Lancaster

The Ashton Memorial is an elaborate folly given to the city of Lancaster in 1909 by Lord Ashton (James Williamson, who made most of his fortune from the production of oilcloth and cork linoleum at his factory on St. George’s Quay.

The Butterfly House in Williamson Park, Lancaster.
Formerly an Edwardian palm house, but now a rainforest home to butterflies and small beasties. The large cobble mosaic in between the Butterfly House and the Ashton Memorial depicts the Lancashire Rose. It was created for the City Council in 1987 by Maggy Howarth.

The fountain, lake and bridge in the landscaped gardens of Williamson Park, created in 1880 by Lord Ashton (James Williamson)

This building, Lancaster's oldest town house was originally home to Thomas Covell, Keeper of Lancaster Castle, whose investigation brought the Pendle Witches to their death in 1612. From 1776-1975 the house was a residence for judges visiting the Assize Court at the Castle. The 1903 cross commemorated the coronation of Edward VII. It was designed by Austin and Paley.

Golgotha: 'Place of the Skull' is an area on the outskirts of Lancaster where executions took place, including the Pendle Witches.

The 3rd century bath house once made up an end of a large courtyard building which was probably the home of a Roman official. It was demolished in 340AD by the Roman general Agricola to make way for a large fort with a garrison of 500 horsemen.

The Cottage Museum at 15 Castle Street in Lancaster offers a peep into a Georgian / early Victorian artisan's home spread over five floors!

The quay was built beside the River Lune in 1750 during Lancaster's Golden Age as a port, when sugar, cotton, rum, mahogany and slaves would be unloaded off ships from Africa and the West Indies. At this time there were believed to be fifty inns catering for the sailors along the quayside.

Lancaster Maritime Museum is housed in the 1764 Port of Lancaster Custom House which was designed by the local cabinet-maker and architect, Richard Gillow. Beside the museum are buildings which belonged to the wealthy Quaker slave trader, Dodshon Foster.

This masterpiece of civil engineering designed by John Rennie and opened in 1797, carries the Lancaster Canal 202m across the River Lune. It took three years to build and the original estimate of £18,619 was exceeded by almost £30,000! Grade 1 Listed.

This masterpiece of civil engineering designed by John Rennie and opened in 1797, carries the Lancaster Canal 202m across the River Lune. It took three years to build and the original estimate of £18,619 was exceeded by almost £30,000! Grade 1 Listed.

This is the site of the former Green Ayre Railway Station, closed in 1976. The old Midland Railway Line now makes a pleasant footpath and cycleway to Caton. The crane marks the start of the Lune Valley Ramble, a 26.5km walk from Lancaster to Kirkby Lonsdale. .

This road bridge probably dates back to 1797 and was designed by John Rennie for the Lancaster Canal Company.

A narrowboat cruising under Nelson Street Bridge no. 101 in Lancaster. The bridge was widened in 1876 by Joseph Clayton. Metal girders on the bridge display his name and the date.

Narrow boats on the Lancaster Canal beside the Water Witch at Lancaster

The Queen Victoria Monument was sculpted in bronze by Herbert Hampton, and given to the town by Lord Ashton in 1907. The panels show eminent Victorians, including Florence Nightingale and Lancaster-born Sir Richard Owen, a famous scientist and naturalist who first used the phrase 'Dinosauria' (meaning "Terrible Reptile" or "Fearfully Great Reptile).The corners represent Truth, Wisdom, Justice and Freedom.

Built in 1708 with later extensions. Quakers have worshipped on this site since 1677.

The twelve almshouses and chapel were built and funded in 1720 by William Penny, a Lancaster mayor.

Built in 1887 by local philanthropist, Thomas Storey, to offer educational opportunities to the people of Lancaster. Lancaster Castle can just be seen in the background.

The school was founded in the early 13th century and occupied a site close to the Priory Church. It relocated to East Road in the mid 19th century. Old School House was designed by Paley and Sharpe of Lancaster.

This 18th century Georgian building at 24 Castle Hill, Lancaster, was the offices of Paley and Austin Architects from 1868 - 1944. Edward Payley had been a pupil of the famous architect, Edmund Sharpe, and in 1842 they entered into partnership together. Sharp resigned from the practice in 1851. Sharp, Paley and Austin favoured church design in the Gothic Revival style, but Sharpe also had an interest in Romanesque church architecture.

10 Fenton Street in Lancaster was the home of architect and railway engineer, Edmund Sharpe from 1845-1856.

The Wiilliamson Chimney from the former linoleum works can be seen to the left of the photo alongside a now demolished mill buidling. The Ashtom Memorial is in the distance.

The classical Skerton Bridge, opened in 1787 was designed by Thomas Harrison and is said to have been modelled on an ancient Roman Bridge at Rimini in Italy.

Bullrushes on the banks of a partially frozen River Lune at Skerton near Lancaster.

The name, ‘Snatchems’ is believed to have come from the naval press gangs that worked from the Golden Ball, and forcibly snatched men to work on ships at the height of the cotton trade. The pub is also believed to have been used by smugglers who landed goods there without paying the appropriate customs duties. As recently as the 20th century, a small rowing boat (summoned by a bell) carried passengers over the Lune to the Golden Ball.