Flookburgh

Set amidst the idyllic scenery of North England's Lake District, Flookburgh is a perfect haven for holiday makers. Once a busy fishing village, Flookburgh retains much of its small town charm and charisma, whilst offering much for today's visitor. It lies on Morecambe Bay's shore and was named after the flat fish, known as flukes that found in the waters here.

Travellers are not new to Flookburgh, people have long found cause to visit for varying reasons. Nearby is the tallest limestone cliff in Cumbria, Humphrey Head with its famous holy well. The well was a popular attraction and 18th and 19th century travellers, especially miners came with the hope that the waters would heal them. A legend says the last wolf in England was killed here.

What appears to now be the town's market square was once the site of a chapel and graveyard with connections to the canons of nearby Cartmel Priory. It has been witness to much throughout history and the scars have tales to tell. In 1669 the plague hit Flookburgh, and in 1686, fire destroyed much of the village. Today there is evidence preserved in local monuments, buildings and museums.

Early travellers crossed Morecambe Bay's sands but needed a guide to show them the way across the treacherous terrain. Flookburgh was by virtue of its location, one of the stopping off and starting places for the journey.

Flookburgh fishers still harvest cockles and shrimp today and weather the dangerous tides and sinking sand for the prize. The small brown shrimp of Morecambe Bay are considered a delicacy due to their unique flavour and texture. Collected for over a hundred years from gutters and dykes that feed into the fast running channel water, they have provided a living for many people, including those from the nearby communities of Ulverston, Bardsea, and Rampside.

The shrimp were originally gathered by pushing hand nets on a long pole into the sand. Horsepower later replace laborious manpower, with the horses pulling carts with shrimp nets fastened to them. The shrimp became more available by this method and were sent to London by train where they were also considered a delicacy. Today's scene is different again, with tractors with trailers that have swinging arms used to rake in the shrimp in even vaster quantities. After being peeled in Flookburgh, they are sent to a factory in Ulverston where unsalted butter and spices are added. The name Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimp is now well known throughout the U.K.

Edward I granted the town a royal charter in 1278. Henry IV and Charles II later confirmed the charter and the town still today, celebrates with an annual charter festival in June. The village is also the scene of the annual Cumbria Steam Gathering in July that brings with it all manner of enthusiasts, attractions, entertainment and fun for all the family.