Judges' Lodgings
With a National Art Pass you get
Set against the backdrop of Lancaster Castle, the city's oldest townhouse brings the stories of Lancaster alive for everyone.
The current house was built around 1625 although there is evidence of buildings on the site dating back to Roman times – the remains of a Roman kiln were discovered in the garden.
Originally the home of Thomas Covell, Keeper of Lancaster Castle and notorious witch hunter, the house became an impressive residence for judges visiting the Assize Court between 1776 and 1975.
The museum is now home to a renowned collection of furniture made by the Lancaster firm, Gillows, displayed in Regency period room settings. Robert Gillow was selling fashionable furniture to the upper middle classes 20 years before Thomas Chippendale and is mentioned in the novels of Jane Austen, William Makepeace Thackeray and an opera by Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Museum of Childhood explores toys and games from the 18th century to the present and includes a nursery and reconstructed classroom.
Visitor information
Address
Church Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YS
01524 581241
Opening times
The museum is open 11am - 4pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the season (24th March - 6th November).
Exclusions and safety measures
The Judges' Lodgings is now Covid Secure with a number of discreet safety measures including hand sanitiser and extra cleaning in place. You are welcome to wear a mask if you prefer.
Refurbishments
The Judges' Lodgings now has a new Welcome Gallery to highlight the key stories of the house including the arrival of the Judges and the Lancashire Witch Trials.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.