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James Williamson Jnr
Lord Ashton©
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Williamson Park is the site of former stone quarries on Lancaster Moor, from where much of the stone for Lancaster's fine buildings was obtained. The drive and pathways were created in C19th but it was James Williamson Snr. who financed the landscaping of the park as we see it today, commissioning Mr. Mclean, landscape Architect, to carry out the work. |
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The Lake before 1904©
The Ashton Memorial 1906/7©
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The son of James Williamson Snr., Lord Ashton became a millionaire producing oil cloth and linoleum which was exported from the port all over the world. The construction of the Ashton Memorial commenced in 1906 as a tribute to his late wife. Designed by John Belcher, the building is formed of a steel structure with stone cladding. Lancaster Town Hall and The Queen Victoria monument in Dalton Square are other fine examples of Lord Ashton's gifts to his home town.
Over the ensuing years the Memorial fell into disrepair but fortunately was completely restored in 1986-7. The superb restored interior hosts exhibitions and concerts and can be hired for private functions, including wedding ceremonies. The first floor outdoor viewing gallery provides superb views of the surrounding countryside and across Morecambe Bay.
Images© Lancaster City Museum – used by permission
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