Economic historians have long appreciated the important role of the Lowther family in the developing Whitehaven from a tiny fishing village into a flourishing industrial centre. In Coal and Tobacco, Dr Beckett has attempted, by analysing the west Cumberland economy, and the Lowther's entrepreneurial role, to reveal the vital importance of the coal industry. Since much of the coal was sold in Ireland, west Cumberland moved into a relationship with Dublin which was similar to, albeit on a smaller scale than, the more famous link between Tyneside and London. The coal trade provided the vital economic underpinning, but geographical considerations help to explain Whitehaven's other trading interests. Dr Beckett's major study is based on the Lowther papers, and reveals the crucial family involvement in these events. This book documents Lowther's story: how close he came to success, why he failed, and the impact of his ambitions on west Cumberland.
By:
J. V. Beckett Imprint: Cambridge University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 2mm
Weight: 440g ISBN:9780521090162 ISBN 10: 0521090164 Pages: 296 Publication Date:20 November 2008 Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Preface; Introduction; 1. The Lowthers: land owning-entrepreneurs; 2. Coal: Monopoly and competition; 3. Coal: the structure of trade and industry; 4. The expansion of trade; 5. The development of industry; 6. Communications; 7. Creating new towns: Urban growth; Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Bibliography; Index.