Category Archives: History

History of the area around Preston.

A walk in Preston Centre and Beatrice Todd on International Women’s Day 8th March 2023

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Pete of MIP

Another walk around Preston.  This time it’s on International Women’s Day 8th March 2023.  It added some flavour when we reached Winckley Square as there had been a Blue Plaque mounted for Beatrice Todd, Suffragist.  On the square was a … Continue reading →

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Well known Preston historian dies

Posted on 8 February 2023 by Pete of MIP

The death has been announced of Stephen Sartin who is well known in Preston heritage circles for his talks and books and worked at the Harris for many years.   Born in 1938 There are tributes in Blog Preston, and the … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Types and Shadows – A history of Preston City Parish

Posted on 8 January 2023 by Pete of MIP

Although published in 2015, we only recently stumbled upon this book in Preston Libary.   The library is now in the Guild Hall unfortunately while the Harris is refurbished, what a shame about the Guild Hall as well, but that’s another … Continue reading →

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Covid 19 data in Preston March 15th 2021

Posted on 15 March 2021 by Pete of MIP

Preston appeared to have less Covid 19 than similar places in northwest England but in late February the slow decline left Preston in the top ten case areas in England and on some measures, it is said, at the top. … Continue reading →

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Harris Art Gallery Exhibition – Beautiful and Brutal 50 years of Preston Bus Station

Posted on 1 December 2019 by Pete of MIP

An interesting display between 21st September and 24th November 2019 to mark the 50th year of Preston’s Bus Station and it’s car park.    Controversial because of its brutal style and that it was accessible to passengers only through subways … Continue reading →

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A Walk from Preston Station

Posted on 30 October 2019 by Pete of MIP

A lovely day 30th October 2019.   Just right for a walk in the country, a wander round some shops and pop into The Harris Museum and Art Gallery.  About 3 miles. Leaving the station in Butler Street, turn right towards … Continue reading →

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Railway Anniversary Month and Strand Road closure

Posted on 30 August 2018 by Pete of MIP

August 1968 was the month of the last steam services.  Preston was involved in these services.   Also in August 2018 Alstom officially closed the Strand Road West Works were trams, trains and motors had been built for over a 100 … Continue reading →

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Dear Harris

Posted on 15 August 2018 by Pete of MIP

In honour of the hanging at the Harris. Dear Harris,   (abridged) Is your permanence set in stone? On the road to death do you tread? Frequented by the old, neglected by the young, But the young will polish your dreary … Continue reading →

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Courtaulds at the Harris

Posted on 1 April 2018 by Pete of MIP

The Preston Courtaulds factory operated from 1939 to 1981 producing Rayon.  The display at the Harris shows a video of its history along with worker’s stories, maps and a painting from the Courtauld Gallery in London.  The painting was selected … Continue reading →

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Fulwood Barracks to be closed

Posted on 8 November 2016 by Pete of MIP

Grade 2 listed Fulwood Barracks, one of the few intact from its time, is to be closed as a barracks.   This follows a property revue by the Ministry of Defence who are to close several other older and smaller … Continue reading →

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Victorian Slum

Posted on 27 October 2016 by Pete of MIP

In October on BBC2 a four part re-enactment of life in an East London Victorian Slum through 1860 to 1890.  Hard to believe this was only 120 years ago.  Living hand-to-mouth with no income for no work and no health provision. … Continue reading →

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Museum of Lancashire On Ice

Posted on 30 September 2016 by Pete of MIP

The Museum of Lancashire in Stanley Street closes on the 30th September except for school visits.  Negotiations are underway with a group who could re-open it in the new year. Other Lancashire County Council operated museums in a similar situation … Continue reading →

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Winckley Square Restoration Visit

Posted on 30 September 2016 by Pete of MIP

Winckley Square is being restored and work is well underway.  Paths are being resurfaced and a direction marker will be placed in the centre pointing to items of historical interest around the square.  The Peel statue will be cleaned and … Continue reading →

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Heritage Open Days in Preston 2016 – 8 places

Posted on 31 July 2016 by Pete of MIP

In 2016 Heritage Open Days are Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September.   Here is the list of Preston venues: Lancashire Conservation Studios,  Saturday 10th September, Tours 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm. Harris Museum & Art Gallery,  Saturday 10th September, 10am to 5pm. … Continue reading →

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Lancashire Archives funding campaign for Horrocks Collection

Posted on 24 May 2016 by Pete of MIP

John Horrocks – A Textile Pioneer The Lancashire Archives are held in Bow Lane Preston and contain an extensive collection of textile information reflecting Lancashire’s position as the centre of the world’s textile industry in the 19th and early 20th … Continue reading →

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Progress on re-imagining the Harris

Posted on 25 March 2016 by Pete of MIP

The re-imagining of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery is underway and a survey has been issued to enable people to provide their opinion. Click here to read more about the survey and respond. The vision is to make the … Continue reading →

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Battle of Preston 1715 Commemoration

Posted on 15 November 2015 by Pete of MIP

Preston Historical Society along with the Harris Museum, UCLan and Lancashire Archives are putting on a series of events related to the Battle of Preston, the last battle on English soil.  Also an excellent series of articles in Blog Preston … Continue reading →

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Denis Healey RIP and his Preston Effect

Posted on 5 October 2015 by Pete of MIP

Denis Healey, a forceful Londoner brought up as a Yorkshireman, died this weekend at the grand age of 98.  After impressive war service, gaining an MBE in 1945, he joined the Labour Party becoming an MP in 1952.  He was … Continue reading →

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Heritage lost for a pittance – CCK1

Posted on 2 December 2013 by Pete of MIP

Disappointing that Preston Council is selling an element of its inheritance for a pittance. The old registration suffix numbers CK and RN are part of the symbols of Preston.  For a few pounds the council is going to sell car … Continue reading →

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Local interest in ‘The White Queen’ on BBC

Posted on 28 July 2013 by Pete of MIP

The BBC historical dramatisation ‘The White Queen’ based on a book written by Philippa Gregory, seeks to give a female perspective to history in the 15th Century by portraying events from the Queen’s view.  The three ladies most in the … Continue reading →

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