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The castle is now open to the public seven days a week and is undergoing a large-scale refurbishment. There is a large sweeping public piazza, allowing access to the cloistered area, renovated in 2019.
Reputed to be the oldest continually sitting Crown Court in the country, this oak-panelled room still features the original branding iron used on ‘malefactors’ appearing in the dock. The courtroom – but not the branding iron! – is still in use today.
Since being established by the Romans the castle has been a home to monarchs, a place of trial and execution, and a working prison right up until 2012. Still a crown court, the majority of the castle is now open to the public for the first time in over 1,000 years. Duration: 1-2 hours.
- (2.7K)
- Attraction
- Castle Parade, Lancaster
The Ministry of Justice decommissioned HMP Lancaster Castle, returning the Castle to the Duchy of Lancaster. At this time, the new key objectives included significant refurbishment to preserve and restore the fabric of the buildings as well as keeping the Castle open and available to the public.
During the 18th century, parts of the castle were converted into a prison, and it continued to serve as a working prison until 2011. The castle’s prison facilities have since been decommissioned, and the site is now open to the public, offering a glimpse into its historic past.
Dominating the local skyline, Lancaster Castle is one of England's best-preserved castles. The castle is owned by His Majesty the King, who is the Duke of Lancaster. The castle offers a...
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Oct 6, 2005 · The Castle is still a working court and prison and famous trials include the famous Lancashire Witches trial in 1612.
