Ormskirk Prepares for Lancashire Day 2025
The town of Ormskirk will host vibrant celebrations for Lancashire Day on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The focal point of the festivities will be the reading of the traditional Lancashire Day Proclamation at the historic Market Cross, situated beneath the iconic Clock Tower. This event promises a rich blend of heritage, community spirit, and local pride, inviting residents and visitors to connect with the county's profound history.
A Living Tradition with Deep Roots
The custom of reading the proclamation dates back to 1295, a pivotal year when Lancashire first sent representatives to the Model Parliament of King Edward I. Originally delivered by Town Criers across the county, this tradition was revived in its modern form in 1996 and has grown significantly in stature ever since. While the names of the earliest representatives are somewhat obscure, historical records mention Matthew de Sechnan as one of the Knights of the Shire, a name that may be an early version of Sefton.
The county's name itself originates from Lancaster, known as lune castra—the Roman camp on the River Lune. Established as a county borough in 1182, it was from here that two knights were summoned to the 1295 parliament. The influential Duchy of Lancaster was later founded in 1362, with John of Gaunt, the third son of Edward III, becoming its first Duke.
Celebrations and Community in Ormskirk
The day's events in Ormskirk are designed to be inclusive and engaging for all ages. The main celebration will be held at the Abbey Wood Care Home on County Road, starting at 10.30am. This free event will feature local history talks, uplifting community music, and traditional Lancashire treats, offering a warm welcome to families, friends, and neighbours.
Additionally, at noon, the Ormskirk Heritage Hub will host a presentation at Ormskirk Library, focusing on the intriguing question of why Ormskirk was not included in the Domesday Book. Across Lancashire, the day is also marked by enjoying traditional dishes such as hotpot, butter pie, gingerbread, and parkin.
The Historic Proclamation and Lancashire's Identity
The 2025 proclamation reaffirms the historic divisions of the county, known as 'Hundreds'. These ancient administrative areas are proudly listed:
- West Derby (Southwestern Lancashire)
- Leyland (North of the River Douglas)
- Salford (Including areas now in Greater Manchester)
- Blackburn
- Amounderness (The Fylde Peninsula)
- Lonsdale, North and South of the Sands (Now part of Cumbria)
The proclamation itself is a powerful statement of local identity, declaring the rights of citizens from these Hundreds to "style themselves Lancastrians" and celebrating the Red Rose county's unique distinction and loyalty to the Sovereign Duke.
Lancashire Day is more than a historical re-enactment; it is a living tradition. In Ormskirk, with its ancient church and cobbled streets, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the town's role in the wider county narrative. It offers a chance for long-time residents to pass on stories and for newcomers to feel part of Lancashire's enduring community, ensuring its rich industrial, agricultural, and cultural legacy continues for generations to come.
