Until the middle of the 19th century, Millom was little more than a few scattered hamlets and farms — then haematite iron ore was discovered at nearby Hodbarrow in 1855, and the town that grew around it became one of the most productive iron-mining centres in Britain.
A town built almost overnight by iron
Hodbarrow mine developed rapidly through the early 1860s to become, by some measures, the most productive haematite mine in the British Isles. A new town was formally inaugurated in 1866 to house the rush of workers, and Millom's population ballooned to over 10,000 within a few years.
From blast furnaces to a nature reserve
Iron works built in 1866-7 started with two blast furnaces, growing to six by 1874, and the mine went on to raise some 25 million tons of ore across 105 years of mining before closing in 1968. Much of the former mine site has since been transformed into an RSPB nature reserve built around a large artificial lake.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Millom's history is built on haematite and blast furnaces, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Cumbria and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Millom and the rest of Cumbria included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Millom?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What makes Millom's history as an iron town notable?
Hodbarrow mine, discovered in 1855, became one of Britain's most productive haematite mines before closing in 1968.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Millom?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Millom addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.