Sunderland Point; a small village with a big history

Sunderland Point lies at the end of a causeway with the tidal estuary of the River Lune on its Eastern shore and the Irish Sea on the west. The causeway is covered and the point cut off twice a day by the high tide; the only exception being when the tide is lower than 8 metres in the first and last quarters of the moon .

The tides in this area take no prisoners so a consultation of the tide table is essential before attempting to drive or walk across.

The Friends of Sunderland Point warn, on their web page:

"Tide tables should be consulted before visiting. Both the

Causeway and car park are likely to be under several feet of water for 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide.

DO NOT RISK IT!"

The history of the Point as a port dates back to the beginning of the 18th Century when it served as an out port for the Port of Lancaster, dealing in both the cotton and slave trades. There was then a warehouse, a custom house and a hostelry. The port was superseded by Glasson Dock and most of he buildings have since been put to good use as Grade 11 listed dwellings.

There is evidence of the slave trade at Sambo's grave. This marks the resting place of a slave who arrived at Sunderland Point in 1736  and died in  Upsteps Cottage.

The exact cause of death is unknown but stories abound, one being that he died of a broken heart when he believed his master, who had gone on to Lancaster and then beyond, had left him.

Whatever the cause of death, Sambo had to be buried in unconsecrated ground as he was not baptised but in 1796 an inscription of Reverend James Watson's verse placed on the grave reminding us:

"Then the GREAT JUDGE his approbation founds

Not on man’s COLOUR but his worth of heart"

This simple grave attracts many visitors and is still tended by the school children who paint pebbles to decorate it.

A visit to Sunderland Point is a unique experience. But please read the notices, Elizabeth: