The Pier is proving a source of great advantage, not only to the Company but also to the town, and it is to be hoped it may be the nucleus of other extensive works which may bring a revival of Ulverston's former prosperity as a port.
The original Beaconsfield Pier, probably somewhat similar in size to the piers visible from Canal Foot looking north has now been lost beneath the slag bank . It was was replaced by a much larger pier, Ainslie Pier at Hammerside.
In 1890 the Ainslie Pier was constructed from tipped slag to accommodate larger vessels.
The Pier, closer to Hammerside was tidal - the wire works chimney (still there) was used as a naviation mark.
Ulverston harbour records from 1862 to 1946 reveal details of every ship and every cargo in and out of the town’s piers and canal.
The freight loaded or unloaded at Ulverston included thousands of shipments of iron ore but just a single cargo purely of turnips!
The peak year for trade on the Ulverston canal was 1846 with 944 vessels.
Imports in 1850 included 28,000 bricks and 735 bales of cotton.
Coal, slate, limestone, sand and gunpowder were among other key cargoes.
After the start of production at Ulverston’s North Lonsdale Ironworks in 1876 the shipping trade changed.
New piers were built allowing larger steamships to use the port but much fewer ships used the canal.
Boats of close to 500 tons were coming to the Ainslie Pier until navigating the channel became too difficult.
The Leven Channel moved in May 1914 and by the start of the First World War access for even small steamers became impossible.
The channel moved again in 1932 allowing 78 cargo vessels to use the Ainslie Pier.
Ainslie Pier was last used in 1939.
A short walk from Canal Foot along the shore or over the playing fields.
