Ashton Memorial, Lancashire - Sept 2011

[BB]

The Ashton Memorial is a folly in Williamson Park, Lancaster built between 1907 and 1909 by millionaire industrialist Baron Ashton at a cost of over £80,000. At around 150 feet tall it dominates the Lancaster skyline and is 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. 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.
Today, the memorial serves as an exhibition space on the upper floor and an venue for concerts and weddings.
Was Damaged by fire in 1962, in 1981 the memorial was closed for safety reasons, to be reopened after being restored during 1985-7.

Will return here when its open and get more shots folks











There we go, just a fleeting visit

[KelseyRebecca98]

Really like the first one, looks cool with de trees.

[blueink]

Nice shots dude still never took time to go photograph here yet!

[KingElvis]

Is that the thing you can see from the motorway? (I know you can see the moor LOL)
Haven't been that way for ages.

[Krypton]

Nice stuff there mate - it kind of looks like that church in saltaire near salts mill.

[Satsukisan]

Lol my house is 2 mins away you shoulda called in for a brew

[BB]

Aye its the thing on the hill

Well darn it i never knew you were that local!

[boxerheaven]

very nice pics

[Nicola]

Loving them angles!

[Satsukisan]

Aye its the thing on the hill

Well darn it i never knew you were that local!

Ey indeed we are :P We should meet up again x