Seascale folk turned out in force last night as the village’s much-loved Lord Byron figurehead was brought home – with a little help from some handy shed-dwellers – just as Storm Dave battered the coast.
But this isn’t the first time wild weather has played a part in Lord Byron’s Seascale story.
According to village folklore, a fierce storm in 1884 wrecked a ship on Selker Rocks, and the figurehead was salvaged and fixed to the side of Seascale’s oldest house.
The Neb – a house on Drigg Road – appeared on TV’s Homes Under the Hammer, where its renovation was described as ‘not for the faint-hearted’.
Jill Holt and her husband took on the house and, with help from Ripon Men’s Shed team, who set about restoring the famous figurehead that’s watched over Seascale for more than two centuries.
Jill said: “We’re honoured that Amanda Carson MBE has helped us unveil the newly restored Lord Byron ship’s figurehead – a fixture on the Neb for as long as anyone can remember.
“We now reckon with near certainty it’s Lord B – as we call him – even if the backstory’s still a little sketchy. We’re just excited to share his new look with everyone.
“Everyone was welcome to join us for the unveiling – and what a turnout it was!
“About 100 family and friends trekked across from North Yorkshire to see Lord B back home to Seascale in West Cumbria.”
