Market Square
Market Street
Market Street is another of the old streets of Lancaster. The Street and Market Square probably came into being following the borough charter of 1193 which granted the town the right to hold a market. Market Street is first mentioned in monastic charters of around 1225.
In the photograph note the long stair windows in the gable end which are a feature of Georgian buildings in Lancaster.
Walk down Market Street to Market Square.
Market Square
The Police and Fire Stations were once situated in the corner of Market Square, next to what is now the City Museum. Market traders still use the Square and displays and events are held here. Prior to 1782 there was a market cross here.
City Museum
Lancaster City Museum is situated in Market Square. It occupies the Old Town Hall which was opened in 1783. There are fine displays of local history and the Museum of the King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster). The City Library is next door.
The Old Town Hall was designed by Major Thomas Jarrat and cost £2054 13s 7d. It replaced the Town Hall of 1671 and provided meeting and court rooms, the town lock-up and a market on the ground floor. The cupola was designed by Thomas Harrison (who also designed Skerton Bridge) and was added later. A bank occupied the ground floor after the Town Hall moved to its current location in in 1909. The City Museum took over the whole building in 1977.
Walk back up Market Street and turn right into the narrow passage signposted for the Music Room and Sun Street.
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