Cockermouth is an ancient market town in Cumbria. It lies
between the rivers Cocker and Derwent, and has an estimated population of more
than 9,200. The town is prone to floods, and has a relatively temperate
climate.
Cockermouth dates back to Ancient times. The Romans
established a fort in what was Derventio - a settlement in Papcastle, near
Cockermouth - to protect against the threat of outside forces. The main town itself was established by the
Normans who built Cockermouth Castle on a river crossing. The town would later
take on its distinctive medieval layout - which remains to this day, as a site
for preservation.
While much of the city’s architecture is medieval in origin,
certain aspects of it were subject to an update during Georgian and Medieval
times. Evidence of this can be seen in the terraced houses and cobbled streets
which line the River Cocker.
These days, Cockermouth has a strong artistic and community
focus. At its centre lies the cultural hub, Kirkgate Arts, which offers events,
functions and shows throughout the year, and, just a short distance from there,
Wordsworth House and Garden - the former home of English Poet, William
Wordsworth. Other popular Cockermouth attractions include Isel Hall, the Old
Railway Footpath and St James’ Church.
The A66 runs through Cockermouth and connects to various
other parts of the UK including Middlesbrough and North Yorkshire. This main
road also links to the M6 - a major motorway adjoining Liverpool, Preston,
Lancaster, Carlisle, Liverpool and Stoke on Trent.
Cockermouth’s transport links are buses and trains. The
closest train stations to Cockermouth are Carlisle and Penrith - both of which
lie on the West Coast main line. The main buses serving Cockermouth are the X4
and X5. Cockermouth’s nearest airport is Newcastle Airport, at roughly 30 miles
from the town.
