a dynasty of English kings (1399–1461); a branch of the Plantagenets.
The house of Lancaster originated with the fourth son of Edward III, John of Gaunt, who was the duke of Lancaster. The son of the latter, Henry IV (the first Lancaster), came to power as a result of a revolt by major feudal lords in northern England that overthrew Richard II. To meet the needs of the feudal aristocracy, Henry V (ruled 1413–22) resumed the Hundred Years’ War and captured northern France. Under the last Lancaster, the weak-minded Henry VI (ruled 1422–61), the British lost almost all their possessions in France (except Calais). The Lancasters brutally suppressed popular movements (including Jack Cade’s rebellion in 1450) and enacted laws on the burning of heretics, which were aimed against the Lollards. In the internecine struggle between the Lancasters and another branch of the Plantagenets, the Yorks, the throne in 1461 passed to Edward IV of York.
a city and port in Great Britain in Lune Estuary, in Lancashire County. Population, 49,500 (1971). Lancaster produces linoleum, oilcloth, plastics, and synthetic-fiber textiles. Machine building is an important branch of the local economy. The city has a university and an observatory.
a city in the eastern USA, in the state of Pennsylvania. Population, 57,700 (1970; with suburbs, 319,700). Lancaster is the center of an important agricultural region, trading in cattle and tobacco. Industry employed 56,000 residents in 1969; they produced metalwork, machines, textiles, knitted goods, tobacco, processed foods, watches, linoleum, and umbrellas. There is a university in the city.
a sound in the eastern part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, located between Devon Island and Baffin and Bylot islands. Width, 50–80 km; depth, 137–1,232 m. Lancaster Sound is covered by ice for ten months of the year. It was discovered in 1616 by the English navigator W. Baffin.