Castle remains safe.

We are hoping the drone survey (weather permitting) will take place as soon as possible (although the funding will not be released until early February).

The plan then is to write up the findings for an article for Transactions and utilise the findings to submit a much bigger funding bid to conduct a Community Archaeology Project.

So the potential is a very exciting community dig next year with high hopes of finding archaeological evidence to go alongside all the amazing metal detecting finds from this area.

STONE CIRCLE CALENDARS: A NEW UNDERSTANDING

16th November 2023

"STONE CIRCLE CALENDARS: A NEW UNDERSTANDING" by Jack Morris-Eyton Edited by Sue O'Neil. Published by Nortoft Books. © Nortoft Books 2023.

For the first time we have a comprehensive guide to how the great stone circles work as calendars. Its uniqueness lies on robust first-hand field research, based on over 1000 site visits over 18 years to Swinside stone circle in West Cumbria and other Neolithic sites across the British Isles.

This richly illustrated book with over 240 images brings together Jack Morris-Eyton's primary research. Jack was a practical farmer but used his technical surveyor's skills to observe and record his sightings as the sun and moon rose and set on different dates at Swinside stone circle and at other megalithic sites. Jack has shown that the Swinside stone circle, along with the other great stone circles, were constructed to provide both an annual calendar by using the sun, and a long term calendar by using the moon, providing the Neolithic community with a guide for day-to-day living, as well setting the timings of ceremonies.

Swinside stone circle is very special as it has been largely undisturbed since it was built about 5,000 years ago, so what we see today is very largely the same as when it was constructed. Swinside is older than the larger Egyptian pyramids, and may well be older than Stonehenge. Many of the stones at Swinside have been carved to particular shapes, reflecting their function in the calendar. So key moon stones have a crescent shape, whilst sun stones can have sharp-edges, be tall, or pointed, in order to throw a sharp shadow across the circle. This stone circle is set within and uses the local landscape, in a similar way to other great stone circles such as Castlerigg near Keswick, and Stonehenge.

Sue O'Neil has brought together and edited previously published online extracts of Jack's work, her late father, and David Smyth (who also contributed to this book) along with new unpublished material and new illustrations, resulting in a robust but readable testament to Jack Morris Eyton's unparalleled research and insight.

This book interprets the key Neolithic calendar findings with easy-to-understand diagrams, and makes an important scientific contribution to the understanding of how stone circles work.

Price:£20 +£5 p&p (UK) from Nortoft Books The Old Barn, Nortoft Cottage, Nortoft, Guilsborough, Northamptonshire NN6 8QB Tel: 01604 586526 Email: info@nortoft.co.uk

MILLOM CASTLE AND THE ENGLISH CIVIL WARS

12TH November 2023

Forty-eight people attended yesterday's event at Holy Trinity Church.

Here is a link to the short video about the Castle.

Here is a link to the Powerpoint Presentation.

And here is an example of the acts of aggression by Parliamentarians.

Finally, here is THE ROYALIST KNIGHT: A Tale of Millom Castle.

HERITAGE TRIANGLE BECOMES CONSERVATION AREA

3rd November 2023

We are delighted to report that Cumberland Council at their last Executive Committee agreed to make the area around Millom Castle and Holy Trinity Church - including the Old School and the School Master's House - a Conservation Area.

The process has taken many months with visits from Sammy Woodford, Cumberland Council's Conservation and Design Officer, to the site and several consultation meetings.

His excellent report was presented by Councillor Bob Kelly to the Executive Committee meeting on 31st October. Councillor Kelly noted that Millom has "a very rich history" and added, "it's important for the Millom area." The motion was supported by Councillor Elaine Lynch who said, "As a retired history teacher I will support this. It's very important to maintain our history and heritage." The Executive approved the designation.

Now all we need is for Carlisle Diocese to agree to let South Cumberland Cultural Heritage Community Interest Company have the Old School house and School Master's house on a long-term pepper corn rent and the CIC can then apply for funding to renovate the house and Old School and develop them into a heritage centre where the history of this important area, plus many of the impressive detectorist's finds, can be shared with the public. For more information about this project see Heritage Triangle.

THE CARR BROTHERS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!

21st October 2023

Josh and Stephen Carr have been out metal detecting again and have made a lovely little find; well, Stephen found it and thought it was a whistle but his brother (the expert!) pointed out that it was, in fact, a toy cannon probably dating from the mid 18th Century.

In its original state it would have had gun carriage wheels so it could be moved about. Similar ones have been found by metal detectorists around the country but this is believed to be a first for Millom. It would have been a 'working' model, in other words, a pellet would have been stuffed down the barrel and it would have been fired using gunpowder.

This fascinating little object could have been used by youngsters playing war games in about 1750. It was found in a field not far from Millom Castle so it is easy to imagine young Huddlestons (whose family owned the castle for 500 years) playing in the field re-enacting the siege of some 100 years earlier, possibly with little toy cavaliers and roundheads.

SOCIETY UNCOVERS NEW EVIDENCE FOR SIEGE OF MILLOM CASTLE IN 1644 (AND OTHER ACTIONS IN CUMBRIA HITHERTO UNKNOWN)

29th September 2023

We knew that Rev. Nathaniel Ward was killed during the siege of Millom Castle in 1644 but what we have not known, until now, is when the siege occurred. There have been different suggestions so it was all a bit vague.

A reference to Nathaniel Ward's nuncupative will (a will declared orally by a mortally wounded soldier or sailor) being held in Durham led us to contacting the Registry office there who pointed us in the direction of Durham County Records Office which is currently closed. However, the search revealed that Durham University Archives and Special Collections Catalogue have been digitised and can be searched on line.

Behold, the will of Nathaniel Ward with a clear date of 14th October 1644!

It appears to be initialled by him but with the signatures of Robert Grey, John Hudelstone, John Tempest, Thomas Hutton and John Heath.

We can now add that date to the document we found at Carlisle Archive concerning Colonel Sir Wilfred Lawson and it helps to estimate the dates of his actions. (See below, 22nd August). It is worth noting, much of what is stated in this document does not appear in Tullie's record of the siege, so it is new information about the Civil War in Cumbria.

Two further pages, dated 1645, attached to Nathaniel's will have been added; these list all the goods and chattels Nathaniel Ward had owned: this goes through each room of his house detailing everything including, for example, tables, chairs, long settle, glasses, carpets cushions (and that is just the Hall!) In the kitchen... in the buttery... in the east chamber, in the chamber over the hall, in the west chamber, in the east parlour, in the west parlour; bedding and linen; in the garden... in the study...then follows his debts.

PREHISTORY APPRECIATION GROUP

24th September 2023

Another great meeting; nine folk in all (four of whom were youngish - delighted this group is attracting people of different ages).

We introduced ourselves which included three visitors. Topics covered included LiDAR and it was noted that better results are obtained using different packages. Here is a link to a YouTube video discussing this. Using Open Source LiDAR for Archaeology.

One of the guests, all the way from New Zealand (but originating here) is conducting research on the topic of 'giants' - there are references to them throughout the world. What is a giant? Could simply be someone who is six foot tall living in an area where the majority of people are small.

Another visitor, from Carlisle but visiting Silecroft, is involved with the Cumbria Film Archive. We are looking into inviting him down to conduct a special showing of archive films from Millom - will keep you posted.

The third visitor was from Duddon Valley Local History Group and has done walks across the Duddon Sands, so we are hoping he will agree to take some of our members across; again, will keep you posted!

Finally, Stephe Cove popped in to see us. He has agreed to take us on a walk to Lacra. It will be an interactive experience. So next month, Saturday, 28th October, the group will be meeting at the Library at the earlier time of 9.30 so we can share cars to go to Kirksanton to go up to Lacra. More information later.

MEDIEVAL HUNTING

10th September 2023

Another successful event was held on Saturday, 9th September at Holy Trinity Church, Millom. Forty-five people attended the session about Medieval Hunting.

Visitors were greeted by Adrian Powell and his Harris Hawk, Ducky,

then as folk entered the church they were entertained by Ken Battersby playing medieval music on his dulcimer.

The event was based around a possible Tudor Hawking Whistle introduced by Josh Carr who found the whistle in the vicinity of Millom Castle.

The chair, Jan Bridget, began her presentation by sharing a recording of the poem The Battle of Hastings read by the author, Marriott Edgar, then gave an overview of Medieval Hunting with special emphasis on the Deer Parks at Millom and Ulpha.

Richard Greer shared some of his research Hunting in Medieval Furness.

And finally, Iain McNicol, archaeologist and re-enactment artist, shared and explained some of the medieval equipment he has made.

SIEGE OF MILLOM CASTLE 1644 DOCUMENT REDISCOVERED AND TRANSCRIBED

22nd August 2023

For centuries, historians have bemoaned the lack of information about the siege of Millom Castle during the Civil War in 1644. Well, it was there all the time, hidden deep in Carlisle archives.

The three-page document, entitled "A short Relation of the faithfull Carriage and good Service done for the Parliament by Colonel Sir Wilfrid Lawson......" commends Sir Wilfrid Lawson, First Baronet of Isal Hall (near Cockermouth) for his service to Parliament during 1644 and 1645. Several notable local gentry (presumably Parliamentarians) signed the document including Thomas and John Barwis, Thomas and William Bewley, Michael Hudholme, John Hudson, John Studdert, Edward Winder and William Orfeur.

The document was probably produced in defence of Sir Wilfrid who was briefly imprisoned for his questionable loyalty to the Rump parliament (1648); it clearly had an effect as he was back in office the following year. The document concludes: "wee whose names are subscribed might say much more in the vindication of Collonel S[i]r Wilfrid Lawson, and justification of his faithfull carriage & service for the king and p[ar]liament" followed by the same signatures which are made altogether nine times (six times to confirm the different skirmishes/events Sir Wilfrid took part in).

The document is amongst the various papers of the Lawson family of Brayton Hall, Aspatria which are now held in Carlisle Archives. It is written in Secretary Script, the style of writing from the 17th century which is hard to read and which is probably why the document has laid undiscovered for such a long time.

Millom and District Local History Society rediscovered the document whilst researching Millom Castle and the Civil War. "We know that lots of lead pellets from muskets have been found in the fields around Millom Castle", said Jan Bridget, Chair of the Society, "and local historian Duane Farren has a group of three cannon balls found in the area but what we have not had, until now, is actual written information about what happened here in Millom."

The document was discovered by the Chair whilst searching Cumbrian archives, then volunteer Jonathan Brind went to Carlisle to view and photograph the document which was then partly transcribed by Susan Cawthorne. The more information that was revealed, the more excitement was aroused as the importance of the document emerged. The Society decided to commission professional family historian, Sally Westwood, to complete the transcription.

First Civil War

Before we look at what the document says we need to briefly set the scene. The first civil war took place during 1642-46 between the Crown, King Charles 1st and his followers, and Parliament. It was mainly about how the country should be governed - King Charles believed in the divine right of kings and wanted ultimate power whilst parliament thought they should have more power. Families and communities were all drawn into the conflict and many suffered losses. There were also religious and social dimensions (not least the heavy taxes the King imposed).

In late 1643 the King reached an agreement with the Irish Catholics which ended the Irish Rebellion and resulted in Irish troops joining the Royalists to fight in North Wales and Cheshire. Use of Irish troops gave rise to the belief of an Irish invasion and the King was smeared as being pro-Catholic. This resulted in Scotland joining the Parliamentarians in opposition to Catholicism and on the basis they wanted to remain Presbytarian. King Charles had wanted to introduce the Book of Common Prayer and English-style religion in Scotland. But a Covenant was agreed between Parliament and Scotland resulting in the Scottish contingent, called Covenanters, joining the Roundheads and, without which, it is unlikely the Parliamentarians would have won the first Civil War (by the way. they changed sides in the second Civil War).

Key cities and strongholds were fought over; Parliament quickly gained control over most of Eastern and South Eastern England whilst the Royalist supporters held sway mostly in the West, North and Wales. Most of the remainder of the country were divided in their loyalties.

Sir William Huddleston

Sir William Huddleston of Millom Castle was a staunch supporter of King Charles 1st and raised a regiment of horse and another of foot for the king; he had been made knight bannerman by King Charles at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642 for retaking the royal standard. But after several battles and skirmishes, the Royalists were beginning to lose ground in the North.

Sir William had led the Royalists in the nearby Battle of Lindal Close on Furness peninsula and imprisoned several Parliamentarians in Dalton Castle but some escaped and warned Colonel Rigby who was besieging Thurland Castle near Kirkby Lonsdale. Colonel Rigby sent 500 foot soldiers, three drakes (cannons) and three small horse troops; they reached Ulverston on 30th September 1643 and progressed to Dalton the next day.

It is said there were about 1600 Royalists on horses and 200 foot soldiers waiting on Lindal Close and that the opposing forces lined up against each other for an hour when the Parliamentarians attacked with such force, the Royalist horse soldiers retreated and the foot soldiers fled. The battle was over in 15 minutes and many Royalist soldiers drowned crossing Duddon sands trying to get to Millom Castle and safety. Colonel Huddleston and about 400 of his men were taken prisoner. We do have to remember, however, the story we are told is from the victor's side and is likely to be exaggerated.

Besiege of Millom Castle

Our document tells us that after the Scots joined forces with the Parliamentarians (they allied in 1643 resulting in the 22,000 strong Scottish army crossing the border in January 1644), on 1st September 1644, Sir Wilfrid Lawson was commissioned to raise an army and march south to besiege Millom Castle, the Royalist stronghold of Sir William Huddleston. Within one week Sir Wilfrid had raised 15 foot companies, and seven troops of horse; one troop and four foot companies were despatched to Carlisle whilst the rest he marched with to Millom.

When they were "within half pistol shot of the walls" of Millom Castle, Sir Wilfrid:

there secured his men with such advantage that the enemy could no way get out of the Castle, where upon some in the Castle being slain it was shortly yielded to the said Sir Wilfrid Lawson with Cannon, arms, ammunition, and all therein, only the Commanders and officers to have passed for their own homes.

Besiege of Carlisle

What happened to the rest of the soldiers inside the castle is not known (Sir William was elsewhere). We are told, however, that after Millom Castle had yielded Sir Wilfred marched with the rest of his regiments to Carlisle and besieged the town.

500 Men Rose From Millom

Whilst this was happening it seems three bodies of about 500 men suddenly rose from Millom and marched to Brigham. Sir Wilfred warned the Scottish Lord Kirkcudbright, who commanded the Scottish horse, and proceeded to attack the first body of malignants at Eglesfield. He approached them and they yielded. Then he approached the second body but having seen what had happened, they, too, dispersed; he then took the third body before returning to the siege at Carlisle.

At the end of their description of events the following statement is made: "all this wee have credibly heard & in p[ar]t knowe to be trew."

Foiling Another Plot

We are then told that over the Easter weekend many malignants came together to try to take the County magazine on St Herberts Island, Derwentwater, along with Cockermouth and Rose Castles, then they planned to retake Carlisle but Sir Wilfrid's intervention foiled the plot.

The document concludes in 1645 with Sir Wilfrid standing down most of his forces apart from some foot and a horse troop which continued to serve Parliament.

Millom and District Local History Society are seeking permission from the Trustees of Sir Hilton Lawton to share the complete transcription.

PREHISTORY APPRECIATION GROUP

7th August 2023

The next meeting of the Prehistory Appreciation Group is on Saturday, 26th August, 10-12 at Millom Library. We will be looking more closely at Lacra so please bring any photographs or information you have. Here are the two main articles from CWAAS Transactions on this topic,

Ancient remains at Lacra and Kirksanton. By J. Eccleston

Some Bronze Age burial circles at Lacra, near Kirksanton. By J. A. DIXON, with an excavation report by CLARE I. FELL.

CAN YOU HELP IDENTIFY THIS?

6th August 2023

Here is a pdf of a powerpoint with several different shots of a small metal object which has been found in a field in Millom. We think it is a Post Medieval (Tudor) hawking whistle but totally not sure! The patterns are fascinating! Whistle

MILLOM DETECTORISTS

6th August 2023

The group held its first meeting at Millom library last Saturday and agreed to set up a public Facebook page to share information. Millom Detectorists Facebook.

MILLOM DETECTORISTS

30th July 2023

The Society are helping to set up Millom Detectorists, a group to support metal detectorists from Millom and surrounds. The group will hold its first meeting on Saturday, 5th August, 10-12 noon at Millom Library.

Here is some advice on how to clean your finds: Cleaning.

And here is some advice on how to photograph your finds.

These documents have been provided by the new Finds Liaison Officer, Pauline Clark, who some of you met at our last event. Pauline is hoping to visit the group once we have got settled.

REVISED DRAFT CONSERVATION PLAN: MILLOM CASTLE AREA

26th July 2023

Here is the revised draft conservation plan for Millom Castle area which was amended after consultation. Conservation Plan.

PREHISTORY APPRECIATION GROUP

18th July 2023

Starting this Saturday, 10-12 noon, the History Society are launching the Prehistory Appreciation Group. We are hoping to be able to look at all things Prehistoric but especially the incredible monuments there are in our area: not just the ones we know about such as Swinside, Giant's Grave and Lacra, but also investigate sites some of us think might be monuments of some sort.

MILLOM CASTLE: A SOUTH CUMBERLAND STRONGHOLD, JAMES MELVILLE

11th July 2023

James (Jim) Melville (c1899-1983) was prominent in local antiquarian societies. He was formerly Technical Shipbuilding Manager in the Vickers shipyard and regularly wrote on local topics for the "North-West Evening Mail".

Using Cascat we identified several articles relevant to Millom's history. This article, by James Melville, was one.

Jonathan Brind was able to retrieve it but the carbon copy is very poor quality and it took both of us to decipher it. It is, however, a good read. Click Millom Castle: A South Cumberland Stronghold.

KNIGHT'S TALE

9th July 2023

Thanks to Jonathan Brind for retrieving this article and to Bry Cooper for pointing out it also appeared in the Ulverston Mirror of January 13th 1872: The Royalist Knight: A Tale of Millom Castle.

It is the tale of the rescue of Sir Ferdinando Huddleston from Pontefract Castle, writen by Thomas Postlethwaite in 1870. The rescuers are travelling from Millom to Pontefract and stop off at the Green Dragon in Settle where they find Sir Ferdinando. The article was first printed by The Women's Printing Society Ltd.,31 Brick Street, Piccadilly, W1. We are seeking permission to reprint it.

TRANSACTIONS

7th July 2023

Using the term 'Millom' the Transactions of Cumberland and Westmorland have been searched. Click here to access overview of findings.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH AND MILLOM CASTLE ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

26th June 2023

The final report and over-view of celebration event is now available in the Projects section.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH AND MILLOM CASTLE ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

14th June 2023

The area known as Millom Heritage Triangle, ie Millom Castle, Holy Trinity Church and the Old School, is overflowing with history: from Neolithic up to the present time and everything in between.

As well as the two Grade 1 listed buildings (castle and church) there have also been hundreds of incredible finds by local metal detectorists Josh Carr and Duane Farren: from Bronze Age socketed axe heads to Civil War cannon balls to Victorian florins. An amazing amount of artefacts, enough to fill a museum.

Building on all this evidence, Millom and District Local History Society have been awarded a grant of £5,500 from Copeland Council and the government's Levelling Up scheme, to conduct a community geophysical survey of the surrounding fields.

We are hoping to find archaeological features relating to Prehistory; Romans; a pre-Norman Monastic site, deserted Medieval village, market and fair; and the English Civil War. Twelve volunteers took part in the project conducting the surveys during May. Here is what one of them said:

"The project has increased my knowledge of the potential of geophysical surveys and how The findings could guide the next stages of the project in terms of archaeological investigations. A worthwhile opportunity to meet and share information and ideas with a group of people who enjoy discovering more about the local history of Millom."

The Society are now holding an event to share the findings of the surveys on Saturday, 24th June, 1-3 pm at Holy Trinity Church, Millom. Many of the artefacts found by the detectorists - including the axe heads - will be on show and there will be a performance by Iain McNichol, re-enactment artist. Food and copies of the project booklet, specially written for the occasion will be available.

The event, food and booklet are all free! We just ask you to let us know (for catering purposes) if you are coming: either by phoning Geoff or Margaret on 01229 772084 or via our Facebook group.

We will soon be launching the South Copeland Cultural Heritage Community Interest Company an ambition of which is to transform the Old School complex into a multi-use heritage and education centre to interpret the amazing history of the Millom Heritage Triangle.