Walking tour of Lancaster – Execution Slavery Industry

Discover Lancaster’s lesser-known history on this 3-hour walking tour priced at $20.70 per person. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour takes you through Lancaster Castle, Saint George’s Quay, and other historic sites, revealing stories of execution, kidnap, and the city’s ties to the slavery trade. The tour departs from Castle Approach, and most bookings are made 19 days in advance. With a small group capped at 20 participants, the experience offers an intimate, engaging look at Lancaster’s darker past.

This tour suits those with a keen interest in history, especially in stories often overlooked in standard guides. While it covers a wide array of topics, including some darker aspects of Lancaster’s development, it remains accessible and highly praised for its expert guide and well-curated stops. A mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, and the easy walking pace ensures comfort for most.

Key Points

• Duration: approximately 3 hours of walking around Lancaster
• Cost: $20.70 per person, with most bookings made 19 days in advance
• Highlights: Lancaster Castle, Saint George’s Quay, Judges’ Lodgings, Dalton Square, Lancaster Canal, Penny’s Almshouses, and The Storey
• Focus: stories of execution, slavery, and local legends
• Group size: up to 20 guests for a personalized experience
• Meeting point: Castle Approach, easy to find in Lancaster

Lancaster Castle: The Heart of the Dark Past

Lancaster Castle serves as the tour’s first stop and the most iconic site. This ancient fortress has hosted prisoners, conducted trials, and carried out executions for centuries. Visitors learn about its famous and lesser-known prisoners, gaining insight into Lancaster’s judicial history. The admission is free, and the guide shares stories that bring the castle’s turbulent past to life, making it a compelling starting point for the tour.

The castle’s historical significance extends beyond its walls; it reflects Lancaster’s role in law, punishment, and social change. The 20-minute visit offers a deep dive into its storied past, setting the tone for the darker themes explored later in the tour.

Saint George’s Quay: The 18th-Century Harbour and Slave Trade Links

A key highlight is Saint George’s Quay, an 18th-century harbour on the River Lune. This site reveals Lancaster’s connection to the international slave trade and the characters involved in this dark chapter. The 15-minute stop emphasizes the port’s importance during Lancaster’s coastal trading days, and the stories told include details about characters linked to the trade.

This stop offers a visual context for Lancaster’s maritime history and its economic ties to greedy industries of the past. Visitors gain a better understanding of how the city’s prosperity was intertwined with colonial exploitation.

Judges’ Lodgings: The Oldest House with a Witchcraft Connection

The Judges’ Lodgings is the oldest surviving house in Lancaster. The guide explains its ownership history and its links to witchcraft accusations, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue. This 10-minute stop is perfect for those interested in local architecture and stories of superstition.

The building’s timeless charm and fascinating history make it a memorable part of the tour. It illustrates how judicial and superstitious practices once shaped the city’s social fabric.

Church Street: Stories of a Missing Prince and Royal Rumors

Church Street features tales of a prince who goes missing, along with stories hinting at a potential king of England. This 10-minute stop engages visitors with royal legends and mysterious disappearances that swirl around Lancaster’s history.

The story about a missing prince adds an element of royal intrigue, making it a favorite among history enthusiasts. The guide’s storytelling brings these legends vividly to life.

Market Street: Royal Tales Across Three Centuries

Market Street is the site of stirring stories involving two royal princes—one raising a banner, the other losing a shoe—spanning 300 years of history. The 10-minute stop highlights Lancaster’s royal connections and local legends.

These stories provide a lighter contrast to the darker themes but also deepen understanding of Lancaster’s royal ties. The guide’s anecdotes make these historical moments feel immediate.

Dalton Square: A Murder and Forensic Breakthrough

At Dalton Square, the tour covers a famous murder and the first case solved by forensic science. Plus, the story about a government bonus paid to slave owners underscores Lancaster’s involvement in greedy industries. This 10-minute stop combines mystery, science, and social critique.

Visitors can appreciate how advancements in forensic science changed policing, and how economic greed persisted in different forms through history.

Lancaster Canal and White Cross Mill: The Trade and Industry

Next, the Lancaster Canal and White Cross Mill reveal Lancaster’s coastal trade and industrial prosperity. The 10-minute stop discusses the Storey Brothers and the peak of canal transportation.

This section highlights Lancaster’s economic growth during the heyday of canal trade, showcasing the city’s transformation and industrial heritage. It paints a picture of Lancaster as a regional hub, vital for transport and commerce.

Penny’s Almshouses: Charity and Community Foundations

The Penny’s Almshouses are still functioning today, providing charitable housing. The guide explains who founded this institution and how it was financed, offering insights into Lancaster’s social history and community support.

This stop emphasizes philanthropy’s role in Lancaster’s development, contrasting with the darker stories of greed and crime explored elsewhere.

The Storey: Education and the Roots of Local Universities

Finally, The Storey building symbolizes Lancaster’s educational tradition. Originally founded through donations, it became a precursor to the university in the city. The 10-minute stop reflects Lancaster’s ongoing commitment to learning and community development.

This site rounds out the tour by showing a positive legacy stemming from the city’s complex history.

Logistics and Group Experience

The tour begins at Castle Approach, a central and easily recognizable location. It concludes back at the starting point, ensuring convenience for participants. The small group size—up to 20 guests—allows for personalized interaction and ample opportunity to ask questions.

The walking pace is described as gentle, making it accessible for most people. The tour is also near public transportation, simplifying access. The mobile ticket system streamlines the booking process, and most travelers can participate comfortably.

The Guide: Barrie’s Engaging Narration

Feedback highlights Barrie’s expertise and engaging storytelling style. Reviewers praise his depth of knowledge, entertaining delivery, and his ability to bring Lancaster’s history vividly to life. Many note that Barrie’s interesting anecdotes and well-researched details significantly enhance the experience.

A few mention that Barrie’s passion for Lancaster’s history makes the stories captivating, and his patience encourages questions and discussion.

Who Should Book This Tour

This Lancaster walking tour appeals to history enthusiasts, local residents, and travelers passing through the city. It offers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of Lancaster’s darkest stories and notable landmarks. The $20.70 price point is considered excellent value, especially given the three-hour duration and expert narration.

However, individuals with mobility issues should note the gentle walking and the outdoor stops. The dark themes and murder stories may not suit those seeking light-hearted sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Lancaster Dark Past Tour

This walking tour of Lancaster presents a fascinating, well-structured journey through the city’s less-glamorous history. The stops are carefully chosen to tell stories of justice, greed, and power, with Lancaster Castle and Saint George’s Quay among the highlights.

The expert guide Barrie ensures the experience is engaging and informative, making it ideal for history buffs and curious visitors alike. The small group size and easy pace make it both comfortable and personal. At $20.70, it offers great value for a deep, storytelling-driven exploration of Lancaster’s dark side.

For those seeking a thought-provoking, educational stroll with authentic local insights, this tour stands out as a strong choice in Lancaster’s sightseeing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the walking tour of Lancaster?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering multiple historical sites across the city.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Castle Approach, a central location easy to find in Lancaster.

What is the cost of the tour?
The standard price is $20.70 per person.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the gentle pace makes it accessible. However, the dark historical themes may not be suitable for very young children.

What are the stops included in the tour?
Stops include Lancaster Castle, Saint George’s Quay, Judges’ Lodgings, Church Street, Market Street, Dalton Square, Lancaster Canal, Penny’s Almshouses, and The Storey.

Is there any chance the tour will be canceled?
Yes, cancellations are possible due to poor weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met. Full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Most bookings are made 19 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on demand and group size.

Are tickets refundable?
Yes, tickets are fully refundable if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transit options in Lancaster.