Lancaster History and Forensic Mystery Tour

With a history going back to the Romans, an ancient castle, its own special national anthem, a connection to the slave trade, and the first gruesome murder solved by forensics, Lancaster has a lot to offer.
We'll begin at Lancaster Castle. We'll learn about the trials of the Pendle Witches and prominent Quakers. We'll understand how Lancaster became so prosperous through the slave trade in the 18th century. We'll become acquainted with Lancaster's Black and White Canal. We'll understand how the first use of forensic science solved a murder committed in the centre of Lancaster.

We'll visit:

Lancaster Castle
The Priory
The Quayside
Almshouses
Prosperous houses associated with the slave trade
Other notable buildings of architects and industrialists
Lancaster Canal
The doctor's house that became a crime scene

Meeting Point

Castle Approach

Castle Approach, Lancaster LA1 1YN, UK

In front of the Castle front gate on the steep slope - guide will be carrying a red umbrella

What's included:

• Guided walk

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Lancaster Castle

Castle Parade, , Lancaster, LA1 1YJ

An ancient castle - but what else? Learn about the Castle's place in history - its famous and not so famous prisoners, trials and executions.

20 minutes

Saint George's Quay

St George's Quay, Lancaster LA1, UK

An eighteenth century harbour on the River Lune, its connections to the international slave trade, and characters connected with this area.

15 minutes

Judges' Lodgings

Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1YS

The oldest house in Lancaster. Who it was owned by and its link to witchcraft.

10 minutes

Church Street

Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LH

A prince goes missing. Some stories about a potential king of England.

10 minutes

Market Street

Market St, Lancaster LA1, UK

A prince raises the banner and another loses a shoe. Stories about two Royal prices - 300 years apart.

10 minutes

Dalton Square

19 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PL

A murder and a government bonus. Learn about the first murder solved by forensic science and the bonus paid to slave owners.

10 minutes

Lancaster Canal

Lancaster

The White Cross Mill and the Lancaster Canal. Learn about the Storey Brothers and the heyday of this coastal canal.

10 minutes

Penny's Almshouses

King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH

A look at an almshouse - still functioning today. Who founded it and how it was financed.

10 minutes

The Storey

Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

An educational institute founded by donations - which became the forerunner of the university tradition in the City.

10 minutes