A plaque has been unveiled to mark the site of a historic factory near the River Lune.
The heritage plaque is located at the Luneside student accommodation at St George's Quay, on the site of the former St George's Works - the first purpose-built, high rise-style factory of an industrial complex in the world.
A group of around 40 people from as far away as Amsterdam and Washington State – and including student residents - gathered at a ceremony to reveal the plaque.
The site was once home to St George’s Works, built between 1854 and 1860. See photo below from the Lancaster Civic Vision website.
It was built by Lancaster industrialist James Williamson Snr and was the first identifiable flat-roofed industrial building anywhere.
It produced oilcloth for floor coverings, table cloths and blinds with the fabric being manufactured on the upper floors and passed through gaps in the floors to be hung and dried in the taller space of the ground floor.
The building once stretched along St George’s Quay from Carlisle Bridge down to – and into – Freeman’s Wood.
The Works was demolished in 2018 to be replaced by student flats (see below, photo by Lancaster Civic Vision) and an adjoining housing estate which covers the original industrial site at George’s Quay.
“Lancaster has so many elements to its fascinating past and this plaque will highlight another important piece of its history on the Quay," said Councillor Gina Dowding, city councillor for Marsh ward.
Afterwards the group was given a tour of the external areas and gardens by manager Kirsty Astley followed by refreshments in the communal areas of the new complex.
Lancaster Civic Vision thanked Kirsty for her help in arranging the event as well as her assistance in erecting the sign together with negotiating permission from the building’s owners M&G Real Estate.
Lancaster Civic Vision is the operating name for Lancaster Civic Society and its sub-group Lancaster Vision.
Lancaster Civic Society was founded in 1967 and in the over 50 years since that time has overseen the preservation of the heritage of the Lancaster and Morecambe district, its outstanding natural beauty, whilst assisting in its future development.
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
