Ashton Memorial, Lancashire - Sept 2011

The Ashton Memorial is a folly in Williamson Park, Lancaster built between 1907 and 1909 by millionaire industrialist Baron Ashton at a cost of over £80,000. At around 150 feet tall it dominates the Lancaster skyline and is visible for many miles around.

It also offers spectacular views of the surrounding area including Morecambe Bay. The building is in the Edwardian Baroque style and was designed by John Belcher. It has been described as "England's grandest folly" and the "Taj Mahal of the North" but simply as "The Structure" by local people. Externally around the dome are sculptures representing "Commerce", "Science", "Industry" and "Art" by Herbert Hampton. The interior of the dome has allegorical paintings of "Commerce", "Art" and "History" by George Murray. The floor is of white, black and red marbles.
Today, the memorial serves as an exhibition space on the upper floor and an venue for concerts and weddings.
Was Damaged by fire in 1962, in 1981 the memorial was closed for safety reasons, to be reopened after being restored during 1985-7.

Will return here when its open and get more shots folks :thumb

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There we go, just a fleeting visit :)