Vickers Town wasn’t simply a footnote in Barrow-in-Furness’ industrial boom; it was a meticulously planned community built specifically to house the lifeblood of the Vickers Shipyard – its workers. Even today, it stands as a testament to the vision and ambition of a bygone era, and its legacy continues to shape the town.
A Housing Crisis and a Visionary Solution (1901):
By the late 1800s, Barrow-in-Furness was a hive of industry, with the Vickers Shipyard at its heart. The clang of hammers on steel, the hiss of steam, and the shouts of workers echoed through the streets. But this booming industry brought with it a pressing problem: a severe
shortage of housing. Workers faced overcrowded and often unsanitary living conditions, crammed into cramped terraced houses or lodging in squalid back-to-backs. The air, thick with coal smoke and the stench of the nearby docks, hung heavy over the streets.
In 1901, Vickers Sons and Maxim, the parent company of the shipyard, decided to take a bold step. They would create their own dedicated worker housing estate – Vickers Town. This wasn’t just about providing shelter; it was about building a vibrant and stable community that would attract and retain workers, a beacon of hope amidst the grime and poverty.
Beyond Rows of Houses:
Vickers Town wasn’t simply rows of identical houses crammed together. The Isle of Walney Estates Company Limited was tasked with designing the estate, and the result was a well-rounded community with a variety of amenities. Here’s what Vickers Town offered:
● Affordable Housing: Rents ranged from 5 shillings to 13 shillings per week. Imagine the clatter of coins as workers paid their dues, securing a roof over their heads and a haven for their families.
● How much would that be today? Estimating the exact cost of living in 1901 is challenging. However, to give you a general idea, the average weekly wage in the UK in 1900 was around 30 shillings. So, the rent in Vickers Town ranged from roughly 17% to 43% of an average worker’s weekly income. In today’s money (as of December 2024), 5 shillings would be roughly equivalent to £3.10 and 13 shillings to around £8.00. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a starting point. To get a more accurate comparison, we’d need to factor in the cost of living differences between 1901 and 2024, which can be significant.
● Essential Services: The estate included shops with brightly painted facades, public houses (pubs) with warm, inviting lights spilling onto cobbled streets, and a farm that provided fresh produce like milk, butter, and vegetables. This ensured residents wouldn’t have to travel far for their daily needs. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakery, the cheerful chatter of women gathering at the market.
● Social Infrastructure: Vickers Town boasted a public hall, its grand facade adorned with intricate carvings, that served as a hub for various activities, including literary and orchestral societies, and even ambulance classes. This fostered a sense of community and provided opportunities for social interaction. Picture the lively gatherings, the sound of music and laughter echoing through the hall.
● Places of Worship: The estate included churches and chapels with soaring spires, catering to different denominations, reflecting the diverse religious backgrounds of the workforce. The sound of hymns and prayers would fill the air on Sundays, offering solace and a sense of belonging.
● Leisure and Recreation: Parks and recreational spaces, with vibrant flower beds and lush green lawns, were incorporated into the design, providing areas for residents to relax and unwind. Children would play amidst the trees, their laughter mingling with the birdsong.
Life in Vickers Town:
Compared to the typical industrial slums of the era, Vickers Town offered a significantly better standard of living. The well-maintained houses, with their neat gardens and colourful window boxes, readily available amenities, and a strong sense of community spirit contributed to a more positive living environment for the shipyard workers. Vickers even provided social services like healthcare and education, further solidifying their role as a paternalistic employer.
A Legacy in Brick and Mortar:
Today, Vickers Town remains a distinct neighbourhood within Barrow. The original housing estate is now a designated Conservation Area, a testament to its historical significance. And while much has changed over the years, the shipyard remains. Now under the ownership of BAE Systems, it continues to be a major employer in Barrow, building on the legacy of Vickers. The well-preserved architecture of Vickers Town, with its distinctive red brick terraces and ornate detailing, tells a story of a bygone era and the vision that went into creating a planned community for an industrial workforce.
Beyond the Company Town:
It’s important to note that Vickers Town wasn’t entirely isolated from the rest of Barrow. Residents could easily access the wider amenities of the town, and the construction of the Jubilee Bridge in 1908, its elegant arches spanning the channel, further solidified the connection between Vickers Town on Walney Island and the mainland Barrow.
A Reminder of the Past, a Foundation for the Future:
Vickers Town serves as a reminder of a time when companies played a more prominent role in shaping the lives of their workers. It’s a testament to the concept of planned communities and the importance of providing a decent standard of living for a thriving workforce. While
the industrial landscape has changed, Vickers Town remains a fascinating chapter in Barrow’s story, a place where the echoes of the shipyard’s past and the lives of its workers still resonate. And with BAE Systems continuing the shipbuilding tradition, Vickers Town
stands as a proud symbol of Barrow’s industrial heritage and its ongoing contribution to the nation’s defence.