In the early 19th century, Ulverston was a busy port linked to the sea by a mile-long canal (which was built by James Rennie in 1796). As many as 600 ships a year carried away charcoal made from South Lakeland's woods, but the demise of the industry and the coming of the railway in 1856 brought a dramatic decline.
Today, Ulverston is perhaps best known for its Thursday and Saturday market, which dates back to the 13th century when Ulverston was under the control of Furness Abbey, and the world's only Laurel and Hardy Museum (as Ulverston was the birthplace of Stan Laurel).
There is still evidence of former prosperity in the fine cobbled market square and some interesting Georgian and Victorian buildings.
On the outskirts of Ulverston, the Victorian Gothic mansion of Conishead Priory stands on the site of a medieval Augustinian Priory. The impressive priory is now a major Buddhist centre, with a private woodland walk to Morecambe Bay.
On Hoad Hill is a replica of Eddystone Lighthouse. This is a memorial to Sir John Barrow, explorer and founder of the Royal Geographical Society.
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