Owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, the castle has witnessed scenes of significant historical, cultural and political importance throughout the centuries.
These include incidents of religious persecution, the trials of the Lancashire Witches and more than 200 executions for everything from murder to stealing cattle.
Until 2011, the castle was a fully functioning HM Prison and today it is a magnificent ‘living’ monument and tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into England’s often dark past through tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors of all ages.
These pictures from our archives reveal some of that rich history and include royal visits, life inside the castle prison and police marksmen keeping guard during the notorious case of the handless corpse.
Until 2011, the castle was a fully functioning HM Prison and today it is a magnificent ‘living’ monument and tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into England’s often dark past through tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors of all ages.
. Lancaster Castle memories
The dungeons at Lancaster Castle from The Postcard Collection by Billy F K Howorth. Photo: Submit
. Lancaster Castle memories
Lancaster Castle execution chair. This office high chair is said to have been modified specifically for use in the execution of Jane Scott in 1828. In 1827, Scott from Preston was charged with the murder of her parents John and Mary Scott. She was acquitted of the murder of her father but a second trial was ordered for the death of her mother and she remained incarcerated at Lancaster Castle until her execution. By this time, she was in so poor physical health that she was unable to walk, hence the need for the chair to take her to the gallows on March 22 1828. Photo: Picture courtesy of Richard Clark
. Lancaster Castle memories
Lancaster Castle hosted a Lancashire Witches Weekend to remember the events which took place in 1612. Photo: Submit
. Lancaster Castle memories
'Pals' of the 5th Battalion, King's Own after Church Parade, on September 6 1914, outside Lancaster Castle. Picture by Peter Donnelly of Lancaster’s King’s Own Regiment Museum. Photo: Peter Donnelly
. Lancaster Castle memories
Crowds outside Lancaster Castle wait patiently for the Queen in 2015. Photo: Neil Cross
. Lancaster Castle memories
Queen Elizabeth II holds an umbrella as she stands in the rain during her visit to Lancaster Castle in Lancaster, after she arrived at the historic city by royal train. Photo: Andrew Yates/PA Wire
. Lancaster Castle memories
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and Princess Margaret visit Lancaster Castle and the Duchy of Lancaster farms in 1951. The Royal Party are pictured leaving Lancaster Castle. Photo: Staff
. Lancaster Castle memories
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and Princess Margaret walking in the grounds of Lancaster Castle with Earl Sefton (to the left of The King) in 1951. Photo: Staff
. Lancaster Castle memories
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and Princess Margaret on their arrival at Lancaster Castle in 1951. Photo: Staff
. Lancaster Castle memories
Lumberjack Heartbreak Trucking Company play at Lancaster Castle for Lancaster Music Festival. Photo: Daniel Martino
. Lancaster Castle memories
Historical fiction author Conn Iggulden - noted for the Emperor and Conqueror series- gives a talk at Shire Hall in Lancaster Castle. Photo: Daniel Martino
. Lancaster Castle memories
"The prisoners" waiting for lockdown at a CancerCare Jail and Bail fundraiser at Lancaster Castle. Photo: Nigel Slater
. Lancaster Castle memories
Historic graffiti inside Lancaster Castle Prison. Photo: Nigel Slater
. Lancaster Castle memories
Graffiti dating back to 1706 at Lancaster Castle Prison Photo: Nigel Slater
. Lancaster Castle memories
The lifers' cells inside Lancaster Castle Prison. Photo: Garth Hamer
. Lancaster Castle memories
One of the rooms housing two inmates at Lancaster Castle Prison. Photo: Garth Hamer
42. Lancaster Castle memories
A police marksman keeps watch on the rooftop of Lancaster Castle during the handless corpse trial. Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/lancashire/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8296000/8296851.stm Photo: Staff