The prison is the Fylde Coast’s only jail and opened in 1962. The actual site started out life as an RAF base and continued until 1945 where it remained closed until the facility was taken over by the Home Office and susequently opened as a prison. There had been a public inquiry into the Prison Commissioner’s plans to turn the site into a prison, with residents concerned about escapes, and the temptations of having a seaside resort nearby. These pictures show the site throughout the years - from an empty building in 1960, to the more recent past and offer a glimpse inside the cells at varying stages throughout the past six decades as well as key moments in its history.

13. Kirkham Prison
Prison officer Ralph Beaumont retired in He is pictured receiving his retirement presents from the other Beaumont - prison governor Mr Jack Beaumont (front right) Photo: RETRO


15. Kirkham Prison
Jimmy Johnston, acting governor and Ian Phillips, assistant chief officer at the opening of new Kirkham prison in 2004 Photo: Donna Clifford

16. Kirkham Prison
One of the rooms in the new accommodation block at Kirkham Prison in 2003 Photo: Mike Foster

