The brainchild of William Cross, a local solicitor, Winckley Square was originally established as a restricted development and exclusive residential area, overseen by Cross and his wife in 1801.
He took the square's name from the former owner Thomas Winckley, from whom the site was purchased, with the square's gardens originally comprised of private plots owned by residents.
Later it became a public park, which included the Sir Robert Peel statue being erected by public subscription in 1852. More recently Winckley Square underwent a £1.2m restoration to reassert its place as the jewel in the crown of Preston.
Still in the mood for a bit more nostalgia? Check out some of our other recent retro pieces...
5. In 1993, when this image was taken, Preston highways chiefs brought in a series of measures aimed at cutting congestion in the town centre. Winckley Street was to be made a one-way streetPhoto: Lindsey North
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6. The statue of Sir Robert Peel resplendent again in Winckley Square, Preston, after its cleaning as part of the area's improvement programme in 1986Photo: Brian Jackson
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7. If it weren't for the age of the cars you might think this was a modern-day scene of Preston's Winckley Square - but it was taken in the 1970sPhoto: Archive
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8. This fantastic image shows Winckley Street in Preston in the 1930sPhoto: Archive
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