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Nostalgic 1960’s/70’s Preston revealed in pictures (Part 6)

Posted on - 30th May, 2015 - 1:00pm | Author - | Posted in - History, Nostalgia, Photos
Corporation Street with Public Hall, Preston c.1978

Corporation Street with the Public Hall, Preston c.1978

In this week’s retro time slip through the streets of Preston, about 80% of what you see in these pictures has vanished from sight and most of the remainder has changed in many ways from what was in earlier days. In the feature image above of Corporation Street, virtually nothing exists today of what you see in the picture. As you know, the former Public Hall was all but demolished to make way for Ringway and the building on the left side, Dutton-Forshaw’s, was demolished to construct the building we see today, being the current premises of Staples stationary store which was formerly Office World.

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In the foreground of this picture is where the small retail park exists today where you can find stores such as Aldi an Poundworld; however, at the time when this photo was taken it would have been where the premises of Loxham’s motor car dealers was in operation, before that it was the site of the Lancaster Canal terminus basin. In truth, this area as it is today is hardly recognisable as it’s former self.

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The Queens Buildings & Hill Place, Fishergate, Preston c.1979

The Queens Buildings & Hill Place, Fishergate, Preston c.1979: This whole block of shops was demolished to make way for the Fishergate Shopping Centre, of which the entrance is just to the left of this picture. To the right was a small road which was Hill Place in which a few private residences existed. The far southerly end of Hill Place led down to Butler Street Railway Goods Yard.

Junction of Pole Street and Percy Street, Preston c.1972

Junction of Pole Street and Percy Street, Preston c.1972: Once again, one of those views that has changed entirely and the only parts remaining are the actual roads, Percy Street and Pole Street. On the opposite corner of Pole Street, facing the old mill building and just out of sight to the left, was the Anglers Arms, the flagship public house of Matthew Brown Brewery.

Goodwin Bros (umbrella sellers), Orchard Street, Preston c.1969

Goodwin Bros (umbrella sellers), Orchard Street, Preston c.1969: This view hasn’t changed very much except that this is no longer the premises of Goodwin’s but if you look closely above the shop sign in the present day, you can still see the ‘We Shall Have Rain’ sign which has now been painted over.

St. Paul's School, Pole Street, Preston c.1968

St. Paul’s School, Pole Street, Preston c.1968: Swept away a long time ago but the part of the the building to the left was used as a Sunday school for many years before it finally closed. To the far left and at the end of Pole Street is Park Road and you can just see the trees in the church yard of St. Paul’s Church (Rock FM Radio Station).

Railway Mission, Corporation Street, Preston c.1970

Railway Mission, Corporation Street, Preston c.1970: On the left side was a motorbike shop if I recall correctly and in the middle is the mission which still stands there today (for now anyway). Interestingly, the building on the right, which was formerly the offices of J. Taylor, Coal Merchants, still remains in part with just the lower half of the facade hanging in there.

Shepherd Street (back) Preston c 1975

Shepherd Street (back) Preston c 1975: I don’t think I ever saw this place but it does conjure up a vision of the stereotype car dealer of the day. Anyone have knowledge of this premises or who owned it?

St Mary's Methodist School, St. Mary's Street, Preston c.1972

St Mary’s Methodist School, St. Mary’s Street, Preston c.1972: This building remains today in almost the same state as it was in the early 70’s and was partly the premises of Delron Fashions. I’m sure someone reading this will have worked there in the past and may possibly have a tale to tell.

A. Boast & Co. Ltd., Empire Garage, Derby Street, Preston c.1977

A. Boast & Co. Ltd., Empire Garage, Derby Street, Preston c.1977: This building, which was originally part of an old mill, stands where the B&M store is today at the rear of the Bus Station. The street to the left is Derby Street and in the foreground is Carlisle Street.

Construction of Tenterfield Street Subway, Preston c.1969

Construction of Tenterfield Street Subway, Preston c.1969: The view in this picture is looking towards the Co-operative store on the corner of Lancaster Road and Ormskirk Road which you can just see in the background. I notice that HSE observance wasn’t too great in those times by the looks of the balanced ladders in the foreground; and as usual, workmen stood around, leaning on shovels!

Christ Church School, Bow Lane, Preston c.1972

Christ Church School, Bow Lane, Preston c.1972: Any of the readers ever go to this school? I have to say that it looks like it was a fabulous old building and the epitome of a split gender school of those days.

New Cock Yard, Preston c.1969

New Cock Yard, Preston c.1969: I really don’t recall ever going into this alleyway but I am reliably informed that there was an excellent motorbike engineer to the left of the picture. I bet lots of you guys remember this one!

Hall's Pet Shop, Jamieson's Buildings, Church Street. Preston c.1973

Hall’s Pet Shop, Jamieson’s Buildings, Church Street. Preston c.1973: Hall’s pet shop was a great place to visit when I was a youngster; I remember seeing rabbits in the window and if I recall correctly they had a parrot inside the shop. Anyone have any good memories of this place?

Guild Morris Dancers in St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston 1972

Guild Morris Dancers in St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston 1972: I still think this original version of St. George’s Shopping Centre was just the coolest place with some terrific design and lovely open spaces.

Edward Street, Preston c.1971

Edward Street, Preston c.1971: I wonder what the little girl in this picture was thinking? One thing is for sure, it probably wasn’t about how it will all change by the time she becomes an adult, and isn’t it strange to think that she will now be at least 50 years of age? For the technically minded, you may have noticed that the lamp post in the forefront is a William Alllsup & Sons product, the maker of some of the cast iron columns which support the covered market.

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

Nostalgic 1960’s/70’s Preston revealed in pictures series: Part 5 can be viewed here and Part 7 here

Also see our Preston in the 80’s series starting here.

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Our grateful thanks go to the Preston Historical Society for kindly providing these images.

Did you recall any or all of the scenes in these images? Let us know in the comments below.

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Preston in pictures Preston Bus 207 PO56 JDX (Scania N94UB / East Lancs Esteem)24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

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