Known for its rich industrial history, particularly in textiles, the town was transitioning as the traditional industries began to decline. Despite these shifts, Preston maintained its bustling energy, with local markets and shops on Fishergate and Friargate serving as the heart of commerce. The town’s transport hub, with the iconic Preston bus station completed in 1969, became a symbol of modernity amidst the old.
Social life thrived with local pubs, dance halls, and cinemas like the Odeon offering entertainment to the community. The town's parks, particularly Avenham and Miller Parks, provided green spaces where families spent their weekends. Preston North End football matches at Deepdale were major events, uniting the town in support of their local team.
Education and culture were also on the rise, with the establishment of new schools and the growth of the Harris Museum as a cultural focal point. Preston in the late 1960s was a town balancing its proud heritage with the excitement of new developments.
In the following collection of archival images, we journey back to this era, capturing the essence of life in Preston during this transformative time.
Still fancy some more retro nostalgia? Be sure not to miss some of our recent popular picture galleries...
21. Preston Marine Cadets Strand Road Preston. c 1970 In practice for the N.W area PT competition. Left to Right: Tony, Jim (Jnr.) Craig and Jim (Snr.) Bland. The Preston detatchment won the event at Liverpool that year under the direction of Jim Bland (Jnr.) - the staff PT instructor. Preston Digital Archive
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22. Preston Digital Archive Follow Oxford Road Housing, Preston 1970's Photographed by N Keith Scott c.1972 © N Keith Scott 2015 Reproduced by kind permission of Tarquin Scott and the Preston Past and Present Facebook Group. More information about Mr. N.K. Scott and his personal sketches see Travels With An Architect (2012) ISBN 978-0-9534156-1-8 available at www.archims.co.uk
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23. The Plough Inn, Grimsargh, near Preston. December 1969. Councillor Tony Parker alongside his recently acquired Bentley
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24. Preston Marine Cadets c. 1970 100 mile charity relay run from Gretna Green to Preston, Emil Timothy seen handing the baton to the detatchments PT instructor Jim Bland (Jr.)
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