Lancaster Castle, owned by HM The Queen in right of Her Duchy of Lancaster, is often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle, and is one of the most historically interesting buildings in Lancashire. Its beginnings date to Roman times and, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of Picts and Scots.Following the departure of the Romans in the 5th Century, it fell into disrepair and although in the 6th Century the Saxons made new fortifications on the site, no mention is made in the Domesday Book which suggests that it lay in ruins. After the Norman Conquest, however, Lancaster and the surrounding districts were given by William The Conqueror to Roger of Poitou in gratitude for his services in battle, and it was about this time that the Norman Keep, the heart of the original fortifications, was built.
In 1361, following the death of the 1st Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt became the 2nd Duke, but upon his death in 1399, Richard II seized the Duchy and made it part of the properties of the monarch. When he was deposed in the same year by Henry IV, John O’ Gaunt’s son, the Castle was established as part of the Duchy of Lancaster and has remained the property of the reigning monarch ever since.
What visitors can see today
Around the arc of the Shire Hall is perhaps the most famous display of heraldry in the country. This display, numbering over 650 shields, includes those of the monarchs, the High Sheriffs of Lancashire, and the Constables of the Castle. The High Sheriffs date back to the 12th Century.
To reach Hadrian’s Tower, visitors pass through the width of the Norman curtain wall which was discovered in 1890 during excavations when an old plan came to light indicating that there may be old cells beneath the more recent Georgian court rooms.
The dungeons were rediscovered from an old plan in 1931. Here prisoners were incarcerated in the most cruel and primitive conditions, without light or sanitation, and often with little food. The doors to the dungeons are of solid oak three inches thick with metal studs, padlock and box locks. The only light or ventilation is through the small aperture over the door and the only furniture a plank of wood to sleep on and a block of wood to sit on. Today, visitors can experience what it must have been like to be imprisoned in one of these cells.
Today, the Castle is managed by Lancashire County Council and is used as Courts and a Prison, but it is still possible to take a tour of this unique building in the company of one of our very knowledgeable guides to see:
- where the Lancashire Witches were tried, convicted and condemned to die
- the beautiful Gillow furniture in the Grand Jury Room where Queen Victoria dined
- the ‘Drop Room’ where convicted prisoners were taken for execution
- ‘Hanging Corner’ where hundreds of condemned prisoners were publicly hanged in front of cheering crowds
- the magnificent Shire Hall
- the Crown Court from where convicts were transported to Australia
- the Barristers’ Library and Robing Room
The Castle has an excellent programme of events, lectures, music and theatre productions for everyone to enjoy, including the very popular Kids’ Activity Hour which takes place on Wednesdays during school holidays. The guides go into storytelling mode to relate tales of witches and convicts, kings and queens, sheriffs and constables. You can get a taste of what life in prison was like by being locked in the dungeons and find out why some people were sent to Australia rather than to the gallows.The Castle also has an excellent website which is constantly updated with new information about the history of the building and the modern-day events which take place there.
Subject to Court sittings, the Castle is open to the public daily between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm (except Christmas and New Year), with guided tours at 30-minute intervals from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm.
Telephone for further details - 01524 64998
Admission: Adults £4.00; Concessions and children £2.50
