Local Interest –  Heysham And Sunderland Point

Overlooking Morecambe Bay about four and a half miles south of Morecambe is the village of Heysham. For those interested in history Heysham will not disappoint. Eleventh century chronicles inform us that the village church of St. Peter, founded in the 7th or 8th centuries, stands on an older Saxon church whose remains are incorporated into the present church. The chancel was built around 1340–50, the south aisle in the 15th century, whilst the north aisle was added in 1864. Of interest in the south chancel aisle is a Viking hogback stone. A short walk up the footpath running alongside St.Peters brings you to the headland overlooking Morecambe Bay and the eighth century ruins of St. Patrick’s Chapel.  An archaeological excavation in 1977 to the south of the chapel dated the site at the late 6th or early 7th century, whilst a further excavation beneath the rock graves in 1993 uncovered 1,200 Stone Age artefacts dated to about 12,000 years ago. Adding to Heysham’s charm are its seventeenth century fishermen’s cottages which make up much of the village. The village itself has twice won Britain in Bloom’s Gold Small Village, whilst Heysham Nature Reserve within National Trust land provides habitats and shelter for numerous species of butterfly, moths, dragonfly and migrant birds. The village has several very good cafes as well as the Royal Hotel where refreshments can be taken before moving on.

Sunderland Point

Sunderland Point is unique in Lancashire, as twice daily the tide cuts off access to its two terraces of housing. Once a community of farmers and fishermen, it enjoyed a period of prosperity as an ‘out port’ for Lancaster. Also a cotton port for Lancaster in the 18th century, there is still evidence of Sunderland Point’s former days, including the infamous ‘Cotton Tree’ and Sambo’s Grave, the grave of an African slave who died there in 1736 – a poignant reminder of the slave trade and the area’s maritime and trade history. Many of the private houses are Grade II Listed buildings, several of which once stored rum, tobacco and cotton. Sunderland Point has an interesting circular walk affording splendid views over the estuary of the River Lune. Access by car is possible, but times of tides should be checked and notice taken of tide warnings at either end of the road.

For more info follow the link below:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morecambe_Bay