Ashton Memorial

The Ashton Memorial is a grand folly in Williamson Park, Lancaster. It stands about 50 metres tall and overlooks Morecambe Bay. Lord Ashton built it between 1907 and 1909 to honour his second wife, Jessy. The memorial is designed in Edwardian Baroque style by John Belcher. Its copper dome and Portland stone walls dominate the skyline for miles around. The building features sculptures by Herbert Hampton on its exterior. These represent Commerce, Science, Industry and Art. Inside, George Murray painted allegorical scenes on the dome. The floor is laid with white, black and red marble. Recently, steelwork inside the walls has caused conservation issues. Today the Ashton Memorial hosts exhibitions, concerts and weddings. It sits close to the mathematical centre point of the United Kingdom. Visitors find sweeping views of Lancaster and the surrounding countryside. The granite steps and copper dome add to its striking appearance.