Lancashire

Lancashire is an administrative (pop. 2001: 1,134,976), historic, and geographic county, located in northwestern England.^[1] Lancashire is bordered by the Irish Sea to the west, Cumbria Including the historic county of Westmorland to the north, West Yorkshire to the east, and Cheshire to the south. It is 75 miles in length, and 30 in breadth.^[2] Preston is the largest city in Lancashire.^[3]

The population of Lancashire is 1,253,154 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Lancashire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 1.4% per year. Lancashire covers an area of 2,903 square kilometers (1,121 square miles) and has a population density of 432 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[4]

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Lancashire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

This county is very diverse, with a lot of different kinds of land. In the north and east, there are tall mountains over 2,000 feet high. Between these mountains are big, open areas of land called moors or heaths. There are also large, wet areas called bogs or mosses, which are dangerous and only good for cutting peat for fuel. But there's also some very good land for farming.^[5]

Lancashire has larger proportions of its workforce allocated to the big employment sectors of wholesale and retail, manufacturing, education, and human health and social work activities than at the national level.^[6] The county has a lot of natural resources: iron, coal, slate, and other rocks for building, salt, and more.^[7]

While farming is done in Lancashire county, raising animals like cows and sheep for meat and wool is more common. Fishing in the rivers and the sea is also important.^[8]

Lancashire offers a diverse range of attractions. The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is the largest in England. The Manchester Town Hall Manchester Town Hall (1868-77) in Albert Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It's regarded as one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom.^[9] Pendle Hill is a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center. Ashton Memorial was commissioned by Lancaster industrialist Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife Jessy.^[10] It was designed by John Belcher and completed in 1909.^[11] Old Man of Coniston is a fell-top in the heart of England's Lake district. A fell (from Old Norse fell, fjall, "mountain") is a high and barren landscape feature, such as a mountain range or moor-covered hills.^[12]

Lancashire history

Lancashire has evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times, with archaeological finds indicating settlements during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The region's fertile land and abundant resources made it an attractive area for early human habitation.^[13]

During the Roman occupation (43 AD - 410 AD), Lancashire was part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans established several forts and settlements in the area, including the important fort at Ribchester (Bremetennacum). Roman roads, such as Watling Street, facilitated trade and military movements.

After the Roman withdrawal, Lancashire became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. The region saw the establishment of several Anglo-Saxon settlements and churches. The name "Lancashire" is derived from the city of Lancaster, which was an important center during this period.^[14]

The 16th century saw significant changes in Lancashire due to the English Reformation. The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII led to the redistribution of church lands. Lancashire also became known for its wool and textile industries, which began to flourish during this period.^[15]

Lancashire played a crucial role in the English Civil War, with the county being a battleground for several key conflicts between the Royalists and Parliamentarians. The Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 was a significant event in the region. The 17th century saw the growth of the textile industry in Lancashire, particularly in the production of wool and cotton. This laid the foundation for Lancashire's later status as a major industrial center during the Industrial Revolution.^[16]

The history of Lancashire in the 18th century is based on the transformative boom in the textile industry. The 18th century laid the foundation for Lancashire's transformation into one of the most industrialized regions in the world. The industrial revolution, which began in Lancashire, would have far-reaching consequences for both Britain and the global economy.^[17]

The 19th century was a period of immense change and growth for Lancashire, solidifying its position as the industrial heartland of Britain. The cotton industry continued to flourish, with Lancashire's mills producing vast quantities of cloth for both domestic and international markets. New inventions like the power loom and the spinning mule further mechanized the textile industry, increasing productivity and efficiency.^[18]

The 20th century was a period of significant change for Lancashire, England. The textile industry, which had been the backbone of Lancashire's economy, began to decline due to competition from other countries and technological advancements. Lancashire played a crucial role in both World Wars, with its industrial capacity and workforce contributing to the war effort. The region also suffered from air raids and bombings, particularly during World War II. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and ship building, led to high unemployment rates and social problems in some areas.^[13]

Lancashire parishes and unparished areas

In Lancashire there are three levels of local government, namely the County Council, 12 District Councils and 212 Parished areas (represented by over 180 Parish Councils, 19 Town Councils and 1 Neighborhood Council). Only half of Lancashire's residents are currently represented by a Parish or Town Council, with the remainder living in an Unparished area.^[19]

Lancashire geography

Lancashire runs up the English west coast from the River Mersey north to Morecambe Bay with a further part of the county north of the sands at Furness. The Furness district in the north sits on the sea at Barrow in Furness, a shipyard and industrial town. Behind Barrow-in-Furness though is a land of lakeland fells, forested and mountainous, forming part of the Lake District. Coniston Water, and most of Windermere lie in this part of Lancashire. The county’s highest point is here, in the Furness Fells.^[20]

Researching family history in Lancashire

The Lancashire County Council has a helpful page of family and local history resources. The Genealogist has a free search of parish records. The Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society was formed in 1973 as the Rossendale Society for Genealogy and Heraldry (Lancashire), the Society now has twelve branches in Lancashire, together with one in London.^[21] The Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society also known as Manchester Ancestors has extensive databases and also the records of the Catholic Family History Society.

Ethnicities in Lancashire

The demographic distribution of the Lancashire population is as follows:^[4]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Lancashire is predominantly white (88.9%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 11.1% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Lancashire accounting for 8.1% of the population. 7,979 or 1% of the Lancashire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Lancashire, 2021 census

White - 1,098,595 people or 88.9%
Asian - 100,031 people or 8.1%
Mixed - 19,947 people or 1.6%
Other - 8,799 people or 0.7%
Black - 7,979 people or 0.6%

Surnames in Lancashire

The demographic distribution of Lancashire surnames is as follows:^[22]

Surname	Incidence	Frequency
Smith	23,018	1:78
Jones	9,866	1:183
Brown	9,497	1:190
Taylor	9,120	1:198
Williams	8,859	1:204
Martin	6,552	1:276
Baker	6,321	1:286
Johnson	6,005	1:301
White	5,956	1:303
Harris	5,903	1:306

Explore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[1] Lancashire summary | Britannica

[2] Genuki: Lancashire, Lancashire

[3] Preston | England, Map, Population, & History | Britannica

[:0-4] 4.0 ^4.1 Lancashire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[5] Genuki: Lancashire, Lancashire

[6] Employment by industry sector

[7] Lancashire minerals: A whistle stop tour of past and present workings and restorations

[8] Agriculture, forestry and fishing

[9] The building | History of Manchester Town Hall | Manchester City Council

[10] Pendle Hill, a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center near Philadelphia, PA

[11] The Ashton Memorial

[12] What is a Fell in The Lake District?

[:1-13] 13.0 ^13.1 A History of Lancashire

[14] Saxons & Vikings – Wilcuma

[15] Discover the History of Lancashire | Lancashireway

[16] A 17th-century Lancashire road map

[17] Industrial Revolution – Insurance Museum

[18] Victorians: Commerce

[19] Better Working Between Lancashire County Council and Parish and Town Councils

[20] Lancashire

[21] Lancashire Family History & Heraldry Society

[22] Most Common Surnames in Lancashire, With Meanings

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