In 1997, a book collector from Leicestershire walked into a London bookshop and bought two albums full of photographs of the Preston area.

Twenty-two years later and the book collector, Charles Haworth, is hoping to find out more about the places featured in the album.

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Charles, who generally collects illustrated books on travel and topography, says he is “clueless” about most of the locations, as he has never been anywhere near Preston.

However he believes the photographs were taken around 1900, based on the fact there is no sign of any motor vehicles.

Read more:Pictures of when classic buses parked up in Preston’s Flag Market 

Charles said: “I bought the two albums in Keith Fawkes bookshop in Hampstead in 1997.

“I don’t usually go for old photos but these two albums were different from the run-of-the-mill old family snapshots that you usually find in junk shops. The quality is rather good.

“I have no idea who took the photographs, but whoever he was, he was a very keen photographer. 

“I love the way he took his camera into the streets and took candid photos of people going about their ordinary business or relaxing in the park. You can get a real feel about what the streets and people of Preston looked like at the beginning of the 20th century.

“I would love to know more about the places featured and often wonder if there are other albums in existence by the same photographer.”

Charles has scanned a selection of the photographs, which can be seen below. Click on each photo to view a larger version.

We have given each photo a name, so if you recognise any of the locations please let us know in the comments below