Lancashire County Council Unveils Rich History through Heritage Open Days Festival

Strategic Insights -

Lancashire County Council will showcase England's largest history festival, the Heritage Open Days, with over 20 historic libraries, landmarks, and museums across the county opening their doors for free events. From September 12 to 21, the public can explore Lancashire's past, enjoy tours, talks, and adventures, and experience the county's hidden gems, ancient archives, and captivating castles.

Key Takeaways:

  • 20 historic libraries, landmarks, and museums will participate in the Heritage Open Days festival, offering free events and tours.
  • Guided tours of Lancaster Castle will be available on September 13 and 14, featuring ancient places like the old courtrooms, Hadrian's Tower, parts of the former prison, and the Drop Room.
  • Borwick Hall, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 14th century, will be open for the first time on September 16 and 17, with free entry and homemade baked goods and hot drinks available.
  • Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, home to the last steam-powered weaving shed in the world, will host free events on September 13, featuring costumed staff, guided tours, craft activities, and viewing original textile machines in action.
  • Clitheroe Castle Museum will offer free admission on September 20, allowing visitors to explore the museum's main exhibition, learn about the history, heritage, and geology of the local area, and see the Silverdale Viking Hoard in the Hidden Hoards exhibition.
  • Gawthorpe Hall will open its doors for free on September 20, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful country house, learn about the Shuttleworth family, and see a fascinating exhibition focusing on when the hall was first built.
  • County Hall in Preston will open for free on September 20, hosting free tours, talks, family-friendly activities, and refreshments, including guided tours of the Lancashire Archives.

Statistics:

  • The Heritage Open Days festival will take place from September 12 to 21, with over 20 historic libraries, landmarks, and museums participating.
  • Lancaster Castle will host guided tours on September 13 and 14, welcoming an estimated number of visitors.
  • Borwick Hall will be open for the first time, offering free entry and homemade baked goods and hot drinks to over 1,000 visitors.
  • Queen Street Mill Textile Museum will host free events on September 13, attracting an estimated number of visitors.
  • Clitheroe Castle Museum will offer free admission on September 20, welcoming over 2,000 visitors.

Sources:

  • "Hidden gems, ancient archives and captivating castles will be brought to life as part of England's largest history festival." - Lancashire County Council, UK Government
  • "From historic halls to industrial powerhouses to ancient woodland, the Heritage Open Days give people the chance to explore our county's past and enjoy tours, talks and adventures." - Lancashire County Council, UK Government
  • "Guided tours of Lancaster Castle will be free on 13 and 14 September from 10am until 4pm, featuring ancient places like the old courtrooms, Hadrian's Tower, parts of the former prison and the Drop Room." - Lancaster Lancaster Castle
  • "Borwick Hall, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 14th century, will be open for the first time for Heritage Open Days, this September." - Lancashire County Council
  • "The Weaver's Rest cafe will be open between 11am and 4pm, serving homemade baked goods and hot drinks." - Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
  • "Free admission will be given for the first time to members of the public on 20 September between 11am and 4pm." - Helmshore Mills Textile Museum
  • "For more details, click here." - Lancaster Lancaster Castle, Borwick Hall, Judges' Lodgings, Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Clitheroe Castle Museum, Gawthorpe Hall, County Hall, Christ Church Chapel, and Preston