LANCASTER 2

 'ELO, 'ELO,'ELO.  MOVE ALONG THERE.

3 miles

Those Moved Along :- Mike, Anthony, Danny, John.

After planning to go to Kirkby Lonsdale we decided that it was rather a long way as the weather forecast promised heavy showers.  Instead we went to Lancaster to visit the POLICE  MUSEUM.  It proved a happy choice. Thanks Mike.

After discovering that the parking charge was £9 and we being "Cash Strapped" pensioners. (Oh Yeah !)  we move a short distance to roadside parking which was free.  We were in Mikes lovely new, blue hybrid car.

As we were passing the Town Hall we stopped briefly to visit the memorial Garden.

We walked on past the Town Hall, crossed over the A6 and made our way to the Market Square were we found the museum. Found that it was actually  closed on Thursdays. TYPICAL !

So What do we do now ? Find a  Cafe of course.  

From this picture you might suppose that our day was following the rain warnings in the weather forecasts.  We did in fact experience very little rain during the day.

Patiently waiting for our toasted tea cakes 😐

Danny had spotted this cafe offering Toasted Tea Cake and a drink for a very reasonable price and us being cash strapped pensioners....... Don't start that again. Nobody believes it !!!

We walked on through Lancaster's handsome streets, heading for the castle. Before reaching the castle, however, Danny took us to look at a hostelry that had been dug out of the limestone ground. (Where does  Danny get all these fascinating facts from ?)

The outdoor furniture reflected the limestone building with similar rocks being used within it.

A short distance around the corner and we found ourselves in the Castle's precincts.

Above the main gate is an effigy of John o' Gaunt the erstwhile lord of the castle. I think he was the first to have the title Duke of Lancaster. A title now owned by the king. Without actually being Monarch he at periods ruled the country,   We shall meet him again.

Once inside the castle we had to ask where the police museum was. It was through a tiny little door in the far corner. It was in a part of the old prison.

An ex-Prison warden and a retired Policeman were there to help and explain.

We were soon shuffling in and out of the cells. Each held a different display of policing over the years.

Not just over the years but in their differing roles.

Haven't seen many dressed like this around Preston.

Wartime officer.

Rather less pleasant subjects were on display as well.

The bath in which Dr. Buck Ruxton dismembered his victims in the infamous Dalton Square Murders.

One rather unfair rule (still in existence) was that prisoners had to pay for their food. This meant that in the past prisoners held before their trial were kept in jail until they had paid their bills. One prisoner (at least) was kept in jail for 16 years even though he was found NOT GUILTY  !!!! The rule is still extant as the man recently released after being held in jail for years was found innocent. He lost part of his compensation to pay his "Mess" bill.

Talking about paying for food. It must be lunchtime.  Danny and Anthony had brought "Butties" and chose to take lunch outside. But where are they ?

Ah !  There they are.

Mike and John chose to take lunch inside.

Before leaving John  wanted to look at the "Lancashire Witches" exhibit.

John's Mother was called Annie Whittle as was one of the witches.  "Dame Chattox".

The exhibit is through the small door to the right.

Here he is again. As we left we stopped to admire the bust of John O' Gaunt

Someone pointed out the similarities between these two. 

One is a clever and powerful leader....... the other is John O'Gaunt.

  😄😏😜😆

(don't think I'll get away with that !)

On leaving the main castle we turned sharp right to follow a footpath leading up and around the walls.

Then down again to pass the Priory Church.

Just beyond the church a steep path led down towards the River side.

We stopped for a while to watch a jay severely scolding a large crow which had the temerity to share the same tree. The Jay, however, was careful to keep a safe distance from the much larger crow.

Once down the final steps we soon arrived at the Millenium Bridge.

Is this a form of "Recycling" ?

A short walk through and across the busy roads of Lancaster and we arrived at the canal.

A minute or two along the canal and there before us was the spire of the Cathedral near to which was our parked car. 

Up the steps and away from the canal and soon after we were on our way back down the M6 after a surprisingly interesting day. Well done Mike.

J W