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Dalton
is an ancient settlement, being mentioned in the Domesday Book
as Daltune. It was peopled in the Bronze Age and then the Celts
arrived. By the 10th Century the Anglo Saxons had settled here.
The area was ravaged by the Norse who became the indigenous population
and were later supplanted by the Second Generation of Norse who
were farmers from Ireland.
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Dalton Development Partnership, Askam and Ireleth Regeneration Partnership and Furness Tourism Partnership worked together to produce the Dalton & Askam Tourist Leaflet; 'Historic Settlements of Furness'.
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The leaflet highlights places of interest in the area, contrasting the historic buildings of Dalton with the natural beauty of the Askam coastline. In between lies South Lakes Wild Animal Park, which is the largest tourist attraction in the South Lakes. 45,000 leaflets have been produced and distributed around Cumbria and North Lancashire. When visiting Dalton, leaflets can be picked up from tourist information sites at: Dalton Leisure Centre and Tudor Natural Health Store. Thanks to the following for contributing to the leaflet: Joan Nicholson, Dalton Town Council, Askam & Ireleth Parish Council, Furness Tourism Partnership and Rural Development Programme. |
| Visitors are advised to savour the tranquility and quaintness by going first to the Market Place, over which the 14th Century Castle, built by the monks of Furness Abbey, stands guard. Built as a defence against the Scottish raids sometime between 1315 and 1360 it is known as a Pele Tower. The construction is similar to many Pele Towers of that era - being rectangular, and measuring 45 feet by 30 feet with walls up to 6 feet thick. A spiral staircase situated within the west wall leads to the two upper floors and the roof. The dungeon is below ground level, and was where prisoners were placed following the court proceedings. |
 Dalton Castle or 'Pele Tower' |
 St Mary's from The Haggs |
During the 12th Century, following the building of Furness Abbey, Dalton's role grew in importance. The Abbot held not only his market and fair in Dalton but also his courtroom and gaol. This resulted in the town becoming, in Medieval times, the Capital of Furness. In front of the castle is the Market place, with curved stone fish slabs on which fish was displayed on Market Days. The old custom of Morris Dancing frequently takes place here, as do historic markets where the townsfolk wear historic garb. |
The Parish Church of St Mary is only 100 yards from the castle. The first mention of this church is in 1181, making it the oldest established church in the area. The church has been rebuilt to a design by Paley and Austin and the font is from Furness Abbey. The current building dates from 1882, and has a peel of 10 bells.
In the adjoining churchyard is the memorial to the 320 victims of the plague (from a total population of 612) which ravaged the town in 1662. There is also the tombstone of Dalton's famous son, George Romney, (1734 - 1802) the celebrated 18th Century portrait painter.
Born at Dalton, George Romney went to London in 1762 at the age of 28 and acquired a popularity which made him a rival to Reynolds, - yet he was never admitted to the Academy. He painted fashionable men and women of the day in addition to large historical compositions. He formed a romantic attachment to Emma, Lady Hamilton, despite the fact he had a wife in Kendal, only returning to her during his latter years. He is buried in Dalton Church grounds.
One mile to the south of Dalton, in a peaceful wooded area known as Bekansgill or the Vale of Deadly Nightshade, lie the magnificent soaring sandstone ruins of St. Mary's Abbey.
| Built in 1127, the establishment of the Abbey was ordered by King Stephen (albeit before he was king) and started by the Savigny order of France, that later merged with the Cistersian order. The Abbey amassed great wealth through trade and industry, becoming second only to Fountains Abbey. |
 Furness Abbey |
During 1537, the Abbey was destroyed by order of Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The site is currently maintained by English Heritage. The Abbey and adjoining museum are now accessible all year to the public.
Opening Times...
| 1st April to 30th Sept | 10am - 6pm | Daily |
| 1st Oct to 31st Oct | 10am - 5pm | Daily |
| 1st Nov to 31st March | 10am - 4pm | Wed - Sun |
On the outskirts of Dalton you will find the Lake District's official top large attraction for the past two years. South Lakes Wild Animal Park is a unique safari on foot with many animals wandering free in natural surroundings.
You can handfeed the largest collection of kangaroo species outside Australia, see monkeys free in the trees and witness both Amur and Sumatran tigers while they attack their food.
See rhinos, giraffes, apes, monkeys and over 500 animals in the country's most animal friendly zoo and be active in the conservation of animals and their habitats.
 Part of the Cistercian Way, through The Haggs |
The Cistercian Way covers 33 miles through the unspoilt landscape of Furness, traveling between the high fells of the lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay. It follows ancient paths and byways, through countryside steeped in the history of Monks, fishermen, boat-builders, prospectors of iron-ore and other entrepreneurs. |
This fascinating middle distance walk commences at Grange-over-Sands and passes through Dalton and along The Haggs to Furness Abbey, before finishing at Piel Island. Leaflet available from Tourist Information Centres.