And so, with that in mind, take a look at what our very own city of Preston looked like back in the heady days of 1959. England were yet to win the World Cup, things like the internet had yet to be invented, and it’s hard to escape the impression that life was somewhat simpler. As one reader says: “I can’t believe it’s the same city...” Take a look at some of our best archive pics from 1959 to explore what everything looked like back in the day...
Fancy more retro? Check out these other pieces…
1. Photo Neil Cross Edwin Chesters, 77, held the British title for weight lifting in 1960 Preston Strength Team 1959
2. Brookfield Housing Estate Shops, Preston 1959 Showing the premises of J.&J. Dilworth newsagent, Norman Theobald and Southworth's
3. The Sir Walter Scott Inn, North Road, Preston 1959 On the 3rd of August 1881 the premises served as the location of one of the town's most infamous murders, that of 15 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 parents. 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:
4. Made in Preston. The Bond P1 / P2 Scooter Made at Sharps Commercials, Ribbleton Lane, Preston. The P1 was rolled out in 1958 shotly to be followed by the P2. Models P3 and P4 made their debut in 1959. Production finally ended in 1962. for more information on Lawrie Bond read Nick Wotherspoon's book
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