The Port of Lancaster was located at the lowest crossing point on the River Lune and constitutes the central element of maritime Lancaster in north-west England. It dates back to Roman times, but is now based at Glasson Dock.[1]

History

Early origins

The port dates back to Roman times: Lancaster Roman Fort was established around 80 A.D. and the local legend of a Roman harbour is supported by the suggestion that the garrison would have been supplied more efficiently by ship than by road. However evidence of a port here is scant for both the Roman period and the subsequent Viking settlement in Lancaster.[2]

Medieval development

When Lancaster received its charter as a borough in 1193, this recognised the development of the town. It was in 1297 that Lancaster was recorded as a port along with Cartmel and Workington and Ravenglass.[2]

Early modern period

John Speed's map of Lancaster, 1610 depicting ships visiting Lancaster

References

  1. ^ "About Us – Lancaster Port Commission". www.lancasterport.org. Lancaster Port Commission. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b Taylor, A. R. (n.d.). Port of Lancaster (PDF). Lancaster: Kasulu.org.


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