31 architectural marvels that show buildings and landmarks woven into the fabric of Preston’s identity

Digital Journalist

Published 11th Dec 2025, 18:00 BST

Preston is a town rich in history, with many of its buildings and landmarks offering glimpses into its storied past.

These buildings and landmarks are not just architectural marvels; they are woven into the fabric of Preston’s identity.

In the following collection, we explore archive images that capture the charm and history of these beloved sites.

ICYMI: 19 memorable photos of Deepdale Road, the home of Preston North End showing its stadium, pitch and supporters

41 nostalgic pictures of Preston 50 years ago that remember the people and places of the 1970s

33 nostalgic pictures of Church Street in Preston from the 1930s to 1980s

Back of the old Town Hall, Preston 1860. This property was built in 1781 and served the town until early 1862 when all was swept away in preparation for the new Town Hall which opened in 1867. This view is from Cheapside looking towards Fishergate

1. Preston historic and forgotten buildings and places

Back of the old Town Hall, Preston 1860. This property was built in 1781 and served the town until early 1862 when all was swept away in preparation for the new Town Hall which opened in 1867. This view is from Cheapside looking towards Fishergate Photo: n/a

Ye Olde Blue Belle Public House, Church St. Preston 1949, which dates back to the early 1700s.
One of the oldest inns in Preston, (and still serving) Also a favourite resort of the hostlers and stablemen of the Derby family, whose stables were behind the photographer on the north side of Church Street

2. Preston historic and forgotten buildings and places

Ye Olde Blue Belle Public House, Church St. Preston 1949, which dates back to the early 1700s. One of the oldest inns in Preston, (and still serving) Also a favourite resort of the hostlers and stablemen of the Derby family, whose stables were behind the photographer on the north side of Church Street Photo: n/a

Old Penwortham Bridge, Preston c.1863, opened 1759.
Taken from Penwortham, looking towards Broadgate and Preston.

3. Preston historic and forgotten buildings and places

Old Penwortham Bridge, Preston c.1863, opened 1759. Taken from Penwortham, looking towards Broadgate and Preston. Photo: PDA

Before the days of the Royal Preston Hospital, patients attended the Royal Infirmary, Deepdale, Preston, opened in 1869. The hospital closed in 1990. This postcard, by G Cross, comes courtesy of Preston Digital Archive.

4. Preston historic and forgotten buildings and places

Before the days of the Royal Preston Hospital, patients attended the Royal Infirmary, Deepdale, Preston, opened in 1869. The hospital closed in 1990. This postcard, by G Cross, comes courtesy of Preston Digital Archive. Photo: Preston Digital Archive

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