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...
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5. Preston, 1959
Edwin Chesters, 77, held the British title for weight lifting in 1960 Preston Strength Team 1959 | National World
6. Preston, 1959
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: | National World
7. Preston, 1959
Tom Finney, Preston North End Centre-forward 1959 September 19th 1959. Tom Finney is seen being carried off after receiving an injury during the First Division match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, London | National World
8. Preston, 1959
The Wooden Screw Motor Launch 'Gnat' River Ribble, Preston July 21st 1959 This teak Carvel built vessel was constructed in 1916 for the Admiralty. It was purchased by the Port of Preston in 1921 for £325. When the port closed in 1981 she was sold to Mr. J. Wilkinson (Preston) for £3,000. | National World