Lancaster Civic Society has for many years arranged for the erection of Green Heritage Plaques around the District of Lancaster to commemorate prominent people and buildings.
Listed below are thirty nine specific sites of interest, which make a fascinating and interesting tour of our city.
Where these are other than Green Heritage Plaques they are noted by (*) after the name of the person or place they are commemorating.
To view an interactive Google Map click the below link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=18_o6l7E19NcIANJBghQ7fd4oUvjcygJN&ehbc=2E312F
1 – Captain Henry Fell & Samuel Simpson
Built c.1759 for Captain Henry Fell and Samuel Simpson. Architect: Richard Gillow. A Grade II listed building, first listed in 1953. Captain Fell was a Port Commissioner. The specification for this building still survives in the Gillow archives.
2 – Cable Street Baths (*)
The first public baths, presented to the city by Samuel Gregson, MP for Lancaster 1863. The building contained first and second baths and the swimming bath was 40 foot long by 25 foot wide. The North Western Electricity Board occupied the site from 1939 to 1983. in more recent years, the facade was dismantled and incorporated into the entrance of Sainsbury’s store.
3 – Old Dispensary
Site of the first dispensary, 1785 – 1883. This building served as a dispensary providing healthcare for the poor and was the forerunner of the Lancaster Royal Infirmary.
4 – Gillow & Co, Cabinet Makers
Gillows and Co of Lancaster and London were among the leading furniture makers of the late 18th and 19th centuries with a vast output that catered for both the nobility, gentry and the growing middle-class market. They made much of the inlaid and satinwood furniture of the period. In about 1695 Robert Gillow founded his firm here in Lancaster and his son Richard subsequently ran the business. The firm opened a London branch in Oxford Street about 1777. Such was the size of their business that they owned their own fleet, bringing timber to Lancaster from the colonies.
As well as a furniture business Richard Gillow was an architect and is responsible for many of the buildings in Georgian Lancaster.
5 – Shrigley & Hunt Stained Glass Works
Site of Shrigley & Hunt stained glass works 1873-1959.
At the height of its fame in the late Victorian era, the company of Shrigley and Hunt ranked among the leading designers and manufacturers of stained glass in Britain, rivalling the better-known contemporaries such William Morris and Company .
The manufacture of stained glass increased dramatically in the late eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries owing to the rapid development of houses. Lancaster was no exception. Shrigley and Hunt became the main producers of stained glass in the area and received national and international acclaim for their designs. The firm established itself in the 1750s and produced for over one hundred years.
Working with Lancaster architects Paley and Austin, Shrigley and Hunt made windows for churches such as St Mary’s in Lancaster and St Paul’s in Scotsforth. Their work can also be found in such exotic destinations as San Remoin in Italy, Tai Chou in China and Flodo in Sweden.
The Lancaster City Museum has an excellent display of artifacts from Shrigley and Hunt.
Source: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/unihistory/growth/shrig&huntlink.htm
6 – John Gardyner’s Chauntry (*)
Gardyner’s Chauntry. Founded 1485. Rebuilt 1792. Edw. Suat Mayor, John Warbrick, Rich. Atkinson, Bailiffs. In 1469 local merchant John Gardyner recorded his intention to establish a school ‘to instruct and inform the boys in grammar, freely.’ This original endowment heralded the beginning of free education for the boys of Lancaster which continues today.
7 – Paley & Austin, Architects
Former offices of the firm of Paley and Austin architects 1868-1944.
In Victorian times the fortunes of the Church of England revived after a century of neglect. (The Catholic and Non-Conformist Churches also gained a freedom in one case and respectability in the other which allowed them to build grandly for the first time). This led to a frenzy of building, much of it in the revived Gothic style of the Middle Ages. Among the architectural practices which developed to take advantage of this activity was a Lancaster-based firm which passed under various names in over a hundred years of existence but which is best known today as Paley & Austin. It became a by-word for the quality of its buildings.
During the life of the practice, they created 370 major works , 148 restorations, and 118 minor works, mostly in Lancashire. These ranged from churches to secular work like railway stations and hospitals.
The Catholic Cathedral of St Peter, Lancaster was designed by Edward Paley and is regarded by many as his masterwork.
Sources:
Jim Price, Head of Geography, St. Martin’s College, Lancaster
http://www.visitcumbria.com/paley.htm
http://www.lancashirechurches.co.uk/lancasterstp.htm
8 – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Lodgings
Bonnie Prince Charlie lodged near here in Mrs Livesey’s house 25 November 1745
9 – Main Roman Street
Marks line of main road through Roman Lancaster
10 – Sir William Turner, Anatomist & former Edinburgh Vice Chancellor (*)
In this house was born on the 7th day of January 1832 Sir William Turner,
K.G.B., F.R.S., D.Sc., LL.D., D.C.L., Knight of the Royal Prussian Order, Pour-le-Mérite,
Professor in and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh University.
11 – Thomas Mawson, Architect
This house built 1774 was the office of Thomas Mawson, landscape architect 1908-36.
Born in Scorton, just to the south, he was awarded an accolade from King Constantine of Greece for the re-planning of Athens and the rebuilding of Salonika after the Great Fire there in 1917. He was also responsible for the design of the Westfield Memorial village (on West Road, past the rail station) for wounded ex-servicemen from the 1st World War. The land for the village was provided by Thomas Storey as both men had sons in the 1st World War. As well as work for Kings, Dukes and other aristocrats in many countries Mawson is also planned many gardens in the Lake District.
12 – Sir Edward Frankland & Sir John Fleming
Sir Edward Frankland FRS 1825-1899, Chemist & Sir John Ambrose Fleming FRS 1849-1945, Physicist worshipped here in their youth. Sponsored by the Institute of Physics & the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Sir Edward Frankland attended Lancaster Grammar School (see 6 Hillside below) and was later apprenticed to a chemist in Cheapside. He discovered the theory of valence and the chemical bond and reformed the teaching of chemistry in schools by introducing laboratories.
13 – Laurence Binyon, Poet (*)
Laurence Binyon, Poet & Scholar, 1869-1943, was born at No. 1 High Street on 10th August 1869.
His most famous work “For the Fallen” is well known for being used in Remembrance Sunday Services.
14 – John Austin, Philosopher
john Langshaw Austin (1911-1960), a British philosopher of language and leading proponent of ordinary language philosophy, was best known for developing the theory of speech acts. His best known works were entitled ‘How to Do Things With Words’.
15 – Grammar School – original site
Indicates the original site of the Grammar School. 6 Hillside was built about 1820 and the derelict E shaped Tudor school house was knocked down in 1850. There can be seen, in the stone wall supporting the graveyard, the gap where there was a Nip or ginnel to access the School direct from the Church to which it was originally closely connected.
Sir Edward Frankland, went to school there each day from his mother’s Boarding House in Penny Street. He could remember watching a woman being hanged outside the Castle on his way the School. He also recounted how the sixth formers were allowed to lock the church yard gates and not let the Wedding party through until the Groom had paid them some money.
16 – Assembly Rooms
The Assembly Room was built in 1759. A Grade ll listed building which provided a venue for events to raise funds for the adjoining Penny’s Hospital Almshouses.
17 – Penny’s Hospital
Penny’s Hospital (Almshouses) built under the will of William Penny (1646-1720). Altered in the early 20th century and restored in 1974. William Penny occupied various positions in the Town Council and was three times Mayor of Lancaster.
In the early 20th century, King Street was widened and two almshouses were demolished and rebuilt next to the chapel. The chapel and the entrance gateway were listed on 18th February 1970.
18 – Former Pharmacy
Pestle & Mortar : a rare survivor of a trade sign once common identifying a pharmacist.
19 – Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens stayed here in 1857 & 1862. “They gave you bride cake every day after dinner”
20- Friends Meeting House (Quakers)
Friends’ Meeting House. Built 1708. Later enlarged. Quakers have worshipped on this site since 1677.
21 – Bonnie Prince Charlie – Proclaimed Regent
Bonnie Prince Charlie was proclaimed Regent by the Jacobite Army near here 24 November 1745
22 – Roman East Gate
Near this spot stood the East Gate of the Roman Fort
23 – Henry Gregson Memorial Institute
The Henry Gregson Memorial Institute completed in 1894 – “To serve the needs of the people” – is today known as ‘Gregson Arts and Community Centre’, built in memory of Henry Gregson MP and designed by Architects Paley & Austin
24 – Thomas Edmondson (*)
In a house on this site was born on the 30th June 1792 Thomas Edmonson inventor of the
Railway Ticket Dating Press & Printing Machinery (1837-40). Died in Manchester 22nd June 1851.
25 – Lancashire Witches (*)
In memory of the Lancashire Witches who were reputed to have taken their last drink here on their way to the gallows 20th August 1612…(11 names listed)… In memory of all those who suffered through prejudice and intolerance.
26 – Thomas Johnson (*)
1895 Erected by public subscription to record the name of Thomas Johnson, solicitor and to perpetuate the memory of his earnest and untiring labours for the welfare of the youth of Lancaster. Born 1818. Died 1892.
27 – Former Toy Shop (*)
The Rocking Horse: rare survivor of a trade sign once common, identifying a toy shop.
28 – Penny Street Station
Terminus of the Lancaster & Preston Junction Railway & Lancaster’s first station, 1840-46. it was replaced by Castle Street Station, but remained in use as a goods station until 1967. Designed by Edwin Gwyther, Birmingham, it is a Grade ll listed building
29 – Gillow Custom House
Former Custom House built 1764 to the designs of Richard Gillow.
The Customs House was built to regularise the trade of goods in and out of the Port. The façade of the building indicates it importance with its tall columns, each taken whole from a local quarry. As Richard Gillow was the owner of his own fleet he had something of a stake in it importance.
The visit to the Maritime Museum is free to Lancaster residents and it includes many interesting exhibits and a tea room.
30 – Grand Theatre
Grand Theatre built for the purpose by subscription 1782. It was completely rebuilt in 1908. Today the theatre remains in use as a result of continual restoration and is one of the key venues in the North West for amateur drama, music and dance.
31 – Edmund Sharpe
Architect, Engineer and Mayor. he lived in this house 1845-56. in 1835 he established an architectural practice in Lancaster, initially working on his own. in 1845 he entered into partnership with Edward Paley one of his pupils.
32 – Shakespeare Hotel
Known as “The Shakespeare” since the 18th century, this building has been a tavern, inn and hotel since the first official record of its existence in 1794. A Grade ll listed building.
33 – Joseph Locke – Civil Engineer
Joseph Locke (1805-60) was a notable English civil engineer of the 19th century. He was the engineer responsible for extending the railway line north of Lancaster to Carlisle, via Shap, the line had steep gradients and passed over Shap Fell, unlike the proposition set out by Stevenson to avoid the Lake District by going all the way round Morecambe Bay and West Cumberland.
34 Sr. Aine Cox – Founder of the local Hospice Movement
Sr. Aine Cox, – founder of the local hospice movement – the first Heritage Plaque in Lancaster to be dedicated to a woman.
When St John’s Hospice admitted its first patients in December 1985, the Hospice movement in the UK was was still new to many people. Sister Aine’s determination and pioneering spirit has now helped thousands of people in this area during one of the most difficult times anyone can face.
35 St George’ Works, St George’s Quay
36 Janet Raby and Beatrice Potter – The last Women Lighthouse Keepers in the UK
The last women Lighthouse Keepers in the UK lived at Cockersand lighthouse cottage and walked to Plover Scar lighthouse. Cockersand lighthouse has been demolished but the keeper’s cottage remains.
In 1948 Beatrice Parkinson made national news as the only female lighthouse keeper in Britain. She maintained the two lighthouses at the mouth of the Lune, half a mile apart at Cockersand and Plover Scar.
37 Jennie Harris – Legendary Footballer for Lancaster Ladies and Dick, Kerr Ladies
Footballer from 1917 and played up into the 1930s.
She joined Lancaster Ladies in 1917 and then became part of the world-famous Dick, Kerr Ladies football team.
Jennie was one of the most naturally gifted football players of her generation.
Often referred to as ‘little Jennie’ due to standing less than five feet tall, she was a prolific goal scorer, and her scoring partnership with Florrie Redford earned them the title of ‘Dick, Kerr’s Box of Tricks’.
The understanding between them was almost telepathic and they were each responsible for many famous victories.
38 Emily Williamson – The Lancaster Woman who saved a million birds
Born at Highfield, Quernmore Road, Lancaster she founded the Anti-plumage society which went on to become the RSPB.
Emily disapproved of the use of bird feathers in fashion, both due to the reduction of bird population and the cruelty of plume hunting.
In February 1889 she founded the the Anti-plumage society, a group of women who pledged not to wear feathers from most birds, which went on to become RSPB.
39 Lancaster & Morecambe Medical Book Club
Photos courtesy of Gordon Clark and David Morgan
Details of plaques and sites – Gordon Clark and Lancaster City Council
Published by Lancaster Civic Society ©2021