The decade saw the continued growth of the local economy, with the textile industry still playing a crucial role, though beginning to face challenges from global competition. The town’s skyline was evolving, with modern architecture gradually blending with its historic buildings, marking a shift towards urban development.
Preston’s bustling market, a staple of the community, continued to be a central hub where locals gathered for fresh produce and goods. The streets were alive with the sounds of daily life, and the emergence of new shopping centres and businesses began shaping the town’s commercial landscape.
Parks like Moor Park and Avenham Park provided locals with green spaces to relax, while the River Ribble remained a key focal point for outdoor activities.
Culturally, the early 1970s in Preston saw a rise in local music and entertainment, with youth embracing the new styles and sounds of the decade. Preston North End football club, meanwhile, remained a source of local pride, continuing to draw crowds to Deepdale.
These pictures will have you saying ‘I can’t believe it, so explore the vibrant and dynamic spirit of this era with our retro picture collection of archive images from Preston in the early 1970s!
9. Bath time was never like this... and what a sneaky way these grown-ups have of keeping us clean! Children of the Hartington Road Day Nursery, Preston, don't know anything about centigrade and fahrenheit but they reckon that clothes are just a waste of time when the sun is beating down and there's a paddling pool outside. But never mind the heatwave...
National World
10. Retro Mr and Mrs Rowland from Preston who are celebrating there Golden Wedding 1973
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11. The successful training scheme run by Preston Corporation for motor-cyclists, which closed down three years ago, is to start up again. Pictured: Mr Chapman, Preston's road safety officer, takes delivery of two of the new motor-cycles for the training school from dealer Mr Bill Head, watched by assistant road safety officer Mr Neil Cunliffe and road safety committee chairman Coun Mrs Doris Scowcroft
National World
12. These 3 photos are from the 1972 guild. The float was entered by the Preston & District Football League depicting football through the ages. I am going to send you a number of photos from different occasions of the league as from next season we have changed our name after over a hundred years. Hope you find the time and space to print them in retro as I am forever getting calls to put more photos in as people like to see them especially the wives or children of the players who have unfortunately died and they may have never seen the photos. Picture sent in by Frank Smith
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