Museum of Lancashire

The Museum of Lancashire stands in Preston, Lancashire, in a Grade II listed Neo-Classical building once used as a courthouse. Thomas Rickman designed the Sessions House in 1825 with a symmetrical frontage of five bays and a Doric porch. A dome added in 1849 was later replaced by a ceiling light in 1870 after becoming unsafe. The Sessions House once accommodated the nisi prius court and quarter sessions for the county. Baines’ 1825 directory criticised the earlier court as too small and inconveniently placed within the prison. The museum’s collections reflect Lancashire’s past through several themes. Lancashire Through Time displays archaeological finds from across the county. Lancashire at Work explores local industries and their development over centuries. Lancashire at Play features costumes linked to Hylda Baker and memorabilia from figures such as Les Dawson, George Formby and Gracie Fields. Lancashire Goes to War recreates a First World War trench to show the home front experience. Visitors once walked through rooms where magistrates once sat to hear cases. The building’s main frontage faces Stanley Street with classical columns marking the entrance. Displays include courtroom material and items from the 14th/20th King’s Hussars. The museum also held material on Lancashire’s home front during the First World War. Plans exist to reopen the Sessions House as a museum once funding and an operator are secured.