The Cottage Museum, Lancaster

Welcome to 15 Castle Hill, the home of Richard and Ann Thompson.

We join the cottage in the Year 1739, and George II is King of Great Britain and Ireland. Britain has just reopened hostilities with Spain, Dick Turpin the notorious Highwayman has just been hanged, and John Wesley has taken the Methodist message on the road across Britain.

Meanwhile, here in Lancaster, the City is growing rich off the profits from the West India Trade. Many of Lancaster’s wealthy merchants are, in some way, involved in the despicable trading of enslaved African men, women and children. The Thompsons are oblivious to their plight, however. Despite their simple possessions, they are moving up in the world and have bought a house on Castle Hill - a prestigious address.

The Cottage Museum is an immersive and hands-on experience. Wear your 18th century hat and sit in the old chairs, peep inside coffers, have a go on a spinning whorl and practise your cursive handwriting.