Historically part of Cumberland, its industrial history, which largely ended in the late 1930s, included a shipbuilders, iron works, coal mining and steel making.

Today, with a population of approximately 3,800,[1] measured at 3,167 in the 2011 Census,[2] it is largely a dormitory village for the employees of the shops and offices and light industry found in Workington.

Coal and limestone were soon being exported from Harrington, and the increase in trade led to the development of the local shipbuilding industry.

The harbour now has a new lease of life as a facility for leisure, with the scope to grow the marine sector in the Northwest.

At St Mary's Church there are recent stained-glass windows, which show much of the industrial and maritime heritage of the area.

There is also the Roman Catholic St Mary's Church that was founded by Benedictine monks, built by a Charles Walker of Newcastle, cost £23,000 and funded by public subscription.