New Series: Nostalgic 1960’s/70’s Preston revealed in pictures

Parish Church and north side of Preston from Kendal House 1964

Parish Church and north side of Preston from Kendal House in Avenham 1964: The centre of the pic is where the Bus Station stands today and just look at all those factory chimneys!

In this new series of Preston pictures, we look at the old town during the 1960’s and the 1970’s. Many of the buildings have been long gone since then but there are still quite a few scenes that have not changed so much. It is a time where Preston was changing rapidly and much slum clearance was taking place, especially in the early to mid 1960’s. It will be fascinating to see what readers can recall some or all of the buildings and structures which existed then and those which have gone or have changed in the present day.

ABC Cinema, Fishergate (south side), Preston 1979: Loved this cinema and the Theatre hotel next door too! Can anyone recall the first film they saw at the ABC and when they had their first drink in the Theatre Hotel?

Easter in Avenham Park, Preston 1970: I wonder if anyone will recognise a relative or friend in this pic.

Preston Docks 1965: Although I never saw the docks like this but I’m sure that many of you will have. It must have been quite an exciting place to visit then.

New Central Bus Station from Tithebarn Street, Preston 1971: A new and pristine Bus Station at the time this photo was taken. I’m guessing it smelled a little better then too!

Fylde Road Roundabout with Telephone House on Moor Lane, Preston 1971: Just the Moor Lane flats have disappeared from this scene nowadays as far as I can tell.

Broomfield Mill, Broomfield Mill Street, Preston 1971: If I’m working this out correctly, the year on the date stone on this mill is 1835 in Roman numerals.

Old Black Bull Hotel and shops, Friargate (south side), Preston 1968: It looks strange to see a shop on the left side of The Old Black Bull Hotel. I am informed that this was the premises of Pegrams up to the early 60’s.

St Ignatius Church and Club from Ringway, Meadow Street, Preston 1971: All the old terraced houses have been swept away to provide new homes, the ones that are still there today. The street on the right was Agnes Street with St. Ignatius Club to the far right.

Hawkins Greenbank Mill from Ashmore Street, Preston 1971: all what you see in this photo has now been swept away completely and replaced by housing.

Rooftop view of St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston 1971: Of course, this photo was taken when St. George’s Shopping Centre took an entirely different path to Friargate than it does today. I quite like the design, it has an unusual look to it. What do you think?

Larkhill School, Preston 1966: Although it all looks different nowadays, the buildings are basically the same structures.

Brookfield Street, (future site of B&Q DIY store), Preston 1971

Brookfield Street, Preston 1971: this is where the B&Q DIY store is today with the Unicorn Hotel just behind where the photographer is stood and slightly to the left of the picture.

Spread Eagle and Mather Brothers (Printers), Lune Street (east side), Preston 1960: Anyone remember the Spread Eagle pub?

Site of former Ribble Bus Station with TC Holdens in foreground, Preston 1970

Site of former Ribble Bus Station with TC Holdens metal and hardware store in foreground, Preston 1970: The three main buildings in the background, the Harris Museum, the Sessions House and the Town Hall, remain to this day.

We hope that you have enjoyed looking back up to 50 years ago. Makes you feel old doesn’t it?