Historical artefacts celebrate 50 years of council

A cheese making machine will feature in the county-wide exhibition

An exhibition marking 50 years since a council was created is to display 50 objects reflecting the life and history of the area.

Each Wednesday until March a new artefact from Lancashire County Council's archives will be announced to be displayed across museums and libraries, revealing the history of the county and its communities.

The very first object chosen to launch the exhibition will be two sets of carved doors from the council’s headquarters in Preston.

The doors have ornate cast bronze panels depicting aspects of Lancashire industry, including coal mining and aircraft construction.

'Spirit of Lancashire'

A roman spear will be among the items going on display

The council said each panel embodies the "spirit of Lancashire", from its wildlife to its rich agricultural past, from fisheries and ports to the seaside towns.

The authority is celebrating five decades since it was created as part of the reorganisation of English local government in 1974.

Heather Davis, the authority's conservation and collections manager, said: “A lot of planning and preparation has been put into making sure these objects reflect the communities from which they originate."

Among other items to be displayed will be a 500-year-old pilgrim badge, a 20th century cheese making machine, and a roman spear.

Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “Our skilled team in cultural services have given much thought in compiling such an eclectic range of objects showcasing the rich heritage of our wider Lancashire community."

Once placed in a library, the items will be on show for at least 10 weeks.