Category: 1869

From Bay Horse to The Old Town Hall

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Standing on Church Street, just a short distance from Poulton’s historic Market Place, the Old Town Hall has served the town in a variety of roles for more than 150 years. Originally built as a public house, it later became the headquarters of the local council before returning to its hospitality roots. Today, it remains one of Poulton-le-Fylde’s most recognisable historic buildings, reflecting the town’s evolution from a Victorian market community into the administrative centre of the Fylde. The site was originally occupied by the Bay Horse Inn, which was established in 1869 to serve the growing market town. At…

Charles Dickens Relaxes at the Imperial Hotel

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Charles Dickens never cared for Preston, once calling it an unpleasant place. So, when he had a break between readings—one completed in Bolton and another scheduled in Preston two days later—he chose to spend his time in Blackpool instead. His manager, George Dolby, booked them into the Imperial Hotel for 20 and 21 April 1869, where they found the accommodation comfortable. Though intending to rest, Dickens was suffering from the strain of his Farewell Reading Tour, which had begun in October 1868 and involved 72 performances. His health was declining—his friend Edmund Yates noted he looked exhausted, while Dolby remarked… Read more »

Norbreck Castle

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Norbreck Castle Hotel is a large, historic seafront hotel located on Queens Promenade in the Norbreck area of Blackpool. With 480 bedrooms and 22 conference suites, including the notable Norcalympia Conference Centre, it is one of Blackpool’s largest hotels and a key venue for both leisure and business events. The hotel’s history dates back to 1869 when it was originally built as a private country house. At the turn of the 19th century, the property was purchased by J. H. Shorrocks, who transformed it into a venue for lavish private weekend parties. These gatherings became so popular that Shorrocks began… Read more »