A Green Heritage Plaque marking the first home of Lancaster University has been unveiled.

St Leonard’s House, on St Leonard’s Gate in Lancaster, was converted to University premises in the early 1960s by local architects Pearsons, following its historic use as the site of furniture makers Waring and Gillow.

The Grade II-listed building contained laboratories, teaching and admin spaces, a common room and a refectory, while lectures were often held at Lancaster Grand Theatre and the former Gillows workshop at 1 Castle Hill served as a library. It opened to students in 1964.

The plaque is a joint project between Lancaster University and Lancaster Civic Vision, an organisation which awards the Green Heritage Plaque to mark properties with special local architectural merit or historical association, or to celebrate the people making a significant contribution to the city’s heritage. It has been two years in the making.

The University gradually vacated St Leonard’s House from 1966 and established the new campus at Bailrigg, though some departments remained at the site until the early 1970s.

Unveiling the plaque on Wednesday 16 June, Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent said it was lovely to be taken back to the beginning of the University’s journey.

Professor Decent said: “The University has grown incredibly since moving from St Leonard’s House. Today, we have international research partnerships spanning the globe and five strategic overseas teaching partnerships offering Lancaster degrees in Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.

“Our founding motto – Truth lies open to all – demonstrates the importance of welcoming people from our region to access educational opportunities in the very early days of Lancaster University. Long may we continue to be an open and inclusive community.

“How fantastic that the building continues to have a link to the city's university students.”