Aspects of Lancaster
Sue Wilson (ed),
Wharncliffe Books, 2002
Reviewed by Michael Nunn

This collection of essays on various aspects of Lancaster's history was published last year by Yorkshire publishers Wharncliffe Books, who specialise in local history across the North of England. Edited by local librarian Sue Wilson, the 10 essays are all written by local people with a strong and professional or scholarly interest in their specific field.

The collection starts with one of the best brief accounts I have yet read of the Pendle Witches. So much populist codswallop has been written on this subject that the essential truths behind the myths of over 300 years ago have been distorted almost beyond recognition.

Essentially Sue Wilson points out the climate of hysteria and general persecution that prevailed in the seventeenth century - an overhang from the days of religious persecution of the Reformation ('Henry's Gonads'), the reign of Elizabeth and the antics of the eccentric James I.

The real truth, of course, reposes in legend, myth and the consciences of those involved in this dreadful series of events. Sadly, the opportunists have created a modern folklore, and the accompanying 'heritage' industry and naff tourism potential (God help us) lead us away from the real, grim truth of the known facts. Lancaster's claims to fame and to visitors, based on real historical truth and some of its unsung gems (watch this space for further comment) are ill-served by a trumped-up, distorted and over-hyped modern pseudo-mythology.

Other topics covered in this excellent volume include a rational and sensible appreciation by former Morecambe Visitor Editor Mike Whalley of the Williamson Memorial, or the 'Tit on the Hill' as I have heard it described. Other essays detail the Rise of Lancaster as a Port in the Eighteenth Century, brief histories of The Duke's Theatre and Greaves Methodist Church, and Lancaster's Stained Glass Trade. A handful of miscellaneous vignettes also features in the collection.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the rich history that has made Lancaster what it is today will thoroughly enjoy this volume. All the pieces are referenced and have footnotes, but the style is far from dry and academic. Thankfully so - as a retired University Lecturer-turned-journalist I am relieved not to read the prose of some of my former colleagues.

There are some fascinating old pictures not just of the City but of the surrounding area too. Some of these I have not seen in print before. Unfortunately the reproduction is not always as clear as it might be, but the overwhelming interest of the pictures and the fact that they enhance and enlighten the text more than compensate for that.

With 12 separate essays, lucidly introduced by Wilson, this book is ideal for dipping into at leisure. It will look well on the coffee table (clear out those ghastly 1970s art collections and pretentious magazines), in the loo or on the reference shelf. It is one of those few books I have found myself coming back to.

Review copyright © 2003

LINKS
• Publisher web site: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
• Buy the book from Amazon.co.uk: Click here
• Visit our history of Lancaster section