Lancaster is a magical city full of contrasts. The imposing Norman fortress with its bloodthirsty history overlooks a city which is now a regarded as a cultural, cosmopolitan centre.

"...Lancaster has a rich history which dates back to AD 79 when the Romans built a fortress to overlook the River Lune Estuary.It was developed further by the Normans who built the impressive John O'Gaunt Gatehouse in 1400 and the city flourished as a trade centre and fishing port."

Some of its more infamous events include the trial and execution of the Pendle Witches, the imprisonment of Quakers founder, George Fox, and the city's involvement with the US slave trade.

The Industrial Revolution saw the city become increasingly urbanised as Lord Ashton's factories made him one of the richest men in the world. Writer Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to the city and did you know the words 'scientist' and 'dinosaur' were coined by Lancastrian academics.

Lancaster Castle is currently used as Courts and a Prison but you can still visit parts of the building to see where the Lancashire Witches were tried, convicted and condemned to die; the beautiful Gillow furniture in the Grand Jury room; the dungeons and Drop Room; Hanging Corner where hundreds of condemned prisoners were publicly hanged; the magnificent Shire Hall with its display of over 600 heraldic shields.

CLICK THE PICTURES FOR MORE LANCASTER CASTLE INFORMATION

Maritime Museum
Custom House, St George's Quay, Lancaster
LA1 1RB tel. 01524 64637
Email: lancaster.citymuseum@mus.lancscc.gov.uk
Open daily: Easter to October: 11am - 5pm
November to Easter: 12.30 - 4pm

This museum occupies two historic buildings on St. George's Quay, the main 18th century harbour. It was opened in 1985 and has won many awards. The former Custom House of 1764, designed by Richard Gillow, contains interactive displays on the history of the Port of Lancaster and the local fishing industry

Lancaster and Morecambe and the surrounding district are part of Lancaster City Council governing district. They also make up part of Lancashire County Council.

Morecambe Morecambe is famous for its fabulous sunsets and stunning views across the bay to the Lake District [read more]

Morecambe Bay, on the northwest coast of England, is a huge sandy bay with a magnificent backdrop of the Lake District and Bowland Fells.
The abundant bird life and diverse marine habitats make the Bay one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe.

Lancaster & Morecambe
Morecambe and Wise | Morecambe Today | Pubs in Lancaster | Morecambe Tourist Information