The town of Lancaster has long been a centre for culture education & commerce. The Romans had a permanent settlement on the same hill as Lancaster Castle sits today. The name of the town is derived from the River Lune & caster the Old English word for fort. In later years Lancaster developed unique ties to the British monarchy. The House of Lancaster became a branch of the royal family after being embroiled in the Wars of the Roses with the House of York. Although Lancaster has lost many treasures there are some fine examples of change which marries the best of the old with the best of the new such as the White Cross Mills site. St George's Quay probably looks better than at any time in its history & there's more to come on the freshly cleared site just west of Carlisle Bridge. Lancaster has suffered some tragic losses but it is still a graceful & humane city; it is a place to cherish & many people do.