Ashton Memorial, Grade I listed folly in Williamson Park, Lancaster, England
The Ashton Memorial is a palace-like building of white Portland stone in Lancaster, England, crowned by a green copper dome. Steep granite steps lead up to the entrance, flanked by four allegorical sculptures.
Lord Ashton commissioned this memorial after the death of his second wife Jessy in 1904, engaging architect John Belcher to design it. Work began in 1907 and was completed in 1909.
The interior features allegorical paintings of Commerce, Art, and History by George Murray, adorning the walls above white, black, and red marble floors.
The building stands in Williamson Park on high ground and is usually open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM between October and March. From April through September, the doors remain open until 5 PM.
A spiral staircase of 108 steps leads to a viewing platform with panoramic views over the Lune Valley and on clear days as far as the Isle of Man. The floor beneath the dome displays three different types of marble in white, black, and red.
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