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

25 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.88
Fun
4.54
Expression
4.83
Quality
4.91
Route
4.95
Generic
5 stars
22
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
David 26 Nov 2023
Wilmslow

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Great knowledge and enthusiasm for the tour.
Gloria 23 Nov 2023
London

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Excellent tour. Full of knowledge.
Denise 12 Nov 2023
Lancaster

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Nov 2023
Lots of local history, which took us to places that become overlooked when walking around Lancaster without a guide. Very interesting despite the cold wet day.
Yvonne 12 Nov 2023
Heysham

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Those people that cancelled today, you missed a treat. Barrie went ahead in spite of the cancellations and the drizzle. He is informative and allowed each of us opportunity to ask questions and add our own contribution. We enjoyed a walk around the city and even managed to catch the remembrance Sunday parade. Come clothed for for the weather and you will get an insight into the history of the city.
Gail 31 Oct 2023
Preston

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Oct 2023
Very informative friendly tour with Barrie. Gave us lots of facts and history about the great town. Would definitely recommend 😊
Show 25 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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