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Revision as of 15:19, 30 September 2006 by Arrievaulx (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Askam and Ireleth are two separate villages (Askam and Ireleth) in the civil parish of Ireleth with Askam. While the two have different histories, they have grown together along the A595 road in Furness, a peninsula in Cumbria that is part of the traditional county of Lancashire. They lie five miles to the north of the town of Barrow-in-Furness, on the eastern edge of the Duddon Estuary, the large expanse of sand to the north of the peninsula. Combined, they have a population of just over 3000. The civil parish falls within the local authority of the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness.
Naming
While the strip development has effectively created one larger community, residents of both villages still retain a strong sense of being either from Askam or Ireleth. Road signs read 'Askam and Ireleth' at the entry to the villages, but the older 'Ireleth' sign still stands on the former boundary between the two.
The name 'Ireleth' is often confused in archival records with 'Kirkby Ireleth', the former name for the community (two miles to the north) now known as 'Kirkby-in-Furness'.
The local Women's Institute decided on Askam with Ireleth WI after changing their name from Ireleth WI.
History
Ireleth
Ireleth is the smaller and older of the two villages, located at the top of the hill which runs down into Askam. Evidence of Manx Vikings has been found near the parish church, and the village is listed in the Domesday Book as Gerleuuorde.
The name, however, suggests an Irish influence as it means 'hill fort of the Irish'.
During the Middle Ages, the entire area was controlled by the monks of Furness Abbey. During this time, Ireleth was little more than one of many farming communities in Furness. The iron ore developments of Askam largely bypassed Ireleth, and the village developed slowly, housing farmers and workers from local towns. In the 1980s, housing developments bought the two villages together.
Askam
Askam's history starts much more recently. In 1850, iron ore deposits were discovered here. These turned out to be the second largest iron ore deposits in the country, with over 7 million tons of ore extracted. Furnaces for smelting were built in 1864, and the village continued to grow. Most of this iron ore then went via railway to the world's largest steelworks in Barrow.
By 1918, the iron ore had run out and most of the industrial buildings were demolished in 1933. Since then, Askam has grown with commuter homes, exploiting the views over the Duddon Estuary to the Lake District. This expansion led to a merger of the villages in the 1980s.
Askam and Ireleth
In 1995, four windfarms were built on the moors above these villages. Though initially popular, the windfarms grew and residents have complained that they were not made aware of the realities of living near such windfarms. The Marton, Askam and Ireleth Windfarm Action Group (MAIWAG) formed to combat further growth and improve local conditions.
Sport
The villages have several sporting facilities, including Fallowfield Park, home of the Askam Amateur Rugby League Football Club. There is also Askam FC, an amateur football club and Duddon SC, a cricket side based at the old K Shoes factory social club.
A 18-hole links golf course lies to the north of Askam. It includes a green on top of Dunnerholme rock, a large mounds lying on the banks of the estuary.