Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Kirkham has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Kirkham.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Kirkham
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Kirkham
Kirkham is a town and civil parish in the English county of Lancashire. It lies on the Fylde coast, about 3 miles (5 km) north of Blackpool and 3 miles (5 km) west of Preston. It had a population of 12,591 at the 2011 Census.
The town’s name derives from the Old English for ‘church homestead’ or ‘village’. The spelling Kirkeham is recorded in 1205, Kirkham from 1211.
Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Kirkham as a manorwas held by Earl Tostig and was subject to seasonal flooding from the River Wyre. The manor later descended through the de Lacy family, parcel of the Clitheroe Castle Estates, and then the Towneleys of Burnley.
The skirt industry was the town’s main industry until the early 20th century when decline set in, partly due to competition from abroad. The local economy is now largely based on the administrative and retail sectors.
Kirkham Grammar School, founded in 1585, is a statefunded coeducational academy for 11 to 18yearolds.
The town has two nonleague football clubs, Kirkham & Wesham F.C. who play at Westholme Stadium, and Fylde Rugby Club who play at Millbrae.
There are a number of primary schools in Kirkham. These include Kirkham St Michael’s C of E Primary School, Kirkham Henry Wharton C of E Primary School, Kirkham Our Lady & St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School, Kirkham St Paul’s C of E Primary School, and Kirkham Grammar School.
Kirkham has a hospital, an infants’ school, and a library. There are a number of shops, including a Marks & Spencer, supermarkets, and many small, independent stores.
The former Market Place is now pedestrianised and the site of a weekly market and the annual Kirkham Fun Day. Kirkham sits at the junction of the A585 and the A583 roads.
Kirkham is twinned with Longuenesse in France.
The River Wyre runs through the town and can be crossed by the Millennium Bridge, which was opened in 2002.
Kirkham is home to the headquarters of weightloss company Slimming World, who have their own purposebuilt offices on the outskirts of the town.
History of Kirkham
Kirkham is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Fylde in Lancashire, England. Historically part of the County Palatine of Lancashire, it is on the coast about 3.5mi southwest of the resort of Blackpool and about 15mi north of the city of Preston.
The origins of Kirkham date back to prehistoric times with its first settlers, the Celts, living in the area around 600 BC. Around AD 80, the Romans built a fort at Woodcroft, and by AD 130 had established a civilian settlement known as Vicus Julia Brigantium. The town’s name was recorded as Kirkeham in the Domesday Book in 1086.
In the Middle Ages, Kirkham was an important market town, and one of the largest in Lancashire. Kirkham Priory, a Cluniac monastery founded in 1125 by William de Lancaster I, Prior of Lancaster, was the second wealthiest in the country. The town grew in prosperity during the reigns of the first three Lancastrian kings. Henry V often visited the town and attended services at the priory.
During the Civil War, Kirkham was Royalist, and its defences were fortified. William Cavendish, Marquess of Newcastle, occupied the town with his garrison and paid for the building of Latham Hall. Parliamentarian troops came to the town in 1643 and found Royalists inside the priory. The priory was surrendered after a short siege and was later demolished by the Parliamentarians.
After the Restoration, Charles II visited the town in 1651. James II stayed in the town in 1688, and is recorded as having ‘dined at My Lord Unknown’s’. In 1745, the future George IV, then Prince of Wales, visited Kirkham. He is recorded as saying: ‘Kirkham is a delightful place; the people very civil and the ladies beautiful’.
The industrial revolution brought change to Kirkham. It became a soughtafter residential location for the mill owners of Preston and factory workers from Northern England. The town developed with the Haworths building Earlham Grove, and Charlesworth building Brockhurst. New public buildings were erected including the market hall, town hall and grammar school. The town continued to grow in size and importance.
The 20th century saw two world wars, and Kirkham was greatly affected. Many young men went to fight, leaving the town with a shortage of workers. The women took on many jobs traditionally done by men. The Grimshaw Park munition factory was built in the town, supplying shells and bombs. It employed over 3,000 people, most of them women. The factory was later taken over by ICI construction materials.
The interwar years saw a period of growth with new houses and estates being built. The population grew to over 11,000. The town continued to prosper in the postwar years with light industry taking over from farming as the main source of employment.
Today, Kirkham is a thriving market town with a population of about 18,000. It has a busy town centre with a variety of shops, a library, a swimming pool, a leisure centre, a museum, a art gallery and a number of pubs and restaurants. There are also a number of schools in the town.
Vacation in Kirkham
There are many vacation possibilities in the city of Kirkham in England. This historic city is located in Lancashire in the North West of England and is full of culture and things to do. Here are just a few ideas of what you can do on your vacation in Kirkham:
Visit Kirkham Abbey This 12th century abbey is a mustsee when in Kirkham. The ruins are beautifully kept and you can even go inside the cloisters and explore.
Explore Kirkham Market This historic market dates back to the 12th century and is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods.
Visit the Ribble Heritage Centre Learn all about the history of the River Ribble at this heritage centre. There are interactive exhibits, a kids play area, and a cafe.
Take a walk or cycle along the River Wyre The River Wyre is a beautiful place to take a walk or a cycle. There are plenty of scenic routes to follow and you might even spot some wildlife along the way.
Visit Fleetwood Market This historic market town is full of charm and is just a short drive from Kirkham. Here you can find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
These are just a few of the many vacation possibilities in Kirkham. This city has something for everyone and is sure to make for a memorable vacation.
Other vacation destinations in England:
