While the city’s modernisation and evolution has undoubtedly happened gradually over the decades, it’s undeniable how much the face Preston has been adapted in the intervening 66 years.
Here are some of our best archive pics...
9. Brunswick Street, Preston 1958 A view looking north. Brunswick Street was built in the early 19th century and demolished 1958-59 to make way for the new Avenham high-rise flats. The old Gas Works on Avenham Lane can be seen in the distance. Copyright Lancashire County Library and Information Service. www.lantern.lancashire.gov.uk/
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10. Preston By-Pass, December 5th 1958 (+ Film) Former Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, together with a number of other officials and V.I.P's make their way along the recently completed carriageway to place a commemorative plaque on Samlesbury bridge as part of the opening ceremony. Movietone Newsreel have footage available showing the opening ceremony. This requires registration and log-in. Once logged in, search for "new motorway opened" (film number 75713) Footage includes a 500 MPH drive around Preston Town Centre!
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11. The Sir Walter Scott Inn, North Road, Preston 1958 On the 3rd of August 1881 the premises served as the location of one of the town's most infamous murders, that of 16 year old Annie Ratcliffe. Annie came to Preston with her parents from Darwen. She became pregnant at age 15 by her lover, a 21 year old Preston Clerk, John Aspinall Simpson. Annie set out to marry John and left the Blue Bell Inn which was kept by her Father. On the way to St. Paul's Church Annie met John and they both went into the Sir Walter Scott Arms. An altercation then took place wherupon Aspinall cut Annie's throat with a razor he had bought that morning. After doing the deed, Aspinall nonchalantly sat by and waited for the police to arrive. The subsequent trial found him guilty and he was hanged by William Marwood at Strangeways prison in Manchester on November 23rd 1881. A number of poems and songs were penned about the incident:
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12. St. Mary's Church, Friargate, Preston c.1958 The Church was swept away in 1993 and replaced with a car park. Image courtesy of The Lancashire Evening Post www.lep.co.uk
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