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...
33. Woodmen changed the face of Preston's historic Winckley Square gardens in 1985. Mature trees were chopped down and replaced by young ones in a big conversation schemePhoto: Norman Wiggins
National World
34. A 1996 view of Charles House, the Preston income tax headquarters in Winckley SquarePhoto: Archive
National World
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