Lancaster
Lancaster
The County town of Lancaster on the River Lune was once the fourth largest port in England until it was superseded by nearby Liverpool it is hard to imagine that this place was such a busy port.
The town prospered as a port due to goods being shipped back from the West Indies trade and mahogany that was used as ballast helped establish furniture makers Gillow being perhaps the most famous.
Perched high above the town for 1000 years, the Castle still dominates not only the town but also the church of St Mary’s, which is perched on the same hilltop. The Castle once belonging to John of Gaunt is one of the best preserved in the country.
The castle has had various uses over the years these include a prison and courthouse in 1612 ten women from the Forest of Pendle accused of murder and witchcraft were taken here to be tried and later hanged.
John of Gaunt was the Duke of Lancaster and the term Lancastrian is derived from this. The wars of the roses were conflicts between the houses of York and Lancaster this is sometimes misunderstood as between Lancashire and Yorkshire.
It is however, the influence of the local businessman James Williamson later Lord Ashton that is most apparent. He grew rich on linoleum production, which at the time was a revolutionary floor covering. Williamson became so rich that he ended up as mayor and the town’s member for Parliament.
Although he was rich, he was something of a benefactor and today his memorial perched on a hill high above Lancaster can be seen for miles. The Ashton Memorial as it is named was built in memory of Williamson’s wife. It is set in nice Parklands and on summer days, the grounds are full of people taking a walk picnicking and feeding the ducks on the small lake. The memorial is sometimes referred to as the Taj Mahal of Lancaster, as it was built for a lady.
The town has many fine buildings, including the town hall also built by Ashton, which overlooks Dalton Square. There are also has many fine monuments, including one to Queen Victoria again erected at the behest of Lord Ashton.
This town is great to visit and not too big to explore with shops for mum and the castle for the kids there is plenty of parking and good places to eat, set right near the M6 it is easy to get to.
Lancaster is a good base to explore the surrounding countryside with the lakes Yorkshire dales and the Trough of Bowland in easy travelling distance
Activities in Lancaster
Castles
Lancaster Castle - Dukes Witches and Prison
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