Virtual Lancaster

A post-war image of Market Street leading to Market Square circa 1946. The centre of the square is still accessible to cars. The Square was pedestrianised in the 1970s

Lancashire’s Museum Service has given us a sneak peek at the fascinating photographs of Lancaster’s Market Square, which will be on display in Lancaster Library from Saturday 24th May as part of an ongoing display.

The exhibition launches just as the Square is about to undergo changes to its looks as part of the ambitious “Square Roots” project that has come about through local government and business partnership, backed in part by European Union funding.

We’ve been given permission to publish a few of the photographs that feature in the exhibition, backed by the Friends of Lancaster Library, here.

The corner of  Lancaster Market Square, circa 1870’s. The derelict building was demolished and is now Greggs Bakery. The building on the right was being used as the Gas Company office and the Blue Anchor pub. Joseph Crook was landlord of the pub from 1864-1872 which may explain the signage. The pub became the 1725 restaurant in 2007.

The visit by the Duke and Duchess of York to the city, to open the Lancaster Infirmary on 24th March 1896. The building in the centre of the picture was the Fire and Police Station which was demolished and rebuilt as the public library in 1932.

Market Square was traditionally used as a meeting place for celebrations and significant events. This is the Ox Roast in Market Square on Coronation Day, 9th August 1902.

The Wesleyan Sunday School Centenary, 1906

The exhibition coincides with ‘Lancaster Unlocked’, a city-wide event celebrating Lancaster’s history. 

Anyone who has photographs that would be suitable for the exhibition is welcome to contact the library or the Friends of Lancaster Library. 

Lancaster City Museum also has a display about the history of the Old Town Hall, now the museum. Staff are keen to hear people’s memories or see their photographs. 

Lancaster Library is part of Lancashire County Council’s library service. 

• For more information, call 0300 123 6703 or email lancaster.library@lancashire.gov.uk. Alternatively visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

• For more information on the Friends of Lancaster Library visit: www.friendsoflancasterlibrary.org.uk