Judges' Lodgings and the Cottage Museum

Who we are

Built in the centre of Lancaster against the backdrop of Lancaster Castle and Lancaster Priory Judges’ Lodgings is this elegant, Grade I listed building and Lancaster's oldest town house. The house was originally home to Thomas Covell, Keeper of Lancaster Castle and notorious witch-hunter. Between 1776 and 1975 the house became an impressive residence for judges visiting the Assize Court at nearby Lancaster Castle. The museum is now home to a renowned collection of Gillow furniture, which is displayed in fabulous Regency period room settings, fine art and the Museum of Childhood which explores toys and games from the 18th century to the present. The Museum offers 4 sessions for KS1/2, which all invite pupils to explore life in Victorian times with Parlour Games, Traditional Story-time, Upstairs Downstairs, and School Days with the Victorian schoolteacher. The sessions all involve role play and object handling and bring the Victorians to life for pupils in a historic setting. Schools can also enjoy a visit to the linked Cottage Museum where pupils can look at the life of a retired Victorian servant in the setting of their humble home. Teachers’ quote to use:- "The cottage session was fantastic and the children loved it." Teacher, St Andrews C of E Primary School.