Arligton House

Driving up and down Barrow's Abbey Road this week, I have watched as they stripped the fixtures and fittings from the once proud Victorian landmark of Arlington House ready for demolition. It seems they are to tear it down and build a dozen or so bland modern houses in its place. What a criminal act of vandalism, all in the name of short term greed. Another fine piece of Barrow's history bites the dust. This large detached house dates back to the 1870s and was last used as a popular hotel. Sir John Fisher the man responsible for the civilian boats used in the Dunkirk rescue was born there in 1892. The motley fleet he assembled included fishing boats, fire ships, private yachts, barges, merchant marine boats, pleasure craft, and even the Isle of Man paddle steamer, 338,226 soldiers were saved from the beaches of Dunkirk. Their valiant rescue has sailed into history. For his part in Operation Dynamo, Sir John received a knighthood in 1942. He then went on to advise in the planning of the D-Day landings from amphibious vehicles, and handling the transportation of guns, tanks and armoured cars.