We met some friends at Atkinson's café inside Lancaster Castle.
The castle was established not long after the Norman Conquest and was used a fortress and prison until, in 2011, the Home Office decided it was too expensive to operate as a prison. Since then it has become a tourist attraction, showcasing its role in Lancaster's history over the past thousand years.
 |
| (L-R) The King's Evidence Tower, the Witches' Tower, the Governor's House and the medieval Gate House |
 |
| The imposing Norman Keep is the heart of the original castle |
 |
| (L-R) The Female Penitentiary and the Debtors' Prison (added in 1796). In the mid 19th century it was the largest outside London and was known for its good conditions - a prison inspector wrote that it 'resembled somewhat a noisy tavern' |
 |
| (L-R) Male Felons' Tower, King's Evidence Tower and the Witches' Tower (built 1325) |
 |
| The Shire Hall, completed in 1801 |
 |
| Lancaster Priory sits next to the castle and is a similar age |
 |
| The Priory's ancient stonework |
 |
| The Priory's beautiful interior |
 |
| It was a fine day with gorgeous autumn colours |
 | |
| Looking down over St Mary's Parade and across the Lancaster skyline |