Maryport is a town on the north west coast of Cumbria at the mouth of the River Ellen which flows into the Solway Firth. There is evidence that Maryport was originally a Roman port supporting Hadrian’s Wall. Roman and medieval structures and artifacts have been found in the area. (Visit The Senhouse Roman Museum). Originally the town and harbour, developed by Humphrey Senhouse was just a breakwater protecting ships from storms but they became grounded at low tide. In 1837 the Elizabeth Dock was built with lock gates so that ships remained floating in harbour. It was a coal port and the town expanded in a grid fashion similar to Whitehaven. Historically there was shipbuilding here but now regeneration has provided the Lake District Coast Aquarium and a multi berth modern marina.