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Tour of Lancaster - Executions, slavery, industry

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Barrie
Registered on August 03, 2022

I'm Barrie - I've lived in Lancaster for five years. Originally from London I'm well travelled and lived in SE Asia for a number of years. Now I've grown to be fascinated by the history of Lancaster - my adopted home. It has a tremendous past which I'd like to share with you. An ancient castle, a special national anthem, a prison which was second only to the Tower of London in executions, religious persecutions, slavery and industry - I'll show you the different sides of the City.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

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

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Lancaster Crown Court Shire Hall Cast...
    Lancaster Crown Court Shire Hall Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YJ, UK
    View on map

    On Castle Hill on the slope leading to the main gate of Lancaster Castle. Look out for the BLUE umbrella. Reserve if you are going to come. This tour has limited places! When booking, put a phone number with Whatsapp to be able to send you the location in real time in case of late arrival.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Lancaster Castle

    Meet on the slope leading to the main entrance

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Lancaster Priory Church of Saint Mary

    Norman Benedictine Priory

  • 3
    Outside visit
    St George's Quay

    From slavery to an industrial powerhouse

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Church Street

    What happened when a Pretender visited Lancaster?

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Market Street

    Who or what lost a shoe?

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Dalton Square

    Gruesome murders and an 1837 payment bonanza

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Lancaster Canal

    The Black and White waterway

  • 8
    Outside visit
    King Street

    18th century almshouse philanthropy

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

35 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.91
Fun
4.59
Expression
4.85
Quality
4.94
Route
4.97
Generic
5 stars
32
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Katie 24 Apr 2024
Penrith

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
A really informative tour with Barrie. He is very passionate about the history of Lancaster and was able to bring story telling to the tour to make it really engaging. We learnt so much and got a really good glimpse into the history of the area - thanks Barrie, we really enjoyed the tour!
Catherine 13 Apr 2024
Preston

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Very enjoyable tour today with Barrie. Although we live locally we had never visited some of the places and didn't even know that some existed! Very knowledgeable guide and the stories brought things to life.Highly recommended.
Miguel 30 Mar 2024
Manchester

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
Awesome tour. Lots of interesting information and very well organised. A must if you plan to visit Lancaster!
John 20 Mar 2024
Darlington

Verified booking
Travelled in family - Mar 2024
Barrie was a very informative guide and obviously very passionate about the city of Lancaster. He was patient with our toddler, and imparted many interesting facts and anecdotes.
Ritwik 05 Mar 2024
Lancaster

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
Great tour with a fabulous story teller!
Show 35 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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