Explore the hidden secrets of Lancaster Town Hall

A new series of public tours will provide visitors with a glimpse into the secrets of Lancaster’s Edwardian Town Hall.

A new series of public tours will provide visitors with a glimpse into the secrets of Lancaster’s Edwardian Town Hall.

Wednesday July 20 sees the start of a summer season of tours, providing the opportunity to explore parts of the building which are normally out of bounds to the public.

From the Mayor's official parlour and impressive Ashton Hall to the old court room where Buck Ruxton appeared as well as the old police cells, the tour is a must-do for all Lancastrians and everyone interested in architecture, fine furniture and local history.  

The tour includes a comprehensive and illuminating talk on the building, full of anecdotes, from its conception to its current day uses.

All tours start at 2pm and take place on the following dates: Wed 20 July, Thurs 28 July, Fri 5 Aug, Thurs 11 Aug, Fri 19 Aug and Wed 24 Aug. 

Admission on the door is £3 (accompanied children under 16 go free) and can be pre-booked online or with Lancaster Visitor Information Centre by calling 01524 582394. 

For group bookings and general enquiries including accessibility of tours, contact Lancaster Visitor Information Centre.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 per tour so pre-booking is advisable.

Commenting on this year's tours, the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Robert Redfern, said:  "It is always a pleasure to be able to show off this magnificent town hall which is steeped in history and has something of interest for everyone. By opening up the building for these tours we’re giving the whole community the opportunity to see what’s behind the scenes and areas that they may not even know exist.”

Included in this exploration of this fine Edwardian Grade II* listed building will be:

•    The imposing Council Chamber with the grand Mayor’s chair.

•    The Mayor’s Parlour with the fine collection of civic silver and Gillow furniture and the magnificent centrifugal table. The newest addition is the Olympic Torch from the London 2012 Games.

•    The majestic Ashton Hall with its grand concert organ and the fine display of heraldic art on the ceiling.

•    The former Magistrate’s Court Room complete with all the original furniture.  From the prisoner’s dock visitors will be “sent down” to view the atmospheric subterranean police cells, which in 1935 held Lancaster’s notorious double murderer, Dr Buck Ruxton.

Last updated: 27 June 2016