34 evocative and historic retro pictures of iconic Winckley Square in Preston through the years

The brainchild of William Cross, a local solicitor, Winckley Square was originally established as a restricted development and exclusive residential area, overseen by Cross and his wife in 1801.

He took the square's name from the former owner Thomas Winckley, from whom the site was purchased, with the square's gardens originally comprised of private plots owned by residents.

Later it became a public park, which included the Sir Robert Peel statue being erected by public subscription in 1852. More recently Winckley Square underwent a £1.2m restoration to reassert its place as the jewel in the crown of Preston.

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29. Old Preston

Canal near Marsh Lane, Preston 1960 View looking north towards Marsh lane showing the derelict remains of a canal barge close to the canal terminus. The south side of Marsh Lane bridge had recently been filled in and banked up almost to road level. | National World

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30. Old Preston

Police Incident, Junction of Plungington Road & Ripon Street, Preston 1960's Photo by Terry Martin, courtesy of Nicola Martin of the Preston Past and Present Facebook Group. | National World