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Blackpool & Preston
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This region in the North West of England includes two major population centres. Preston, with a population of 131,900, and slightly higher, Blackpool with 142,900.
Preston is located on the North bank of the River Ribble. This was significant in roman times, as the main road from Manchester to Carlisle met the river at Walton le Dale, just ¾ mile from the centre of the city. The town is mentioned in the Domesday book in 1086 and when assessed for tax purposes in 1218 it was the wealthiest town in the whole country.
Preston is known for its “Guild” celebrations held every twenty years, with the next one being due in 2012. This tradition goes back to a charter of 1179.
Preston is known for textile manufacture and industrial engineering. It is the seat of Lancashire County Council and home of Preston North End F.C. and the National Football Museum.
Blackpool is well known to most people as a very popular North of England holiday destination. It is the forth largest town in the North West. It wasn’t always a big town, and in 1801 the census records the population at just 473. However, the railways brought visitors, when the branch line to Blackpool was completed in 1846. In the 1850’s, the town grew rapidly, and the town became a popular holiday destination for Lancashire mill workers, who would close the factories for a week every year to service and repair the machinery.
Three piers were constructed and the town expanded southwards towards the South Shore beyond what is known today as the Golden Mile. The town was also quick to utilize electricity, with electric street lighting and later trams in 1885. The tramways have remained in continuous service until today.
The illuminations are still a popular destination and the tower built in 1894 has become a trade mark for the town.
These local pages include other local towns within easy driving distance of the two main population centres.
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