Coal and Tobacco: The Lowthers and the Economic Development of West Cumberland, 1660 1760 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521090162)

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.

Author: J. V. Beckett, Beckett J. V.
ISBN-10: 0521090164
ISBN-13: 9780521090162
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 11/20/2008
Pages: 296
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.96lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.67d