In 1908, Miss Mary Haslam gifted some 46 hectares of land to the Preston Corporation to be used for a public park or recreation ground in memory of her father. With her wishes respected, the resulting haven was Haslam Park, which has boasted facilities such as a bowling green, an aviary, a swimming pool, and sprawling green areas over the decades. Check out some of our best archive pictures of the park down the decades.
Fancy some more retro? Check out these recent pieces…
9. Haslam Park
A fine old willow tree located close to the stream was a favourite feature of Haslam Park, pictured here in 1938 Photo: RETRO
10. Haslam Park
This memorial to a wealthy mill owner in Preston won the Government's official stamp of approval in the 1980s. The ornamental entrance gates to Haslam Park, first erected when the 56-acre parkland was opened to the memory of cotton spinning boss John Haslam in 1910, was given the protection of "listed building" status by the Department of the Environment at the request of owners Preston Council. The recognition applies to both Blackpool Road and Cottam Lane entrances Photo: RETRO
11. Haslam Park
Looking north across the empty pool area of the baths at Haslam Park, after the pool was closed in 1988. Image kindly provided by Paul Swarbrick and Gillian Lawson of Preston Historical Society Photo: RETRO
12. Haslam Park
This is how the lake at Haslam Park looked in 1941 - a delightful area with swans and ducks Photo: RETRO