Barrow remembers Prince Philip and his visits to Cumbria

Buckingham Palace announced the sad news in a statement at midday on April 9, in which it revealed Prince Phillip had ‘passed away peacefully’ at Windsor Castle.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the borough multiple times during his lifetime.

In June 1959 he laid the keel for Dreadnought - the UK’s first nuclear submarine.

The duke also made an appearance at the Holker Flower Festival, and made competitive entries to both the Holker Horse Trials and Lowther Horse Trials and a trip across Morecambe Bay with Queen’s Guide to the Sands, Cedric Robinson.

BUSY : During a visit to Holker Garden Festival in 1992

He returned to Barrow in 1998 to tour the British Gas Terminal at Rampside as well as meeting members of the public in the town centre.

Tributes have since poured in from local leaders and Cumbrian officials.

Councillor Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, paid tribute to Prince Philip for his dedication and commitment to public life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh has played an enormous role in the public life of the United Kingdom and The Commonwealth over the course of many decades," she said.

“He visited Barrow to play a key role in what was to be a momentous day not just the town and borough, but for Cumbria, when he laid the keel for Dreadnought, the UK’s first nuclear submarine.

“It was an honour to have the Duke of Edinburgh here on that occasion, but also during the visits he has made to this area ever since.

“Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Prince Philip go to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family.”

The flags at Barrow Town Hall, as well in Ulverston are being flown at half mast.

Lord Walney, former MP for Barrow, said: “The Duke’s character reverberated across the decades and sparked stories wherever he went. I think many Barrovians will be amused by the comment he made to me when I had the privilege of being introduced to him as the town’s MP during the parliamentary reception to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012.

“‘Barrow?,’ he roared. ‘Bloody long way away!’”

“May he rest in peace.”

SHIP SHAPE: The Duke of Edinburgh during a visit on board HMS Ocean at VSEL in Barrow in 1971

HM Lord- Lieutenant for Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, said: “The Duke was well known to us locally here in Cumbria: a keen carriage driver, he was a regular competitor in our county.

“His list of patronages also extends to a number of Cumbrian organisations, particularly the two Outward Bound Trust centres, which he visited regularly. The Duke will be greatly missed and our thoughts and sympathy are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult and painful time.”

Councillor Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council added: “This is indeed a sad day and a day of national, and international mourning. The Duke’s dedication and steadfastness to the country leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten.”

Members of the public who wish to leave flowers are asked to place them at the Cenotaph, Barrow Park, without cellophane wrapping if possible.