Many of Preston’s historic structures, parks and buildings are still in use today. In this photo special we look at what can be visited and how the sites have developed over the years. All photos are by the author. 

The North Union Railway Bridge

Preston Station opened in 1838 and was built by the North Union Railway. The bridge to the south now carries seven lines. As early as 1879, the width was doubled. The West Coast Main Line was electrified in 1974 resulting in some rather ugly catenary. This is still a busy station with six through and two bay platforms. All the platforms are electrified. The line to Blackpool was electrified between 2016 and 2018.

Preston Docks

Preston Docks once had an extensive railway network. Now the only surviving line is used by the Ribble Steam Railway. Occasional bitumen trains still use the heritage line that is connected to the main line at Preston Station. Bitumen tankers can often be seen stabled at the new station, built by the heritage line.

Another feature of the railway is the swing bridge which has become a tourist attraction. The railway runs down the middle of the road and over the bridge. Before a train crosses on to the road section, signals control the traffic.

Penwortham Old Bridge

This was once the main road into Penwortham but was superseded by Brockholes bridge, which carries the A59. The A59 bridge was originally built in 1820 but was widened in the 1930s. Penwortham Old Bridge was built in 1759 and has five arches. 

Preston’s fascinating parks

Preston has some lovely parks that change throughout the seasons. There are many paths that can be walked including along the river and through sunken gardens. The parks are easily accessible from the city centre. A notable feature of Avenham Park is the Sebastopol Cannons; these are actually Russian guns that were captured during the Crimean War (1853-1856).

Miller Park sits next to Avenham Park, and the former Park Hotel is a notable landmark. This attractive building was constructed in the 1883, and is now grade II listed. It was built by the two railways that operated in the town, at the time. The Lancashire and Yorkshire and the London and North Western. 

Buildings lost and found

Some of the St Joseph’s Institution buildings finally succumbed to the bulldozer, after a fire in 2022. St Joseph’s dates from 1872 and was originally an orphanage and then a care home. The care home closed in 2003. Fire damaged the third floor and roof. However, the chapel and tower building will still be converted into three apartment blocks with 67 rooms.

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