Ashton Memorial
Folly In Lancaster, Lancashire
A 50m high memorial in Williamson Park commissioned by Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife.
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Up until now I always thought that the Monteath Mausoleum was the grandest of places to be immortalised, however I think it may have just been beaten in Mausoleum Top Trumps by the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster.
This huge memorial sits a whopping 50m high and dominates the skyline as you drive into Lancaster. We initially thought it must have been a fancy church, not realising it was the place we were actually looking for.
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The Ashton Memorial was between 1907 and 1909 and was commissioned by a local chap called Lord Ashton in memory to his second wife Jessy Ashton. Lord Ashton whose real name was James Williamson also gives his name to Williamson Park where the memorial sits.
Lord Ashton was a prominent local industrialist who made his fortune in the linoleum manufacturing industry, becoming one of Lancashire's wealthiest individuals. His business, Williamson's Linoleum Works, was at one time the largest employer in Lancaster.
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His Lord Ashton title was due to his association with the Ashton Hall estate near Lancaster. Although he was not a hereditary peer, he was granted the honorary title of Baron Ashton of Ashton in 1895 in recognition of his contributions to the local economy and his status as a prominent public figure. Despite his title, he did not hold political office in the House of Lords as he chose not to sit as a peer.
The cost to build the Ashton Memorial was approximately £80,000 which equates to a cool couple of million in modern money. It was designed by the architect John Belcher and is built primarily from Portland stone and Cornish granite with a copper dome and (I have been told) is a blend of Baroque and Renaissance revival styles. It has intricate designs inside and out including allegorical figures representing Commerce, Science, Industry, and Art.
The interior is canny impressive too with a marble floor and sweeping staircase. We arrived late and the building had just closed, but you can visit inside for a mooch as far as the first floor viewing gallery.
Fortunately Sean, one of our other contributors, visited when it was still open.
He also got some fab night time shots too.
You can actually hire out the Ashton Memorial for a concert, exhibition or even your wedding!
It's a canny building to be remembered by so I'd better get saving my pennies. Oh, and I want mine built on top of the Cheviot too!
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How To Find Ashton Memorial
Where Is Ashton Memorial?
Lat / Long
54.045265, -2.782548
What three words
Where To Park For Ashton Memorial?
Lat / Long
54.043001, -2.784064
What three words
There is a dedicated car park for Williamson Park just to the south and only a few minute walk away from the memorial.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
More Places from Simon
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Join Our Facebook GroupAshton Memorial was listed in Folly // Lancashire // Lancaster