Lancaster Slave Trade Trail

Morecambe Bay looking to the Lakes, on the way home



November 27th Lancashire Day, I had no idea that there even was such a day till I saw a twitter this morning.
A few clicks and discovered that Lancashire Day commemorates the day in 1295 when Lancashire sent its first representatives to the Parliament of King Edward I to attend what later became known as The Model Parliament.

This day has not been a longstanding celebration, getting created in 1996.

Weather in the North West has been damp and grey. Lancashire Day turned out to be brighter than seen for a while.

Lancaster"s Roman Baths

There was a walk I had seen a flyer for somewhere, Lancaster Slave Trade town Trail. A wander around old Lancaster, taking no more than an hour and a half. Ideal for a Friday in winter.

A copy of the map can be bought for less than a pound at the tourist information centre. The office has recently moved to Meeting House lane, situated in the splendid Friends meeting House, along with a café and exhibition space.

As a Londoner I found the displays about real Lancashire and the upset caused by moved county lines back in the mid 70’s intriguing. Take a look at their website. If you know the area you will be astonished how far Lancashire stretched into the Lake District.

Back to the Slave Trade Trail. The walk has been written by a group of schoolchildren from Dallas Road Community Primary School. The aim of the project is to raise awareness as to the role played by Lancaster before slavery was abolished in 1833.

The trail begins close to Lancaster Castle, now a prison. The least likely prison you could possibly imagine in the 21st century. Homes of prominent slave traders, along with civic buildings are included on the trail. One of the most impressive, the Custom House. Now Lancaster Maritime Museum.


This is beside the River Lune. Here you can take a look at the new flood defenses. Maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but they sure make you feel safe.

The route heads back into town from here. If you feel a little more adventurous turn away from town along St Georges Quay. New footpaths and cycle ways have created a tremendous circular route for both local and visitor.
Looks to me like a good use of public funds.

Finishing back where you started the walk is pleasant and easy to follow. There are a number of tucked away, interesting looking pubs along the way. Quayside Lancaster City Museum is almost at the end of the walk, worth a look if you have time.

The only disappointment for me was a statue commissioned by Slave Arts Memorial Project, the map says to commemorate Lancaster’s involvement in the slave trade. It really is not an impressive monument, and should be aimed at those poor souls who passed through the city on the slave ships. Lancaster jail

Not on the walk, but sign posted on the route and worth exploration are the Roman Baths. These are on the way down the hill to St Georges Quay. A bit slippery, and not looking as if they have had much council love over the years. The thought of Roman having a bath so far from home in the cold North West I still find strange. They must have been wondering what they were doing here.

If you want to know more about modern slavery and what can be done about it go to www.antislavery.org