In the same year as the English Channel was swum for the first time these cockles were left at Preston Market.

Believed to be around 140 years old, if not earlier, the oyster shells have been uncovered during the Markets restoration.

Conlon Construction found the shell pits from market traders in the Victorian era.

Oyster and cockle shell pits have been exposed in locations which tie in with historical photos showing where the Southport Fishwives used to trade from.

Read more: More details emerge on new markets as work continues

Contractors were digging out the trenches to take the ground beams for the new multi-million pound glazed market hall going under the grade-II listed Covered Market canopy.

The shells found were discovered below the original cobbles, which were installed in 1875.

Read more: Preston Markets move under the Fish Markets canopy

Some of the shells have been taken to be put on display at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery’s Discover Preston gallery – but the rest will be covered when the ground beams go in.

What do you think of the Markets work? Let us know in the comments below