The History of Fleetwood

Fleetwood is only a stone’s throw from Sandy Bay. A short walk along the coastal path takes you to the ferry slip, and the regular passenger ferry takes you over to Fleetwood.

Mention Fleetwood and most people will immediately think of a once flourishing fishing port. Although it is still in evidence today it pales into insignificance compared to many years ago when hundreds of boats would come alongside at the docks and land their ‘catch of the day’ for local fish traders to bargain for.

Neve Fleetwood are successfully carrying on the heritage and have been supplying quality seafood to top class eateries in the North West and much further afield since 1984.

At low tide venture to the Fleetwood Marshes to see a group of abandoned fishing boats resting next to the River Wyre. Many photographers visit to take pictures of the melancholy wrecks which are quite a feature when the light is just right.

Some though may think of the world famous throat lozenges ‘Fisherman’s Friend’. The idea of a local pharmacist, James Lofthouse, wanting to help the deep-sea fishermen who often lost their voice after a day out on the high seas. A mixture of liquorice, eucalyptus and menthol in 1865 developed into the lozenger we now know, sold and loved across the globe and even endorsed by the once Queen Elizabeth II. It remains a family business to this day with new lozenge flavours being introduced all the time.

In the early 1900’s the only way to get to the Lake District was to catch a train to Fleetwood and then jump aboard a boat, a famous one was paddle steamer ‘The Lady Moyra’. How the times have changed! Because of this the town became a stopping off point for many travellers and began to flourish. Hence the building of the North Euston Hotel and The Mount Hotel considered very grand in their day, and still impressive today.

There’s so much to discover in Fleetwood and wandering around you will start to wonder what life was like in the ‘Olden Days’!

To learn much more about this fascinating seaside town and surrounding area visit Fleetwood Museum which gives you a wonderful insight into its heritage.