The Ashton Memorial is a landmark in Williamson Park, Lancaster.
Built between 1907 and 1909 by the millionaire industrialist Lord Ashton, in memory of his second wife, Jessy. Notably, it cost £87,000 (equivalent to £8.4 million in 2019)
At around 150 feet (50 m) tall, it dominates the Lancaster skyline. Indeed, it is visible for many miles around. The views of the surrounding area include Morecambe Bay. Edwardian Baroque in its style and designed by John Belcher. Additionally, it has been described as “England’s grandest folly” and the “Taj Mahal of the North”. The dome is externally of copper, the main stone used is Portland stone although the steps are of hard wearing granite from Cornwall.
Today, the memorial serves as an exhibition space on the upper floor and a venue for concerts and weddings.
