Dalton-in-Furness | |
---|---|
Market Street, Dalton-in-Furness |
|
Dalton-in-Furness shown within Cumbria | |
Population | 8,125 (2011) |
OS grid reference | SD228738 |
Civil parish |
|
District | |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | DALTON-IN-FURNESS |
Postcode district | LA15 |
Dialling code | 01229 |
Police | Cumbria |
Fire | Cumbria |
Ambulance | North West |
EU Parliament | North West England |
UK Parliament | |
Dalton-in-Furness is a small town of 8,125 people, north east of Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria, England. It is the second largest settlement in the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness after Barrow itself and is most noted for being the location of South Lakes Safari Zoo.
Dalton is mentioned in the Domesday Book, written as "Daltune" as one of the townships forming the Manor of Hougun held by Tostig Godwinson, Earl of Northumbria. Historically, it was the capital of Furness. The ancient parish of Dalton covered the area which is now occupied by the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness. The town is now in the civil parish of Dalton Town with Newton. Historically a part of Lancashire, the town is associated with a number of famous artists, including George Romney
Dalton Community Association (DCA) is a registered Charity No. 1076322 Dalton Community Association (DCA) is housed in a building known locally as Dalton Drill Hall. The Drill Hall was officially opened in July 1929 as a Regular Army Centre for military training. The Drill Hall was used as a military headquarter leading up to the war in 1939-45. During the war years it was a centre for the Home Guard. It had a rifle range until 2009. After the war it was a Territorial and Army Cadet Headquarters. In addition the Drill hall was used as an annexe to Nelson Street Junior School. Since the early 90’s it has been used as a community and youth centre.
The town is situated near the centre of Low Furness, on the eastern crest of a glaciated valley which runs obliquely across the peninsula. Just over a mile to the south lie the ruins of Furness Abbey, and four miles to the south west is the nearest major town, Barrow-in-Furness. The area is generally reached by the A590, the link road from the M6 motorway to the Furness region, which now by-passes the town, reducing the traffic flow, and enabling traffic calming measures which have proved to be rather controversial.