Lancaster is a vibrant city brimming with hidden gems, captivating stories, and a rich history that students can dive into. Whether you’re considering Lancaster as your next home, have just chosen it, or have been studying at the university for years, you might still uncover surprises about this remarkable city. Here’s a collection of intriguing tidbits about Lancaster that every student should know!
Do you Know How Lancaster Got Its Name?
Lancaster was first recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086 as Loncastre. ‘Lon’ refers to the River Lune, that lovely river that flows beneath the blue Millennium Bridge, and ‘castre’ to both the Old English word cæster and the Latin castrum, which means ‘fort’ in reference to the Roman fort that stood where Lancaster Castle now resides. So, loosely, the name Lancaster means river fort. As a town that was built around the strategic location of its castle we think that’s a very apt name indeed!
They Hung Witches At Williamson Park
For many students living in Lancaster, Williamson Park is a beloved local gem. It’s a great spot to go for a run, enjoy leisurely walks, or partake in vibrant festivals like Highest Point and The Dukes’ outdoor theatre productions. The park offers stunning views and a sense of community, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled within this beautiful setting is the Ashton Memorial, a striking building that was constructed in honour of Lord Ashton’s wife. While many visitors appreciate its architectural beauty and romantic backstory, there’s more to this hill than meets the eye.
What you might not know is that this seemingly idyllic spot has a dark history; prior to the 1800s, Gallows Hill, where the memorial stands, was the site of executions in Lancashire. It was here that nine out of the ten Pendle witches were hanged in 1612, with the tenth meeting her fate in York. The same hill that offers clear views over Morecambe Bay once echoed with the sombre sounds of so called justice and punishment. It’s a stark reminder of the human stories woven into the fabric of this picturesque park.
A Haunted City
Lancaster‘s rich history is intertwined with eerie tales of the supernatural, making it a hotspot for ghost enthusiasts. Beyond the usual haunted pubs, there are even darker corners of the city that intrigue paranormal investigators.
One such location is Ridge Lea Hospital, part of the former Lancaster Moor Hospital complex, where one of the buildings has now been renovated and turned into houses and flats (pictured above). Originally opened in 1816 as the Lancaster County Lunatic Asylum, it was renowned for pioneering humane treatment for mental illness. This abandoned mental asylum, which closed in 2013, has become a magnet for urban explorers and ghost hunters due to its chilling atmosphere and derelict state.
Lancaster Castle itself remains one of the city’s most haunted landmarks. With over 200 executions on-site and connections to the infamous Pendle Witch Trials, visitors frequently report chilling experiences such as whispers, footsteps, and even being pushed by unseen forces. Paranormal groups have captured shadowy figures on CCTV and witnessed blue orbs in the Well Tower, where the Pendle witches were imprisoned.
Coldest Ever Recorded Temperature
Lancaster University holds the record for creating a cutting-edge low-temperature laboratory, where they have reached temperatures as low as 0.001 Kelvin, which is an astonishing -274.149 °C!
In 1984, they broke the low-temperature record. Then, in 1993, they achieved an astounding temperature of 7 microkelvin, which translates to 0.000007 Kelvin or -273.149 °C, by cooling a small piece of copper. It’s important to note that these extremely low temperatures are created under laboratory conditions and do not naturally occur. The coldest natural temperature in the universe is about 2.7 Kelvin (-270.45°C), represented by the cosmic microwave background radiation left over from the Big Bang.
The Monarch is Our Duke
Whoever the reigning monarch is also holds the title of Duke of Lancaster. The Duchy of Lancaster has been a continuous title of the reigning English monarch since 1413, with the first monarch to hold the title being King Henry IV. Before the current monarch, King Charles III, the last person to hold the title of Duke of Lancaster was Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest-reigning monarch in history. This title signifies both nobility and provides income for the monarchy, continuing to play an important role in the royal lineage.
The Wrong One Way
Rumour has it that Lancaster’s infamous one-way system was destined to go the other way. But alas, our esteemed buses could not make the climb up the hill beside the bus station and so it was decided that they would have a much easier time zooming down that very same hill in an alarming manner instead. It was probably the 2A that failed to arrive up the hill in a timely manner; it’s always the 2A.
Birthplace of Dinosaurs
Ever wondered where Lancaster’s Wetherspoons got its name? Born in Lancaster in 1804, Richard Owen was one of six children who went on to become an outstanding naturalist with an astonishing gift for interpreting fossils. He left the world with an array of scientific work and knowledge, but he is undoubtedly remembered most for coining the term Dinosauria, meaning ‘terrible reptile.’
Owen was also fiercely opposed to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, or more specifically; he thought that it was much more complicated than Darwin had considered. He can be said to have anticipated some of the issues that have occurred in the study of evolution in the past two centuries. His contribution to science, controversies notwithstanding, was enormous, and he’s one of the most passionate scientists Lancaster has ever produced!
Why Not Explore Lancaster More?
We’d love to hear any of the fun things you have found out about Lancaster. If you are interested in gaining accommodation in this fascinating city and would like to book a room, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today for more information. We have a variety of student accommodation in Lancaster, so don’t hesitate to give us a call and get your room sorted today.
