These images may almost seem like they’re from a different planet, but then again they are, in fact, Preston as you’ve likely never seen it before: a Preston from a different decade, a different century, and a different Millennium.
Still looking for some more nostalgia? Check out these other recent retro pieces...
10. The Empire Theatre, Church Street, Preston c.1956 Opened on the 22nd May 1922 as a 2500 seat music hall. It was later converted to a cinema. The final film was shown in 1964 before conversion once again, to the inevitable bingo hall. This was the last old theatre to be demolished in the town succumbing as late as July 1976 The Last Frontier (seen on the marquee) starring Victor Mature, had it's UK release in March 1956
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11. Today we look at another photo from the Avenham Redevelopment Study, showing a family in Avenham, some time between 1957 and 1961. Picture courtesy of Preston Digital Archive.
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12. Waggon and Horses Inn, Lord Street. From Peeps at old Preston by George C. Miller 1957 The pub took its name from the large number of blacksmiths clustered around the Tithebarn area. The name stayed with the premises for over 200 years before being changed to The Tithebarn in the 1990's. An old town custom called 'Boundary Riding' took place here whereupon the Mayor and members of the Corporation would set off on horseback to view the boundaries of the borough. As part of this ceremony, two of the towns bailiffs were whipped round the nearby pump. Things got out of hand, as these events are wont to do, when the blacksmiths joined in the fray and began to beat the poor bailiff's with iron bars and other iron implements. After this the old custom was discontinued.
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