Читать книгу The Lancashire Cycleway. The tour and 17 day rides онлайн

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The Castle we see today is built around a Norman keep, although its most distinctive feature is the 15th-century gatehouse. Although this is referred to locally as John O’Gaunt’s Gate it was actually built for his son, Henry IV, and it’s uncertain whether John O’Gaunt ever visited the town.

The Castle housed a prison for centuries, right up until 2011, and John O’Gaunt’s Gate finally opened to the public in 2013. Access remains limited: you can walk into the courtyard and visit the new café, and guided tours will take you further. Tour highlights include the Shire Hall, with hundreds of heraldic shields around the walls; the Crown Court; the original dungeons; and the Drop Room, where many condemned prisoners spent their last moments. Among famous trials which took place here were those of the supposed Pendle Witches, of whom more when we get to Pendle (Stage 7). Castle Hill also boasts many fine 18th-century houses, dating from the time when Lancaster was a major port.

Next door to the Castle is the Priory Church. The church is always open – although you can’t just wander round when there’s a service in progress – and it is exceptionally beautiful. The bulk of the building is 15th century. A particular treasure are the mediaeval wooden choir stalls.