The Town
William and Dorothy Wordsworth grew up in a small but flourishing town. In the 18th century, Cockermouth thrived on the textile and leather industries, and was a lively centre for both townsfolk and people living in surrounding villages.
Life in the town centered on two adjoining streets – Main Street and Market Place. The weekly market, held on a Monday, would have been a focal point of activity at which local farmers could sell their produce. Hiring Fairs were held twice a year, enabling farmers and other employers to hire servants. But these were also social occasions, characterised by widespread merry-making – at least amongst the servants.
Records show that the town was well supplied by a variety of shops and tradesmen, from mantua (dress) makers to chandlers. There were also over 20 inns and pubs, providing a meeting place and refreshments for locals and travellers.
Relative to other towns and villages in the Lake District, Cockermouth was said to have ‘a countenance of opulence’. But that was by the standards of the 1770s, when muddy roads, dirty water and wandering livestock were the entirely the norm.