As we celebrate the Lancashire Post’s 140th birthday, we thought it was only right to celebrate some of the biggest news stories from across the county’s history too.
For our next ‘Lancashire best’ gallery, we’ve therefore taken a look at 14 of the most significant historical moments in Lancashire’s past.
Some of them are celebratory, others are tragic, but they all helped shape Lancashire into the county it is today.
The Lancashire Post may not have been founded until 1886, but we’ve decided to look further back than that- in fact we explore the very beginnings of Lancashire itself but more on that later.
So, from world-changing inventions and historic battles to remarkable achievements and moments of tragedy, take a look at the 14 moments we think deserve a place in Lancashire’s history books.
So far in our Lancashire Post 140th celebration galleries we’ve looked at the legendary Lancastrians who made history over the years, the famous faces who keep our county’s name in lights today, the famous brands that began life in Lancashire, the best restaurants in Lancashire, the best vegan restaurants in Lancashire, the best performing secondary schools in Lancashire and the best performing primary schools.

1. Historic Lancashire moments
Take a look at 14 landmark moments from Lancashire's history as we celebrate Lancashire Post's 140th birthday | various
.jpeg?trim=0,111,0,111&crop=&width=800)
2. Lancashire becomes a county in its own right (1182)
The County of Lancaster is first documented as a distinct administrative county in 1182. Pictured is Lancaster Castle's John of Gaunts Tower circa 1896. | Getty Images

3. The creation of the Duchy of Lancaster (1351)
Henry of Grosmont became the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351 as the county acquired its special palatine status. This gave the Duchy considerable independence and a remarkable position in English royal history. Pictured is the current Duke of Lancaster, King Charles III, at Lancaster Castle in 2025.

4. Lancashire's Stanley family helps decide the Wars of the Roses (1485)
The intervention of the Stanley family of Lancashire in the Battle of Bosworth helped Henry Tudor defeat defeat Richard III, bringing the Wars of the Roses to an end and establishing the Tudor dynasty. | Getty Images
