Heysham is a coastal town in Lancashire, overlooking Morecambe Bay. It is a ferry port servicing the Isle of Man and Ireland. It is also the site of two Nuclear power stations. In contrast, Heysham also prides itself on beautiful sandy beaches, woodland areas and open fields and has twice won the Britain in Bloom award. We are often in this area working
St Patricks Chapel is located in Heysham. Within the grounds are stone hewn graves (which have been featured in Black Sabbath videos) and are thought to date back the 11th century and were used to bury high-status people. Local tradition states that one of the graves was used to hold the relics of St Patrick himself. The remains of the Chapel feature a Viking era doorway with a rounded arch, and a stone with a socket for an outdoor preaching cross.
As the chapel itself was very small, it is considered that worshippers would have gathered outside for services. St Patricks Church commands one of the most outstanding views in the country. The grounds of the church contain many Saxon and Viking remains, and the church boasts a Viking hogback stone – Hogbacks are stone-carved Anglo-Scandinavian sculptures from 10-12th century England and Scotland.
They are generally accepted as grave-markers. Lancaster museum holds artefacts from the area such as stone axes and hammer heads dating back the Stone Age. These artefacts along with the location strongly suggest the area was an ancient burial ground, or Barrow. As such, the area around Heysham is still known locally as “The Barrows”. Interestingly, The Barrows are the only sea-cliffs in Lancashire.
Heysham Port was completed in the early 1900s, with the first ship, the Antrim, coming into the harbour on 31st May 1904. The Port still continues to be a success story today and sees continuing expansion and success. More info on towns on the bay here.
Driving directions from Digitec Aerials Lancaster
Directions from Heysham to Bolton-le-sands