The wind whips across Walney Channel, carrying the cries of gulls and the scent of salt spray. Here in Barrow-in-Furness, nestled amongst the industrial landscape, lies a place with a curious story: Barrow Island. Though no longer a true island, its past as a separate entity
lingers in its name and in the very air you breathe.
Journey back to the early 19th century, long before the rumble of shipyards and the clang of steelworks. Old maps reveal a Barrow Island detached from the mainland, a solitary silhouette against the Cumbrian sky. Known then as “Old Barrow” or even “Barrae” by the
Norsemen who once sailed these waters, it was a place of quietude. Imagine fishermen casting their nets in the swirling tides, their boats bobbing on the choppy waters. Perhaps small farmsteads dotted the landscape, their inhabitants cultivating the land and tending to
livestock. Though the specifics remain elusive, we can picture a self-sufficient community, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the sea and the seasons.
The winds of change swept through Barrow in the 1860s, bringing with them the Industrial Revolution’s insatiable hunger for land and resources. Ambitious reclamation projects, driven by the burgeoning iron and steel industries, bridged the gap between island and mainland,
forever altering the landscape. The island, once a world apart, became absorbed into the burgeoning town. The clamour of industry encroached upon its shores; the rhythmic clang of hammers from the newly established shipyards echoed across its fields. The once tranquil island became a hive of activity, its fate intertwined with the industrial might of Barrow-in-Furness.
Today, Barrow Island is an integral part of the town, a bustling community with a distinct identity. Walk its streets and you’ll sense the echoes of its past. The upcoming ward merger, creating “Old Barrow”, is a poignant nod to this history, a recognition of a time when the island stood alone.
But there’s more to this story. Whispers of wartime defences hint at a hidden chapter. During WWII, Barrow’s strategic importance as a shipbuilding centre made it a target for enemy bombers. Did soldiers patrol the shores of Barrow Island, guarding against potential
invasion? Were anti-aircraft guns positioned on its high points, their barrels aimed skyward, protecting the vital shipyards? Further investigation into the island’s wartime role could unearth fascinating secrets, adding another layer to its rich tapestry.
To truly understand Barrow Island, we must delve into the layers of its past. Let’s explore the Cumbria Archives and Local Studies Centre, pore over old photographs and maps, and listen to the tales of long-time residents. Let’s uncover the stories of the people who lived and worked here, who witnessed the transformation from island solitude to mainland connection.
Join me on this journey of discovery, as we unravel the fascinating history of Barrow Island. It’s a story of connection and separation, of industry and resilience, and of a unique identity forged in the face of change.