Lancaster Castle

- c. 1093? (Original Castle possibly constructed)

The exact origins of Lancaster Castle remain unknown, though it is thought to date back to the 1090s when it was initially constructed of wood by Roger de Poitou on the site of a Roman fort. 

The original form of the castle has yet to be discovered. Some think it might have been a motte-and-bailey, as this fortification was commonly built during the early Norman period as a quick and effective way to establish control. However, there are no traces of a motte, leading others to conclude it was initially a ringwork. 

Regardless of design, Lancaster Castle played a crucial role in the region's defence at this time. Strategically located on a hilltop, the stronghold offered a vantage point overlooking the River Lune, providing defensive advantages, and acted as a base for Norman forces to maintain control over the local area and suppress any potential uprisings.

- Early 12th Century (Castle changes hands / Pipe Rolls begin / Castle fortified)

In 1102, Roger de Poitou fled England following his involvement in a failed rebellion against King Henry I, resulting in the confiscation of the Honour of Lancaster, including the castle. The ownership of the Honour changed hands multiple times, with Henry granting it to his nephew Stephen of Blois, who later became King. 

During the Anarchy, a civil war between Stephen and Empress Matilda, the area experienced turmoil. In 1141, Stephen allowed David I of Scotland to occupy the Honour, potentially leading to the castle's fortification. 

While the exact date is uncertain, the wooden castle was replaced with a stone keep known as the Lungess Tower, and it is speculated that the King of Scotland may have been involved.

The war ended in 1153, with the agreement that Henry Plantagenet, Matilda's son and later King Henry II, would succeed Stephen. As part of the agreement, the King of Scotland would relinquish the Honour of Lancaster to Stephen's son, William.

After William died in 1164, Henry II regained control of the Honour. Following the death of Henry II, the Honour passed to Richard the Lionheart, who bestowed it upon his brother, Prince John, to secure his loyalty.

The Pipe Rolls, which documented expenditures for royal castles, began in 1155 and revealed that King John invested over £630 in various projects at Lancaster Castle. This included the excavation of a protective ditch surrounding the south and west walls and the construction of what is now known as Adrian's Tower, which likely served as the King's lodgings.

-1195 (Origin of the lay magistracy)

Richard I commissioned knights as "Keepers of the Peace" to maintain order in unruly areas, marking the beginning of the lay magistracy. (The title "Justice of the Peace" came later, in 1361, during the reign of Edward III.) 

Throughout their history, lay magistrates took on various responsibilities, including administering the Poor Law, conducting marriage ceremonies, overseeing the construction of houses of correction, setting wages, and managing roads. 

-1196 (Castle first used as a prison) 

While some believe a prison has been at the castle since 1166, the first instance of the castle serving as such was recorded.  

-1243 / 1254 (Castle enhanced)

Following his predecessor's footsteps, Henry III continued to invest substantial sums in Lancaster Castle to enhance its defensive capabilities and fortify its overall structure. In 1243, he allocated £200 for renovations on the Gatehouse, a crucial defensive structure, and in 1254, an additional £250 was spent on the creation of a stone curtain wall. 

-1265 (Duchy of Lancaster established)

The Duchy of Lancaster was established when the Lancaster inheritance was created following the Barons' War.

-14th Century (Castle expanded / John of Gaunt's influence)

One of the significant roles of Lancaster Castle was as a stronghold for the English monarchy. It became a favoured residence of the monarchs in the 14th century, particularly under King Edward III and his son, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. It was John who, in the 14th century, made extensive renovations and improvements to the castle, including the Gatehouse, now known as the John O-Gaunt Gateway. 

John is also responsible for constructing the stone Keep, reinforcing the curtain walls, and enclosing the inner ward. 

Additionally, towers of varied shapes and sizes were strategically positioned along the curtain walls, enhancing the castle's defensive capabilities. This included the Well Tower, primarily used to house two wells, providing a crucial water source for the castle during medieval times. 

The Great Hall also underwent construction around this time and served as a communal space for dining, meetings, and other activities. (Notably, this structure was replaced by a newer structure in the 18th century.)

This period also witnessed the construction of residential quarters within the castle's inner ward that provided accommodations for the castle's lord, his family, and essential members of the garrison. 

-1399 (Duchy of Lancaster decreed by Royal Charter)

Henry IV issued a Royal Charter that declared the Duchy of Lancaster as a distinct entity, separate from all other Crown possessions, to be passed down through the monarchy.

This tradition endures to the present day. The reigning monarch always holds the title of Duke of Lancaster, giving rise to the famous Lancastrian toast, "The King, Duke of Lancaster!" Notably, the title of Duke is retained by both kings and queens.

-1584-1646 (Catholic Martyrs executed)

Fifteen Catholics were executed in Lancaster for their faith. During this period, it was illegal to convert to Catholicism, practice or attend Mass, or aid priests in any way. English Catholics were viewed as a potential threat due to divided loyalties between the Crown and the Pope. 

(Eventually, the Catholic Church recognized their sacrifice through beatifications and canonizations by different popes.)

-1585 (Keep rebuilt / 16th-century renovations)

The upper storey of the Keep was rebuilt during the reign of Elizabeth I in 1585. While the addition altered the original appearance of the tower, it enhanced its livability and provided improved accommodations.

However, the Keep was not the only alteration made around this time. Lancaster Castle experienced substantial architectural transformations during the 16th century, embracing the prevailing styles of the era, especially the Tudor period. Notably, the 14th-century Gatehouse underwent renovations and was enhanced with architectural elements of the Renaissance style. 

The castle's interior was also modified to accommodate changing needs, with new rooms and chambers created, reflecting the evolving functions of the castle.

-1612 (The trials and executions of the Pendle Witches)

At this time, there was an intense fear and superstition surrounding witchcraft. Twenty people were accused of witchcraft, primarily from two rival families. Accusations stemmed from allegations of various witchcraft-related activities, including casting spells, causing harm to others, and practising black magic.

The accused faced a biased legal system that often relied on testimonies from witnesses who may have been motivated by personal vendettas or political agendas. As such, the evidence against the alleged witches included claims of supernatural powers, confessions obtained under duress, and testimonies from supposed victims of their alleged witchcraft.

Ten of the accused were found guilty and sentenced to death, while others faced imprisonment. The executions took place the following day on Gallows Hill. 

-1643 - 1649 (Castle slighted)

In February 1643, during the English Civil War, Parliamentary forces successfully captured the castle, only to face a siege by Royalist troops the following month. The Parliamentarians retained control over the castle throughout the Civil War.

However, in 1649, the Parliamentarians partially slighted the castle, leaving only the administrative offices and prison intact.

-1776 (Prison conditions observed and reform begins)

The castle underwent significant renovations in the late 18th century, transforming it into a court and prison. Prison reformer John Howard visited Lancaster and observed the conditions in the prison. His efforts to bring about change resulted in prisoners in gaols across the country being separated by gender and the category of their crime. 

Sanitation improvements were also made, as gaol fever (typhus) claimed more lives than hangings during the 18th century. 

-1788 (The Debtors' Prison created)

Built as part of an extensive modernization initiative for Lancaster Castle, this quickly gained renown as the largest Debtors' Prison outside London. Within its walls, conditions were remarkably favourable, earning it the nickname "Hansbrow's Hotel" after its governor, James Hansbrow. 

Prisoners enjoyed unexpected freedom, ultimately creating a unique community. Ironically, those who could afford to pay their debts often found greater comfort within the Debtors' Prison than in the outside world.

-1795 (The Old Assize Court established / branding iron used)

Designed by Thomas Harrison, a new Crown Court was built, and Lancaster Castle served as the sole Assize (criminal court sessions) court for the county until 1835, witnessing numerous defendants, many facing life-threatening trials. 

An intriguing artefact from that era is the branding iron in the dock. This device immobilized the hand and fingers while a red-hot iron marked with the letter "M" was pressed onto the thumb, branding the individual as a "malefactor" or wrongdoer. Last used in 1811, the gaoler would display the hand to the judge, confirming a clear mark. It became a rule for prisoners to raise their hand, revealing the brand and indicating previous offences before trial.

-1796 (The Male Felons Prison built)

Also designed by Thomas Harrison, the prison was one of two towers built to separate felons based on the seriousness of their crimes. The five-story tower featured canted fronts and Gothic windows. The prisoners were housed in separate cells to limit interaction and prevent collaboration. The design aimed to control and discipline the inmates while curbing the perceived spread of criminal behaviour. 

-1798 (Shire Hall and Crown Court constructed)

The medieval hall was demolished to make way for new buildings housing the Crown Court and Shire Hall, which were constructed by this time. The funding for the project faced challenges due to the war with France, delaying the completion of the interiors of the Shire Hall and Crown Court until 1802.

-1819 (The King's Evidence Tower constructed)

Designed by Joseph Gandy, The King's Evidence Tower served as a dedicated facility to accommodate and safeguard male prisoners who had chosen to become "King's evidence." These individuals, often granted freedom in exchange for testimony against their former accomplices, played a crucial role in court proceedings, aiding the prosecution in their pursuit of justice. 

The tower was purposefully designed to meet the specific needs of these prisoners and ensure their protection within the castle's premises.

-1820s (Treadmills installed / Clock tower built)

Two tread wheels were installed in 1822. A unique feature of Lancaster Castle, the treadwheel served two purposes: powering calico looms and drawing water from the well. 

Unlike most prisons of the time, Lancaster utilized this energy effectively. Prisoners sentenced to hard labour would spend 10 hours a day during summer maintaining a pace of 96 steps per minute on the treadwheel. They were given five-minute breaks every twenty minutes, with four prisoners assigned to three spaces on the wheel, allowing rotation for rest. 

The turnkey in charge would issue orders during the five-minute intervals, enforcing strict silence and partitioning the wheel spaces to prevent communication between prisoners.

In addition, the clock tower was first built around this time, with the original bronze bell (weighing around 250 kilograms) dating back to 1823. Notably, prison designs often included visible clocks that symbolized the passage of time and the regimented routine of prison life, emphasizing the structured nature of prison existence and the monotonous nature of "doing time."

-1835 (Service as Assize ends)

Significant changes occurred, marking the end of Lancaster Castle's exclusive role as the Assize court for the county. The legal system underwent reforms, leading to a shift in how trials were conducted and where they took place.

-1865 (Final public execution)

On March 25th, the last public execution at Lancaster was that of Stephen Burke, who was hanged for the murder of his wife. 

-1868 (Topping Yard becomes Execution Yard)

Following the transition of executions from public to private events, the Topping Yard (which served as a burial site since approximately 1832 and was designated as non-consecrated ground) became the designated area for all executions, leading to its nickname, the Execution Yard. It contained the original topping shed, where the gallows stood until the abolition of the death penalty in 1965.

-1869 (Debtors' Prison abolished and transformed)

Debtors' Prisons were abolished with the Bankruptcy Act, ending Lancaster Castle's role. The Act redefined the approach to debt-related imprisonment, reserving it for those deliberately evading debt repayment despite having the means to do so. 

Lancaster Castle transformed its facilities to house prisoners, offering dormitory accommodation and incorporating a prison laundry on the ground floor.

-1931 - 1937 (Police training)

The county council utilized Lancaster Castle for police officer training.

-1954 - 1955 (Category C prison opened)

The castle was leased to the Home Office and designated as a prison again. 

HM Prison Lancaster officially opened the following year as a Category C prison for male inmates and continued to serve as a venue for the Crown Court. 

-1972 (Last Assizes held)

The last Assizes were held at Lancaster in 1972. Due to its proximity, the castle was frequently used for high-security trials since the court and the prison were within its walls. 

-2010 (Category C prison closed)

The Ministry of Justice announced the closure of the Category C prison for male inmates, citing outdated facilities and high costs. The closure was confirmed for March of the following year.

-2012 (HMP Lancaster Castle decommissioned, Witches Walk established)

The Ministry of Justice decommissioned HMP Lancaster Castle, returning the Castle to the Duchy of Lancaster. 

At this time, the new key objectives included significant refurbishment to preserve and restore the fabric of the buildings as well as keeping the Castle open and available to the public.  

In addition, the Lancashire Witches Walk, also known as the Pendle Witches Walk, was established to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials and provide visitors with a scenic trail through the areas associated with the witchcraft trials. 

-2013 (Castle opened to the public)

Through a collaboration with heritage stakeholders, the local authority, and the wider community, the Castle Courtyard opened to the public, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the castle's fascinating heritage and gain a deeper understanding of its significance in the region's history. 

-2015 (Clocktower repaired)

The Duchy of Lancaster refurbished the clocktower, with the gilded face restored, the cracked bell repaired, and the oak timber structure housing rebuilt. The lead roof was also replaced using traditional materials. 

In October, the clock bell began tolling once more for the first time in over a generation. 

-2019 (Continued refurbishment)

This phase of the refurbishment opened up the former prison kitchen yard. It included the creation of the Lancaster University Suite, a unique seminar room for up to 60 people, catering to students and faculty and hosting select public events, as well as a leased section of the old kitchen to J. Atkinson & Co., a local coffee roaster and tea merchant established in 1837, which now operates a café within the castle.

-2022 (RIBA North West Award and RIBA North West Conservation Award)

Lancaster received awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for its sensitive restoration and reuse.  

In addition to the teaching facilities and stylish café, the renovated space now includes exhibition spaces, a coffee shop, artistic/retail space, and offices. Notably, future phases and collaborations hold further potential for this ongoing project.