Visitors walking along Breck Road in Poulton-le-Fylde will find one of the town’s Heritage Plaques commemorating James Baines, a man whose generosity transformed education across the Fylde. Installed by the Poulton-le-Fylde Historical & Civic Society, the plaque marks the site associated with one of the area’s greatest benefactors, whose charitable vision has continued to benefit local children for more than three centuries. James Baines was a prosperous draper, landowner and philanthropist with strong connections to Poulton. When he died in 1717, his will established a charitable endowment designed to provide lasting educational opportunities for the children of the ancient parish….
