Lancaster Castle, with its more than 1000 years of history, is an imposing and typically mediaeval structure. It served as a prison for nearly 1000 years until 2011, and it is still open to the public.
In this strategic location, even the ancient Romans built a fort to defend against the people who lived in Scotland. It is located on a hill overlooking the city of Lancaster and the River Lune, and it was important to defend against them.
Lancaster Castle’s illustrious history
Even though we do not know exactly when the Normans built the first castle, apparently the construction began around the year 1100, although there is no archaeological evidence to support this theory.
Historically, the castle has a long and illustrious history. It was the castle of Richard the Lionheart, who later passed it on to his famous brother Giovanni, and it was also where the sheriff of Lancashire resided.
When Henry, Duke of Lancaster, succeeded to the throne of England in 1399 under the name of Henry VI, Lancaster was not particularly significant. However, once the castle was fortified and became the king’s castle, Lancaster also became important.
Lancaster Castle has served as a prison for more than 1000 years
Lancaster Castle was the detention centre for Catholic priests imprisoned by Elizabeth I, the alleged witches of the Pendle Witch Trail from 1612 to 1660, and English Civil War prisoners from 1643 to 1660, when King Charles II reclaimed the throne. Lancaster Castle is in the county of Lancashire.
The keep, which stands twenty metres high and dates back to 1200, and the main gate, which stands twenty metres high and dates back to John of Gaunt. He was a famous member of the Plantagenet family, Duke of Lancaster and founder of the house of Lancaster, who went to war with the York branch during the famous War of the Roses.
Lancaster Castle is the property of the Duke of Lancaster, who is currently the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom (not Duchess, the monarch is always the Duke of Lancaster regardless of the gender of the monarch).
Founded in 1399 by John of Gaunt to provide additional income to the monarch, the duchy now owns lands, castles, and shares and investments, in addition to other sources of income for the royal family. Since then, this practise has continued.
How to Get to and From Lancaster Castle
You can go on a tour of the castle and wander around the courtyards, but if you want to go inside, you must sign up for one of the many 75-minute guided tours that are available. More information on how to visit the castle, which is open daily, can be found on this page. If you are passing through Lancaster, you must stop and see it; it is located at the top of a hill and dominates the surrounding landscape.
Watch the video below for an overview of the castle from the top, and then tell us what you think!
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