Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Heysham has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Heysham.
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Sights in Heysham
Heysham is a coastal town and civil parish in the Lancaster district of Lancashire, England. The town is on Morecambe Bay, at the southern end of the Bay. Overlooking the town are Heysham Head and the radioactive waste dump at Half Points.
According to the 2001 census, the parish had a population of 11,620, reducing slightly to 11,569 at the 2011 Census. A further 3,326 people live in the village of Heysham.
Heysham is separated from the village of OvertononLune by the River Lune. The two villages are often considered as one community and share many local amenities including schools and churches.
The Port of Heysham is the third largest in the United Kingdom in terms of car and freight ferry movements. All services from the port are operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
There are two power stations close to the town, Heysham 1 and Heysham 2, both operated by EDF Energy. Heysham 2 Power Station is a nuclear power station.
Heysham is on the Lancashire Coastal Way, a path for walkers and cyclists along the Lancashire coast.
Heysham is served by two railway stations, Heysham Port and Heysham Village, both on the Morecambe Branch Line.
The A59 road passes through the town.
The village of Heysham is believed to date back to the 5th or 6th century. It is thought that the name ‘Heysham’ is derived from the Old Norse hǫs, meaning ‘house’, and hǫsmǫr, meaning ‘settlement’.
The town is recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Heselam’.
Heysham was the site of Heysham Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 12th century.
In the 19th century, the town became a seaside resort and Heysham Head became a popular tourist destination.
The port at Heysham was developed in the 20th century to provide a deep water harbour for shipping.
In recent years, the town has become a popular gateway for travellers to the Isle of Man, with regular ferry services operating from the port.
History of Heysham
Heysham is a village and civil parish in Lancashire, England. It is situated on Morecambe Bay, 6 km north of Lancaster and 35 km northwest of Preston. The village of Heysham is located on a headland overlooking Morecambe Bay. The name Heysham is thought to be derived from the Old Norse haysl, meaning “brushwood”, and hamr, meaning “promontory” or “riverbend”.
The area around Heysham has been inhabited for over 6000 years. There is evidence of Mesolithic flint axes being used in the area, and of Neolithic and Bronze Age activity. The most significant find from this period is the Heysham Hoard of over 100 axeheads, which was found in 1923.
The first recorded mention of Heysham is in the Domesday Book, where it is listed as ‘Hesleham’. At this time, the village consisted of two manors, one held by Earl Tostig and the other by Roger of Poitou.
In 1066, Heysham was attacked by Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway. The village was plundered and burnt, and many of the villagers were killed.
In the 12th century, Heysham was granted a market charter by King Henry II. This allowed the village to hold a weekly market, which soon became popular.
In the 14th century, the village was attacked twice by the Scots. In 1315, Robert the Bruce captured and burnt Heysham. In 1346, the village was again attacked, this time by a force led by William Douglas, Earl of Douglas.
In 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off the coast of Heysham. The village was put on alert in case the Spanish landed, but they did not and the threat passed.
In 1642, the English Civil War began. Lancashire was a Royalist county, and Heysham remained loyal to the King throughout the war. In 1644, a Parliamentary army led by Sir Thomas Fairfax besieged the Royalist garrison at Lancaster. The Parliamentarians bombarded Heysham with cannon, causing considerable damage to the village.
In 1759, the first recorded cricket match in Heysham took place.
In 1847, the Heysham headland was chosen as the site for a new lighthouse. The Heysham lighthouse was completed in 1850 and is still in use today.
In 1939, Heysham Power Station was built. This was followed by Heysham 2 Power Station in 1983.
Heysham has a long and interesting history. From its early beginnings as a small village, it has grown into a thriving community. The village has been home to many notable people, including the poet William Wordsworth, who was born in Heysham in 1770.
Vacation in Heysham
Heysham is a port town in Lancashire, England. The town is located on Morecambe Bay, at the mouth of the River Lune. Heysham has two power stations, one operated by EDF Energy, and the other by Centrica. Heysham Heritage Centre is located in the town.
Heysham is served by Heysham Port, which is a ferry port for services to Ireland. There are also regular sailings to the Isle of Man.
Heysham has a number of beaches, including Heysham South Beach, Morecambe Bay, and Heysham Head. There are also several parks, including Heysham Park, Morecambe Bay, and Heysham Head.
Heysham is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the town.
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