WHITEHAVEN, (Cumberland) 10 m. S. W. from Cockermouth, and 36 from Carlisle, 227 cm. 250 mm. from London, is so called from the white cliffs near it, that shelter the harbour from tempests. It is a populous rich T. chiefly beholden for its improvement to the Lowther family; of whom Sir John Lowther, Bt. took his title of distinction from it, and his son, Sir James, has a very great estate here. Its chief trade is furnishing Ireland and part of Scotland with salt and coal, as it did the latter also with salt and sugars before the Union. Here are several officers of the customs, it being the most eminent port in England, next to Newcastle, for the coal trade; insomuch that in time of war, or after crosswinds, it is common to see 200 sail of ships go off from hence at once to Dublin, laden with coals, besides those bound with goods to Chester, Bristol, and other ports. And Sir Ja. Lowther is said to send as many coals from hence to Ireland and the Isle of Man, as bring him in near 20,000 l. a year. The shipping and trade here is so much increased lately by acts of Pt. for improving its harbour, and repairing the roads to it, that here is a new Ch. built; but it was once in the p. of St. Bees. It has a Mt. on Th. and Fair Sept. 1.