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LANCASTER is an ancient town, and the capital of the
county-palatine of Lancaster, beautifully situated on a hill
above the river Lune, which falls into Morecambe Bay, at the
distance of seven miles. On the summit of the hill is the
Castle, an imposing structure, built by Roger de Poictou, in
the 11th or 12th century, and enlarged by John of Gaunt,
Duke of Lancaster, in the 14th. The assizes are held in the
Castle, and part of it is also used as a county prison. The
principal public buildings, in and near the town, are the
Town-hall, in the market-place, the Custom-house, the
Assembly-room, the Theatre, and the county Lunatic Asylum,
which is capable of accommodating 300 patients, is perfectly
secure, and conducted on an excellent plan.
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