The ancient capital of Furness, Dalton was the judicial and economic centre for the monks of Furness Abbey. Dalton is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Daltune, the ancient settlement of Dalton, was, in medieval times, the capital of Furness. The Abbot of Furness held a market and fair in Dalton and built a castle in the town during the 14thC to serve as both a courtroom and a gaol.

Tourist Attractions in Dalton-in-Furness