Preston Historical Society has paid tribute to much-loved local historian and member Stephen Sartin who passed away unexpectedly last week.

Over the years, Stephen heavily contributed in the charity and undertook many historical research projects including the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant to renovate Winckley Square Gardens.

He was known for attracting large audiences through his captivating talks and speeches.

A spokesperson for Preston Historical Society said Stephen will be missed by many: “It is with great sadness we must announce that Stephen Sartin, the renowned and much-loved local historian, passed away unexpectedly last week.

“We have much to thank Stephen for, especially as a member of a small team of local historians who undertook historical research and were instrumental in the successful Heritage Lottery Fund Grant to renovate Winckley Square Gardens.

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“Stephen for many years was a favourite speaker of the members of Preston Historical Society (PHS). His talks were always to a capacity audience of members, visitors, and guests.

“He kept his prospective audience never quite sure what to expect with evocative titles such as ‘Preston as it was, or was it?’ ‘Fishergate Step by Step’. 

“Stephen’s illustrated talks were always interesting, informative and invariably amusing. His last talk for PHS was in September 2022 to an audience of long-standing members and over 100 new members.

“People loved his unique style which included many ‘little digressions’. We were all looking forward to his next scheduled talk for PHS in May 2024. A talk that, sadly, we will now never hear.

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“Stephen grew up in Preston and attended Preston Grammar School. The Sartin family owned a health store on Lancaster Road, trading as T.Monks, Herbalist and Temperance Bar.

“This remained in the family until it was demolished to make way for the St John Shopping Centre. The Sartin family name derived from his French grandfather, Jean Antoine Barthelemy Sartin.

“Over a long career Stephen served as Lecturer in Art at the Harris Institute (Art College), Curator of Art for the Lancashire County Museum Service, Keeper of the Judges Lodgings in Lancaster and Stephen worked for many years as Keeper of Fine Art at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

“He has also written several excellent books on the history of Preston. He was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge.

“He would share freely with anyone who needed help. He will be very greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

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