History
Anniversary of ‘Ukulele king’ George Formby’s death and his link to Preston
Not many people know this but….there is a sad anniversary coming up at the beginning of March. George Formby, who was born in 1904, died in Preston on Monday, March 6, 1961 Formby was a British comedy actor, singer-songwriter and comedian. At one time he was the UK’s number one film star and one of the highest paid actors. He made the banjo ukulele famous [...]
111 days ago by Tony Worrall Share
Malcolm Tranter At The Preston Historical Society
A full house of members and guests, at the Preston Historical Society meeting of Monday 4th February, were treated to a very interesting and intriguing insight into the life of William Lever who eventually became Lord Leverhulme. Malcolm Tranter delivered a very descriptive account of the life of the extraordinary gentleman, from his humble background as the son of a Bolton grocer, James Lever, and his [...]
131 days ago by Paul D. Swarbrick Share
Another relic of Preston’s past swept away: Preston’s former steam laundry being demolished
Another relic of Preston’s past is bulldozed out of existance. Part of what used to be the old Preston Steam Laundry is currently being demolished. The picture above and in the set below show the back end of the building at the junction of Trafford Street and Wildman Street. The original laundry works extended the entire length of the long building that runs through to [...]
142 days ago by Tony Worrall Share
The rise and fall of Preston’s cotton industry to be discussed at local history conference
Cotton workers in 1935 Two history events will take place in the city next month offering those interested in local history the chance to find out more. The first is a conference on The Archaeology of Poverty. This will see four speakers present papers on 19th century housing, the workhouses and the Co-operative movement. The event is organised by the University of Central Lancashire’s local [...]
143 days ago by Ed Walker Share
Another Hewitson Diaries Monologue Success At The UCLan Media Factory
Actor John Hickey as Anthony Hewitson By popular demand, a further showing of the acclaimed Derek Martin adaptation of the Hewitson Diaries monologue was performed on the evening of Friday 18th January at the UCLan Media Centre, Preston. The debut performance was commemorated at the centenary of the death of Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) on the 26th October 2012 The actor John Hickey, who played the [...]
145 days ago by Paul D. Swarbrick Share
Dr. Alan Crosby At The Preston Historical Society
A capacity audience ensued at a meeting of the Preston Historical Society which was held on Monday evening of 7th January 2013. All were delightfully entertained and well informed by a talk of Preston’s renowned historian, Dr. Alan Crosby – ‘The History of our River: Preston and the River Ribble from prehistory to the present day’. Alan described the evolution of the River Ribble before [...]
159 days ago by Paul D. Swarbrick Share