08/09/2026
People frequently ask what the point of history is...and it's this. People come and go, buildings as manmade structures should survive people and yet they do not. As cities develop, the old is often torn down to make way for the new. It is possible to have the old and new next to each other. London and York are two cities that have done this to a degree. All it requires is a little investment and an adaptable approach to conservation. Lancaster is known for its eighteenth century architecture however some of its buildings date back much further. When these buildings are destroyed to make way for modern conveniences their stories and those of their former inhabitants and communities are lost, the joys and struggles of individuals and groups connected with them suddenly dust. Stories only survive as long as people keep telling them but, once memories fade, these too are lost. This is why history matters. Once stories fade, their significance is forgotten and ignorance creeps in, sometimes leading to people repeating some of the mistakes of the past. History can be shocking and regrettable but it also educates and entertains, providing explanations for why things are like they are today whilst its lessons can be used to improve the world in which we live in. Not all history is relevant to the twenty-first century but it continues to fascinate and it matters to many of us. Let's not lose our communities: everyone enjoys a good story. Find out how we strive to keep stories alive at www.livehistory.co.uk
