Potts Alley was once one of the most distinctive narrow passages in the centre of Poulton-le-Fylde, running beside the churchyard of St Chad’s and linking the Market Place with Chapel Street. Although the name has largely disappeared from modern use, the route survives and provides a reminder of a very different side of life in the historic market town. During the 19th century, Potts Alley was much more than a convenient passage between two streets. Houses were packed along the narrow route, including properties on the northern side adjoining the churchyard. While Poulton’s Market Place represented the commercial and civic…
Category: 1852
Stringers First Opens its Doors in Lytham
Stringers is a family-run independent department store at the heart of Lytham, offering a carefully curated selection of fashion, home, and lifestyle products. Dedicated to providing an exceptional shopping experience, it has become a well-loved retail destination for customers across the Fylde coast and beyond. The business dates back to 1852, originally opening as a drapery store, and has been owned and operated by three generations of the Clarke family since 1957. Over the years, Stringers has built a reputation for quality, style, and excellent service, with every product carefully selected to reflect on-trend design, craftsmanship, and originality. At the…
Queens (Hydro) Hotel South Shore
The Queen’s Hotel, established in 1852, holds a prominent place as a historical landmark in South Shore, boasting a rich and diverse past. Initially constructed as a hotel, it provided accommodation and amenities to travellers, showcasing the spacious and refined architectural style characteristic of mid-19th-century establishments. By 1856, however, the Queen’s Hotel underwent a transformation, becoming the College Français, an educational institution designed to serve French-speaking students. This change from a commercial venture to an academic facility reflected the community’s increasing demand for specialised education. The College Français symbolised a pivotal era in which educational institutions adapted to cater to… Read more »
