Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Wigton has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Wigton.
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Sights in Wigton
Wigton is a small market town in the northwest of England, in the county of Cumbria. It is situated on the River Wye, about 10 miles (16 km) from the English Lake District.
The town has a long history, dating back to the 11th century when it was mentioned in the Domesday Book. It grew in importance as a coaching stop on the London to Carlisle route, and later as a centre for the wool trade. Many of the buildings in the town centre date from the 18th and 19th centuries, when Wigton was at its height as a prosperous market town.
Today, Wigton is a quiet and picturesque town, with a variety of shops and businesses, and a twiceweekly market. It is a popular base for tourists exploring the Lake District and the nearby Solway Coast.
The town centre is compact and easily explored on foot. The main street, Market Street, is lined with historic buildings, including the 18thcentury Market Hall, now home to a café and a craft shop. Nearby is the neoGothic parish church of St. James, built in 1843.
Wigton has a number of interesting museums. The most notable is the Museum of Lakeland Life, housed in a former grammar school building. The museum tells the story of the area, from its prehistoric past to the present day.
Just outside the town centre is Wigton Moor, a large area of open moorland which is popular with walkers and birdwatchers. There are several walking trails crisscrossing the moor, and on a clear day there are sweeping views of the Lakeland Hills.
History of Wigton
The market town of Wigton is situated in Cumbria, England within the North West region. The town has a population of just over 5,000, according to the 2011 Census, and is the administrative centre of the Allerdale borough. Evidence suggests that the town was first settled during the Roman occupation of Britain, with a road running through the area known as Watling Street linking the towns of Carlisle and Chester.
The name “Wigton” is thought to derive from the Old Norse words “vigg” and “tun”, meaning “farm by the bay”. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the settlement is recorded as “Uchiltun”, and by 1227 it had become known as “Wigeton”.
The town’s market charter was granted by King Henry III in 1266, and over the centuries the market has continued to be an important part of the town’s economy. Another key economic activity in the town’s history has been textile production, with Wigton being home to several successful yarn spinning and weaving mills during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Notable buildings in the town include the Market Cross, which dates back to the 17th century, and the Grade I listed St James’ Church, which was built in the early 15th century. Wigton is also home to the oldest working clock in Cumbria, which can be found in the tower of St James’ Church.
The town’s heritage is celebrated each year at the Wigton Agricultural Show, which is one of the largest oneday shows in the country. The show has been held annually since 1866 and attracts around 20,000 visitors each year.
Wigton is a thriving community with a rich history, and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring all that the town has to offer.
Vacation in Wigton
Wigton is a town in Cumbria, England. It is located on the River Eden, about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Carlisle and 31 miles (50 km) north of Kendal. According to the 2011 UK census, Wigton had a population of 5,191.
Wigton is an ancient market town, having been granted a charter to hold markets and fairs in 1227 by Henry III. It grew as a linear settlement, focusing on the market place. In the 17th and 18th centuries it expanded rapidly, many of the new houses being built around the marketplace. The layout of the town has changed little since then.
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