Lancaster in Lancashire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Hidden Horseshoe

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 12, 2025

1. Hidden Horseshoe Marker

Inscription. The junction of Penny Street, Cheapside and Market Street has long been an important point for trade in Lancaster - as well as being the focal point of one of its post popular legends. Known locally as Horseshoe Corner, the name refers to an historic horseshoe left on the site by a mysterious steed prompting debate about its owner and origin over time since.

Many Lancastrians have a theory as to whose horse the shoe belonged to. A well told tale is that it was lost from the noble charger of the First Duke of Lancaster, John O'Gaunt, when he left Lancaster for the last time back in the 14th Century.

Others believe it belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who for a brief period in the 18th Century lodged at Church Street. A further and perhaps more likely theory connects the shoe to the use of the streets for horse-fairs.

A horseshoe has been in place for many a year. For a period it was tradition to replace the shoe every 7 years - a ceremony which attracted large crowds, servings of nut-brown ale and much merry chanting.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 54° 2.928′ N, 2° 47.988′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, England, in Lancashire. It is on Cheapside. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Cheapside, Lancaster, England LA1 1LY, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North West England.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sir William Turner

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Sir Richard Owen 1804-1892 (about 180 meters away); Gillows (1730-1897) (about 210 meters away); Charles Dickens (about 240 meters away); Window to your soul (1750-1982) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Fruits of the mind (1887 - ) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Lancaster Castle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Elizabeth Fry (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 26 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 7, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?