Ashton Memorial

The Ashton Memorial is a monumental structure built in 1905-9, and subsequently damaged by fire in 1962 before being restored between 1985 and 1987. Designed by Sir John Belcher, with assistance from JJ Joas, it was commissioned by Lord Ashton as a memorial to his family, with Gillows acting as contractors. The memorial is constructed of Portland stone over brick, with steel joists, concrete infill, Cornish granite balustrades, and Hopton Wood limestone steps. The copper-clad dome rises to a height of 150 feet and occupies an elevated position within Williamson Park.

The design is in an Edwardian Baroque style. A substantial flight of steps descends the sloping ground to the west, splitting to either side of a fountain and screen wall, which features two Tuscan columns in antis. The lower stage of the memorial includes recessed entrance porticoes on the east and west sides, each featuring two paired Tuscan columns and two single columns in antis, with similar recesses on the north and south sides. A pedimented round-arched opening occupies each corner angle. Above the cornice and parapet are subsidiary stone domes at each corner, each incorporating pairs of Corinthian columns. The main dome’s drum features an entablature supported by paired Corinthian columns, and is punctuated by aedicules with open segmental pediments facing each cardinal direction. Beneath each pediment are projections containing carved shields depicting a ship, a railway engine, and a reaper. Allegorical sculptures representing Commerce, Science, and Art adorn the pediments on three sides, while a staircase projection is present on the west side. Round windows pierce the upper part of the dome’s drum, and a balustrade surrounds the lantern.

The interior comprises two domed chambers, one positioned above the other. The lower chamber features a floor of white marble inlaid with black, and its dome is decorated with four large figure groups painted on canvas by George Murray, representing Commerce, History, Art, and Science. Above the windows are depictions of the four seasons, accompanied by the Arms of Lancaster.