The Ashton Memorial is a massive piece of architectural beauty that is situated in Williamson Park, Lancaster. It was built between 1907 and 1909 by millionaire industrialist Baron Ashton in memory of his second wife, Jessy, at a cost of over £80,000 (£4,588,000 in today's money). At around 150 feet tall, it is the highest point in Lancaster and dominates the skyline, visible for many miles around. It also offers spectacular views of the surrounding area including Morecambe Bay. The building is in the Edwardian Baroque style and was designed by John Belcher. It has been described as "England's grandest folly" and the "Taj Mahal of the North" but simply as "The Structure" by local people. The dome is externally of copper, the main stone used is Portland stone although the steps are of hard wearing granite from Cornwall. Externally around the dome are sculptures representing "Commerce", "Science", "Industry" and "Art" by Herbert Hampton. The interior of the dome has allegorical paintings of "Commerce", "Art" and "History" by George Murray. The floor is of white, black and red marbles.
Damaged by fire in 1962, in 1981 the memorial was closed for safety reasons, to be reopened after being restored during 1985-7.
December 2011 007 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 004 by kitrees, on Flickr
Repare work on the grand steps
December 2011 017 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 010 by kitrees, on Flickr
The part of the steps that is being repared. I went into the tunnel with lankylad, but it was dissapointingly short. Some beautiful calcite hangs from the roof of the tunnel however. It was worth going in because it will all be sealed off in a day or two.
December 2011 002 by kitrees, on Flickr
The top room
December 2011 022 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 008 by kitrees, on Flickr
Part of the view from the top of the memorial
December 2011 020 by kitrees, on Flickr
The grand indoors
December 2011 013 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 018 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 021 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 026 by kitrees, on Flickr
December 2011 012 by kitrees, on Flickr