Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Lancaster Castle is a mediæval castle and former prison in Lancaster, Lancashire. The castle is owned by His Majesty the King, who is the Duke of Lancaster. Its early history is unclear, but it may have been founded in the 11th century on the site of a Roman fort overlooking a crossing of the River Lune. In 1164 the Honour of Lancaster, including the castle, came under royal control. In 1322 and 1389 the Scots invaded England, progressing as far as Lancaster and damaging the castle. It was not to see military action again until the English Civil War. The castle was first used as a prison in 1196, although this aspect became more important during the English Civil War. The Pendle Witches were imprisoned, tried and sentenced to death at Lancaster Castle in 1612. Until 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison and was also Europe’s longest-serving prison, after which the castle was returned to the Duchy's management and has seen major refurbishments. The Castle Courtyard opened to the public seven days a week in May 2013 and now has a cafe, and regular events now take place every month. The Lancashire Police Museum, housed within A Wing of the former prison, opened in June 2022. There is a large sweeping public piazza, allowing access to the cloistered area, renovated in 2019. It is within the council area of Lancaster (Lancashire).
Historic England Grade I Listed 1194905.

Place Type: Mediæval Castle
Historic County: Lancashire
Lat, Long: 54.049907,-2.8059378
Grid Reference: SD 4733 6185
Council Area: Lancaster CA (Lancashire CA)
Strategic Authority Area: Lancashire SA
Police Area: Lancashire PA

GBPN ID: 319667
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Lancaster_Castle,_Lancashire_319667

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