From its founding in 1924, the Diocese of Lancaster has been shaped by the witness of saints, martyrs, clergy, and laity alike. Rooted in a deep Catholic heritage, the diocese stands on the shoulders of those who brought the faith to this land, nurtured it through hardship, and handed it on with hope. This page invites you to explore the milestones, movements, and memories that continue to inspire our journey today.
The Diocese of Lancaster was established on 22 November 1924, carved from territories previously under the Archdiocese of Liverpool and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. This new diocese encompassed the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland (now Cumbria) and the northern part of Lancashire, including the Hundreds of Lonsdale and Amounderness. St Peter’s Church in Lancaster, constructed in 1859, was elevated to cathedral status, becoming the spiritual and administrative heart of the diocese . 
Spanning approximately 2,900 square kilometers, the Diocese of Lancaster stretches from the River Ribble in the south to the Scottish border in the north. It includes diverse landscapes such as the Lake District, coastal towns like Blackpool and Barrow-in-Furness, and historic cities including Carlisle and Lancaster. As of 2019, the diocese served a Catholic population of about 101,700 within a total population of 1,232,000 .  
The first bishop, overseeing the establishment of diocesan structures.
Led through the challenges of World War II and post-war reconstruction.
Guided the diocese during the transformative years of the Second Vatican Council.
Focused on pastoral care and diocesan development.
Initiated the “Fit for Mission?” review to address contemporary challenges .
Continued pastoral initiatives and strengthened diocesan structures.
The current bishop, emphasising evangelisation and spiritual renewal.
The diocese honours several martyrs who suffered during the English Reformation. Notably, Saints Edmund Arrowsmith and Ambrose Barlow were executed in Lancaster and later canonized. The Lancaster Martyrs’ Memorial Stone stands as a testament to their faith and sacrifice. 
Originally built in 1859, Lancaster Cathedral, dedicated to St Peter, became the diocesan cathedral in 1924. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect E.G. Paley, it has undergone several enhancements, including the addition of a baptistry in 1901 and interior reordering in 1995 .
Ladyewell, near Preston, is a historic shrine dedicated to Our Lady and the English Martyrs. It has been a centre of Catholic devotion since penal times, offering a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and peace. Pilgrims come to venerate relics, visit the holy well, and seek spiritual renewal in this sacred and enduring part of our diocesan heritage.
