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Plans unveiled to celebrate 400th anniversary of Lancaster’s Judges’ Lodgings house

A Lancaster house built by the man famous for locking up the Pendle Witches celebrates its 400th anniversary later this year.

It’s believed the house – currently home to the Judges’ Lodgings Museum - was built in 1625 by Thomas Covell, Keeper of the Castle and known for his role in the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials.

From 1826 the house became a lodgings for the travelling 'Red Judges' of the Assizes Courts. Dressed in their scarlet robes, the Judges decided the fate of murderers, forgers and highwaymen at Lancaster Castle.

Today the house, situated between Church Street and Castle Hill, is home to beautiful Georgian furniture by Gillows of Lancaster, elegant period rooms and the popular Museum of Childhood.

The building – the oldest town house in Lancaster - will be celebrating the milestone with a birthday card competition for primary school children, a special family fun day and a Regency Ball in November.

The Judges’ Lodgings Museum will re-open to the public for the season on Thursday, April 3, and will be open every Thursday-Sunday between 11am and 4pm.

During the season there will also be an Easter Egg Trial, monthly lectures for adults and lots of fun things for the children to do.

Use of the house by visiting judges ended in 1975, and the building was converted into a museum, making this year 50 years since it opened its doors.

To celebrate the museum's 50 years, the Friends of Judges Lodgings are holding a special 1970s themed pop up tea room on Saturday, April 5, from 12 – 3pm, which will include food, music and clothes all contributing to the 70s vibe.

Check out the Friends website www.lancasterjudgeslodgings.org.uk for more details.

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