Having hosted countless events, from markets to mass gatherings, it has also been a long-lasting meeting place, cultural landmark, and architectural wonder over the years. Here we our best archive pictures of historic Flag Market scenes from down the decades.
14. Flag Market
The stone flags that gave Preston's famous town square its special name - the Flag Market - are being ripped up after 118 years as part of a big facelift. Pictured: Workman Brian Hardman, of Ashton-in-Makerfield, on Preston's flagless Flag Market Photo: RETRO
15. Flag Market
When this image was taken in 1992 there were plans to rip up Preston's Flag Market again - just eight years after it was given a massive refurbishment. The reason given was that the stones were causing a trip hazard to pedestrians and needed to be reset Photo: RETRO
