Artistic and Functional

The Storey (formerly The Storey Institute) and gardens are situated below Lancaster Castle. The building was designed by the architects Paley and Austin from offices at 24 Castle Park and built 1887 to 1891. The stained glass window on the first floor was created by Shrigley & Hunt. The medallions at the top of the window depict figures of Art, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, Literature and Science, representing the purpose of the Storey Institute. Beneath are panels with the names of people distinguished in these disciplines. Shrigley & Hunt had their studios and workshops at 23 Castle Hill from 1873 to 1959.
The Storey Gardens originally belonged to 20 Castle Park, built 1720. The entrance from Castle Park is through a portico (circa 1770) which was moved here when a nearby Georgian house was demolished. The gardens are divided into two sections by a Georgian wall. On the east side (former family garden) the wall is lined with brick, fashionable at the time. On the west side (former kitchen garden) the wall is of local stone. This is now The Tasting Garden, a garden and artwork, created in 1998 by the American environmental artist Mark Dion. It contains old varieties of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees and espalier apple trees are being trained up the wall. In one corner is “The Arboriculturist’s Workshed”, a diminutive folly or monument.
The gardens are open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and information boards will be displayed throughout the festival.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

0900-1700 Volunteers present 1000-1600

Location & directions

The Storey & Gardens, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1TH

Directions:

Enter The Storey building from Meeting House Lane or Castle Hill. The stained glass windows are on the first floor and can be reached using the lift or the wide staircase. The gardens can be accessed from the first floor of The Storey or the steps in the courtyard outside the Printroom Café. Alternatively enter via the gates opposite Lancaster Castle in Castle Park. Follow the signs to the gardens.

Contact on day:

Events Team, The Storey

Telephone number:

+441524582226

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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