Philip Hartley and Rack Alley black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: Rack Alley This narrow passage is called Rack Alley. It runs behind the rear of the houses in Benson Street and as a rope walk. It was here that a twine spinner followed his busy craft. The strings were supported over the projecting "racks" as he twisted and spliced the ropes. Philip Hartley of Benson Street worked in Rack Alley duriung the late 19th century, one of a dozen people involved in the Ulverston rope making trade.

Philip Hartley was a twine spinner active in Rack Alley during the late 19th century, contributing to Ulverston's significant rope-making industry.