Lancashire
Lancashire, in north-west England, borders both Cumbria and Yorkshire. The land along the west coast is low-lying and flat. It rises steadily to the east, towards moorland and the heights of the Pennines, forming the eastern boundary of the county. The north is a mainly mountainous, with a low coastline, off which lies the long strip of Walney Island.
Darwen Tower (credit: morguefile)
The county has some spectacular coastal landscapes, from the stunning sweep of Morecambe bay to the gay promenade of Blackpool - a popular seaside resort since Victorian times. Morecambe bay has over 120 sq miles of mud flats, home to a wide range of sea birds and wildlife, forming an important northern winter sanctuary.
Lancashire contains one of the last remaining areas
of ancient forests in England: The Forest of Boland.
Although there are not many trees, the ancient term
forest actually means an area owned by the crown and
allocated for hunting. It is still owned today by the
Queen as part of the 'Duchy of Lancashire'. Wild cats,
wild bore, deer and wolves once roamed the area, although
today it is only stalked by cyclists and walkers. Another
idyllic landscape worth exploring in this area is the
Lune River valley, with lush pastures, majestic fells
and heather strewn moorland.
'Earth, sweet earth, sweet landscape, with leaves throng.'
County Town: | Lancaster - distance from London: 242 miles (389 km |
Nearby Counties: | Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire |
Train Operators: | Northern Rail / London Midland |
Nearest Airport: | Manchester |
Major Roads: | M6, M55 |
Highest point: | Old Man of Coniston, 2633 feet |
Rivers: | Calder, Hodder, Lune, Mersey, Ribble, Wyre |
County Flower: | Red rose |
Local Delicacies: | Lancashire Hot Pot - oyster or meat stew, served with and pickled red cabbage. Blackpool Rock - can still be seen being rolled and made on the seafront. |
The Meaning of Lancashire
First recorded in the 12th century. The origin of the county town's name is based on the Old English for a 'Roman settlement on the River Lune'. The Old English for any Roman settlement was 'ceaster', hence Lune-ceaster, which then became Lancaster.
Map of Lancashire
North West England
