The city of Lancaster has a long and complex past. The city’s Roman origins, its connections with the transatlantic slave trade, and the infamous witchcraft trials, have all left marks still visible around modern Lancaster. The role of the castle as a court and prison, and the city’s prominence as a ‘hanging town’ in the 18th and 19th centuries, made Lancaster a centre of culture, law and politics in the North of England. In the 20th century, the impact of two world wars, and uncertain economic forces reshaped the whole region, and the opening of Lancaster University in the 1960s fundamentally changed the city’s fortunes.
What can the history of Lancaster tell us about the seismic shifts that have happened across British society? What challenges does Lancaster’s complicated history pose for local museums and heritage institutions? Tracing the history of the city of Lancaster from prehistory to the near present, this module examines the ambiguities and uncertainties of 'place' as a complex amalgam of history, culture, and personal experience.
Across this ten-week module, you will have the chance to study key periods and events in the history of the city, and of the surrounding region. In our weekly lectures and seminars, we will explore themes such as health, education, religion, industry and decolonisation, and think about how regions and localities form part of wider national and international histories.
What our students say:
‘The lecturer had great interaction and care for us students; he took on board adjustments we wanted with the class and took action on them. It was also clear to see he truly cared for what he was teaching and took pleasure in teaching it.’ (Anonymous student evaluation)
‘Trips to Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Castle were very informative and engaging. The topics chosen were interesting and the seminars helped generate a good discussion of topics and ideas. Engaging with resources such as Roman inscriptions in Britain was particularly interesting.’ (Anonymous student evaluation)