It was a huge undertaking and building was marred by controversary and tragedy when construction was halted by the collapse of the structure. One man was seriously injured, but thankfully went on to make a full recovery. The covered market was finally given a grand opening in 1875 and it has proudly stood in the heart of Preston since then.
Plans to redevelop the covered market – including a glass enclosure – were first proposed way back in 1988, but the idea was shot down. Preston City Council were not be thwarted though and they finally got their wish granted when in 2018 the new covered market was unveiled – complete with a wooden clad and glass interior.
22. In 1984 Preston Council gave the go-ahead for a modernisation project which included the use of metal-framed tubular tables to be used for the stalls on Preston's covered market. Pictured here is wool stall proprietor Mr Ian Howarth, who was using the new tables. He said they hadn't proved to be as efficient as the older-style wooden counterpart Photo: Bernard Howe
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23. Husband and wife team John and Mona O'Brien turned up in their Citroen 2CV car stuffed with second-hand clothing and other bric-a-brac items Photo: Archive
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24. Matthew Gregory, from Blackpool, considered himself a professional car booter, buying and selling furniture and bric-a-brac. He arrived in his van at Preston's covered market some 12 hours before he could start selling to the public - just so he could secure a good pitch Photo: Archive
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