In the UK, it was a time of discovery, violence, musical rebellion, and - ultimately - change in almost ever facet of modern life. From changes in currency and new governments to punk music, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and widespread labour strikes, it was an eventful era to say the least.
With that in mind, take a look at some of our very best archive pictures of Preston life back in 1972 and 1973.
In the mood for some more retro nostalgia? Be sure not to miss these recent pieces...
![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/26/11/45/WLEPnews-03-10-23-1972-Preston-35-retro-PAP-NW.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
29. Hundreds of striking BAC workers formed up three abreast in a column of hundreds of yards long for their protest march through the centre of Preston. The column bedecked with banners proclaiming in a mixture of Lancashire dialect and economic fact moved away slowly from Cheviot Street. The procession, estimated by the organisers at 2,500 to 3,000 strong, snaked slowly towards the town centre flanked by police motor cyclists
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![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/26/11/47/WLEPnews-03-10-23-1972-Preston-40-retro-PAP-NW.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
30. Hundreds of scouts and cubs rallied to the bugle call in Preston town centre for the annual St George's Day parade and service. Colouful green and yellow flags along with Union Jacks provded a bright relief under menacing skies as the parade of 1,100 made its way from the Covered Market along Lancaster Road and Fishergate to the Public Hall for an inter-denominational service
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![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/26/11/49/WLEPnews-03-10-23-1972-Preston-46-retro-PAP-NW.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
31. Fr Peter Foulkes has a very large "family". For he is responsible for the St Augustine's Youth Club with a membership of 250 teenagers - with ages ranging from 11 to 15 years old. Members of the youth club have a variety of activities arranged each week. Pictured above, Bill Bonass, 17, of Tiber Street, Preston, shows his skill at table tennis
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![](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/jpim-static/2024/06/26/11/51/WLEPnews-12-10-23-1973-Preston-9-retro-PAP-NW.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=789)
32. Preston Hockey Club's first team, who were successful in their opening North West League match of the season with a 1-0 win over Timperley. Seated (left to right): D Maddocks, D Burton, A Blackburn (captain), R Haggie, K Hutton. Standing: J Hide, M Banahan, R Evans, P Forrest, J Gibson, P Smith, C Lavery
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