Lancaster

The train from Morecambe to Lancaster drops you off on the edge of the city center.  Very convenient as the first thing you encounter is the Visitor Info Center where there was a wee art exhibit going on.

Al & Vicki had been here for awhile

There were some contemporary artwork and paintings that due a combination my inability to understand them and lights and reflection didn’t photograph well.  Sorry

Around the corner is Lancaster Castle and Prison.  It is built on the site of a Roman fort and came under Royal control in 1164. It was attacked by the Scots twice in 1322 & 1389 without falling and did not see action again until the English Civil War.  It was first used as a prison in 1196 making it the oldest UK prison and was used as such until 2011.  It also houses the Lancaster County Council where 2 Crown Courts still operate.  It is because of this use as a court that unfortunately there are no interior photography allowed.

 

Hundreds of family crests line the walls.

On the inside of the wall, where a prisoner stands during sentencing.  Their left hand is manacled to the wall and if guilty, branded.  Then they are removed to either a death sentence or further incarceration via a trap door in the floor.  Macabre!

 

 

The jury deliberation room.

Lancaster Priory in the Church of England parish church for Lancaster.  It dates its origin to 1094.

 

The Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park is a folly.  That is it was build as an extravagant memorial to his wife that in todays dollars would have cost £7.5 million/$10 million. hence the term “folly”. There was a wedding going on so interior access was not available.

But even on a misty day the views were pretty nice.

And I have no idea what this plant is.