Houses & Homes

Love, witchcraft, war and death: if walls could speak, how much more might we learn about our history? Whether you are interested in design, architecture, interiors, or social history, explore the homes of some of the people who helped to shape modern Lancashire.

From town houses to manor houses to castles, explore the homes of some of historic Lancashire's most important residents. See stunning architecture and interiors, beautifully landscaped settings and discover the true and sometimes gruesome stories behind the powerful people who lived there and also those who worked there.

Gawthorpe Hall

Home to the Shuttleworth family for many hundreds of years, Gawthorpe Hall is a grand Elizabethan house set in the heart of East Lancashire. Let us take you back in time to discover more about the people who lived and worked above and below stairs.

• Fabulous Elizabethan house
• Extravagant Jacobean interiors with rich carvings and plasterwork restored in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry, Architect of the Houses of Parliament
• Nationally famous Rachel Kay Shuttleworth textile collection
• Wonderful collection of 17th century portraits, some of which are on loan from the National Portrait Gallery
• Extensive woodland grounds and riverside setting.

More information about Gawthorpe Hall

Judges' Lodgings

Explore Lancaster's oldest town house. This Grade I listed building was home to Judges visiting the Assize Court at Lancaster Castle. Discover fascinating and dark stories behind the people who lived here including notorious witch hunter Thomas Covell.

• Fantastic 17th century architecture
• Elegant Regency period rooms
• Discover the story of the Gillow furniture makers and see the nationally important collection of furniture displayed.
• See the Langshaw barrel organ and a fine collection of porcelain, silver and paintings
• Take a trip through childhood from the 18th century to the present day with our enchanting childhood collection of toys and games
• Convenient town centre location close to Lancaster's other main attractions.

More information about Judges' Lodgings

Lancaster Castle

Built on a site first inhabited by the Romans, Lancaster Castle itself dates back 1000 years. Also a working court and prison the castle has been home to monarchs and criminals. Its history is surrounded by stories of majesty, treason, witches, law and death. From the Grand Jury Room where Queen Victoria dined, to the chilling dungeons, uncover the amazing stories behind the people who lived and died here.

• One of England's best preserved castles built around a stone keep dating from 1150
• Magnificent, highly decorative interiors designed by renowned architect Thomas Harrison and Joseph Gandy
• See the dungeons and 'Drop room' where the condemned were led to the gallows
• Fine collection of Gillow furniture including a throne-like chair made for Queen Victoria
• Famous heraldry display spanning 800 years of history
• Crown Court where hundreds of convicts were sentenced to transportation to Australia.

More information about Lancaster Castle