An iconic piece of Whitehaven's history will go on display at the United States Embassy in London this summer. 

For the last 15 years, an interesting piece of Whitehavens history has been brought out to display for the annual diplomatic visits by the United States Defence Attaches.

The item in question is a midshipman's dirk or dagger that is rumoured to have been left in the Nicholas Alison public house on the Old Quay, Whitehaven after John Paul Jones raiding party left in 1778.

It was handed into Gerard Richardson who organises the visits and whose shop is also the Honorary Consulate office to the US Navy with the request that it be used to help promote the town. 

Mr Richardson said: "Its such a cracking opportunity to keep Whitehaven and our American history front and center that we can't really refuse, so I'm taking it down in June and taking the opportunity to meet the new attache as he gets his handover briefing from the existing office holder.

"The raid by John Paul Jones in 1778 was a defining moment in the war of independence as it caused the Royal Navy to bring back several ships from the blockade of the American Colonies in order to protect the British coastline and many historians have said that this enabled the French to more easily re supply the revolutionaries.

"To have the opportunity of advertising Whitehaven in the US Embassy is fabulous and I think the Dirk will be a massive hit."

After the most recent visit in September 2021, the current Attache in London asked if there would be a possibility of displaying the Dirk in the Embassy with a view to reminding visitors and staff that the town has such historic links with the USA. 

The Dirk was authenticated as the right style for the period and the right style of Dirk carried by French privateers, many of whom made up Jones crew.

It's only 6 years now to the 250th Anniversary of the raid which Gerard hopes can be marked in a really big way.

Mr Richardson added: "We need to see more tourists coming over from the central Lakes area to our beautiful town and our history is as compelling as our architecture to be honest. We just need to promote it more and get the message out."