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200 Year Anniversary
OUR history
In July 2024 Lancaster & Morecambe College celebrated 200 years of continuous technical education provision in the local area. The roots of LMC can be traced directly back to the founding of the Library and Mechanics’ Institute in 1824, which, after several moves, eventually settled in the Storey Institute, on Meeting House Lane. We are justifiably proud of these roots, and how the College has since continued to evolve a high standard of technical education relevant to our local employers and community, and to the continually changing times they have seen.
Having moved to its current site in 1963, the new College was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Today the College has become infinitely more accessible through the construction of the Bay Gateway in 2016. Now sitting on the main artery into Heysham and Morecambe, the College has never been better placed to deliver the training and skills requirements.
We are planning a range of celebratory events throughout 2024 to mark our bicentenary and will be asking LMC alumni to share their stories and photos from across the years. Keep an eye on our social media platforms for more updates.
Join our 200 Year Anniversary Facebook Group to share your memories here!
Timeline of Lancaster & Morecambe College History
1824
Library & Mechanics' Institute first established in Mary Street, Lancaster
1831-1850
Institute moves its premises 3 times: Penny Street; Sun Street; Freemasons' Hall in Brock Street
1855-1856
Mechanics' Institute moved to Storey Institute site and opened as the Technical School of Mechanics' Institute
1860
Church of England Instruction Society was incorporated
1866-1867
Lecture Hall built alongside the School of Science established; and the Mechanics' Institute handed over to Sir Thomas Storey, who engineered the formation of the Morecambe Mechanics' Institute
1891
The premises was completely rebuilt and opened as the Storey Institute
1909
The Storey Institute premises was enlarged with addition of an art gallery and library
1919-1920
Junior Technical School established for boys wanting to enter various trades and the Lancaster Technical College is officially adopted
1931
The old Lune Valley Engineering workshops was purchased as an annexe to develop workshop practice
1940- 1943
Junior Technical School doubled in size and the Junior Commercial School for Girls established
1948
Morecambe Evening Institute (formerly Mechanics' Institute formed 1867) was incorporated and board of governors established for the whole college
1950-1951
The council session formally establish the Lancaster & Morecambe College of Further Education
1956-1959
First two building phases of the new college site on Morecambe Road completed, included Blocks A, B and the Lecture Theatre
1962
The whole College located on Morecambe Road site
1963
On 5 July this year saw the official opening of Lancaster & Morecambe College by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
2024
Bicentenary celebrations to celebrate 200 years of continuous technical education provision in the local area
Chas Jacobs Artwork
We recently commissioned local artist Chas Jacobs to create a long-lasting piece of art, showcasing our ever-growing campus as it is now in 2024. This artwork was unveiled at our 200th Birthday event has since been enlarged and hung in our student courtyard area for all to see. We love it!
