An Introduction to Lancaster

Lancaster is the county town of Lancashire, England, situated on the River Lune.

Long existing as a commercial, cultural and educational centre, Lancaster is the settlement that gives Lancashire its name. Lancaster has several unique ties to the British monarchy; the House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal family, whilst the Duchy of Lancaster holds large estates on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, who herself is also the Duke of Lancaster. Lancaster was granted city status in 1937 for its "long association with the crown" and because it was "the county town of the King's Duchy of Lancaster".

With its history based on its port and canal, Lancaster is an ancient settlement, dominated by Lancaster Castle. It is also home to the collegiate and campus-based Lancaster University.

Activities of interest in Lancaster

Lancaster is a city rich in industrial and cultural history which visitors can explore through its castle and museums.

Its pedestrianised city centre with independent boutique shops as well as high street stores are great for shoppers and there is a good array of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants for those who wish to sit and watch the city.

St George's Quay is home to the Maritime Museum where adults and children alike will enjoy exploring Lancaster's maritime history.

Lancaster has a good nightlife with live music, contemporary theatre and film, and delicious food and drink.

Getting to Lancaster:

By Road: Leave the M6 on Junctions 33-35.

By Rail: Lancaster is located on the West Coast Main Line which brings frequent Intercity Services from London Euston and Glasgow.

TransPennine Express also provide direct services from Manchester Airport and Edinburgh.

Regular services operate from Lancaster to the rest of the district. Visit National Rail Enquiries.

By Coach: National Express Coach Services and Stagecoach buses operate in and around the district.

By Air: The region’s main airport is Manchester International. There is also Blackpool International Airport nearby.
 

Little is known about Lancaster between the end of Roman rule in Britain in the early 5th century and the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century. Despite a lack of documentation from this period, it is likely that Lancaster was still inhabited. Lancaster was on the fringes of the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria, and over time control may have changed from one to the other. The city's name, first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Loncastre means 'Roman fort on the River Lune', from the Old English cæster.

Lancaster Castle, partly built in the 13th century and enlarged by Elizabeth I, stands on the site of a Roman garrison. Lancaster Castle is well known as the site of the infamous Pendle witch trials in 1612. It was said that the court based in the castle (the Lancaster Assizes) sentenced more people to be hanged than any other in the country outside of London, earning Lancaster the nickname, "the Hanging Town".

The traditional emblem for the House of Lancaster is a red rose, the red rose of Lancaster, similar to that of the House of York, which is a white rose. These names derive from the emblems of the Royal Duchies of Lancaster and York in the 15th century. This erupted into a civil war over rival claims to the throne during the Wars of the Roses.

Lancaster: the university

Lancaster University has a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching, scholarship and research. Currently ranked as a top 10 UK university and in the top 125 universities in the world, Lancaster continues to sustain its reputation for teaching and research excellence both nationally and internationally.