Ashton Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashton Memorial |
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The Ashton Memorial at the top of Williamson Park
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| General information | |
| Type | Folly |
| Architectural style | Edwardian Baroque |
| Location | Williamson Park |
| Town or city | Lancaster, Lancashire |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 54°02′43″N 2°46′56″W / 54.04526°N 2.78227°W |
| Construction started | 1907 |
| Completed | 1909 |
| Cost | Over £80,000 |
| Owner | Lancaster City Council |
| Height | About 150 ft (50 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Portland stone |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John Belcher |
| Designations | |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated: | 22 December 1953 |
| Reference #: | 1288429 |
The Ashton Memorial is a beautiful and grand building in Williamson Park, Lancaster, England. It was built between 1907 and 1909 by a very rich businessman named Lord Ashton. He built it to remember his second wife, Jessy. It cost a lot of money, about £87,000 back then!
Contents
About the Ashton Memorial
What is a Folly?
The Ashton Memorial is sometimes called a "folly." This means it's a building made mostly for decoration. It's not for living in or for a specific practical use. It's designed to look impressive and beautiful.
A Landmark in Lancaster
This amazing building is about 150 feet (50 meters) tall. It stands out on the Lancaster skyline. You can see it from many miles away. From the memorial, you get fantastic views of the area, including Morecambe Bay. People have called it "England's grandest folly." Some even call it the "Taj Mahal of the North."
Its Unique Style and Materials
The Ashton Memorial was designed by an architect named John Belcher. It's built in a style called Edwardian Baroque. The dome on top is made of copper. The main stone used for the building is Portland stone. The steps are made of very strong granite from Cornwall.
The outside stone is actually hung on a steel frame. This is like how modern buildings are made. The stone just covers the building and protects it from the weather. It doesn't hold up the building's weight. Over time, this steel frame has needed some repairs.
Art and Design Details
Around the outside of the dome, you can see sculptures. These sculptures represent important ideas like "Commerce" (business), "Science," "Industry" (making things), and "Art." A sculptor named Herbert Hampton created them. He also designed another famous statue in Lancaster, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Lancaster.
Inside the dome, there are special paintings. These paintings show ideas like "Commerce," "Art," and "History." George Murray painted them. The floor inside is made of beautiful white, black, and red marble.
The Memorial Today
Today, the Ashton Memorial is a busy place. The upper floor is used for art exhibitions. It's also a popular spot for concerts and weddings.
Gallery
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The Ashton Memorial close up
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The Ashton Memorial seen from Lancaster city centre, with the spire of Lancaster Cathedral
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The entrance to the memorial
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An interior view of the Ashton Memorial
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The Ashton Memorial on top of Williamson Park, 150 ft tall and completed in 1909
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The Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park, Lancaster can be seen from the M6 motorway, Black Combe in the Lake District and from many miles out in the Irish Sea on days of good visibility.
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A view from the main entrance to Ashton Memorial
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Ceiling of ground floor room
Images for kids
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Photo of the entrance to the Ashton Memorial taken March 2022
