Millom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Millom | |
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Population | 6,400[citation needed] |
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OS grid reference | |
District | Copeland |
Shire county | Cumbria |
Region | North West |
Constituent country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | MILLOM |
Postcode district | LA18 |
Dial code | 01229 |
Police | Cumbria |
Fire | Cumbria |
Ambulance | North West |
UK Parliament | Copeland |
European Parliament | North West England |
List of places: UK • England • Cumbria |
Millom is a town on the estuary of the River Duddon in Cumbria, England, which, in Victorian Times, was merely a small hamlet by the name of Holborn Hill.
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[edit] Geography and administration
Historically located as the most southerly town in the old county of Cumberland, Millom was made famous by the discovery of iron ore, and the opening of around the iron works and iron ore mines inside.
With the local government changes of county boundaries in 1974, the administrative county of Cumberland was abolished and Millom formed part of the new county of Cumbria.
Millom forms part of the Copeland Parliamentary constituency.
[edit] History
Millom holds a market charter from 1251 granted by King Henry III of England to John de Huddleston, Lord of Millom. A charter for an Easter fair at Holy Trinity church was also granted at the same time.
[edit] Present day
[edit] Schools
The secondary school and sixth form college, for pupils from 11-19 years old, houses the adult education centre, the only swimming pool in Millom and the newly opened "Melvyn Bragg Drama Studio". The town also includes Millom Infants School, Black Combe Junior School, and St James' Catholic School.
[edit] Nature reserves
There are two nature reserves near the town, both of which are located on the Duddon Estuary; an internationally important area for wildlife and designated a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' or SSSI. The Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is owned by the RSPB and is located to the south of the town. The Millom Iron Works Local Nature Reserve is located to the east of the town. Both reserves are important for Tern species and a number of wading birds and waterfowl. Hodbarrow is renown for large numbers of wildfowl during the winter, especially Teal, Widgeon, Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Red Breasted Merganser, and occasionally Long Tailed Duck, Eider, Goosander, Pintail, and Shoveler. Various birds of prey can be seen hunting on both reserves throughout the year.
[edit] Fairtrade
Millom has been granted the status of a Fairtrade town, and the fairtrade group have had some successful campaigns visiting youth groups and schools, and putting displays in the Library. The group also attended the G8 Protests in Edinburgh in 2005
[edit] Sports
Millom Rugby League Club, based here, claim to be the oldest existing amateur rugby league team in the world.[1]
[edit] Regeneration
Millom Palladium, currently an arts facility in the town, run by the Millom Amateur Operatic Society (MAOS) is a current development project, along with a new youth centre at the Advice Building and the new Millom Network Centre on the site of the secondary school.
[edit] Notable Residents
The renowned poet and author Norman Nicholson spent his entire life in Millom, living at his father's outfitters shop at 14 St. George's Terrace. This has become a health food shop and cafe with a blue plaque commerating Nicholson above the door.
Shaun Errington. AKA The Saviour...not only has he put Millom RL on the map once again, he manages to balance constant graft at Sellafield with being somewhat of a local hero. Shaun often raises money for charities and has even been known to donate a large portion of his wages each month to local animal shelters.
[edit] Trivia
The CGP Books GCSE revision guides frequently refer to Millom; the publishing company behind the books is based in the local area.