35 exclusive retro pictures of 1960s Preston, from old school cars to famous landmarks
By Jack Marshall
Published 1st Nov 2023, 11:56 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2024, 13:29 BST
It may seem incredible, but we are currently just as far away from the year 1960 as the year 1960 was from the late 1800s.
And so, while the ‘60s may seem like a pretty recent era, the steady march of time means that plenty has change across the intervening decades. But you can still take a trip back in time to 1960s Preston by flicking through our best archive pictures of Preston back in those days.
Liverpool Street, Preston 1960 Preston Co-Operative Society occupies the corner of Liverpool Street and Lancaster Road. The street leads down to Starch House Square where the Market Tavern can be seen on the extreme left of the image. Orchard Methodist Chapel, demolished in 1955, was situated in the empty space mid way down the block. (see comment below) This street no longer exists as the new indoor market was built on the site. There is a 14' drop in elevation between Lancaster Road and Starch House square, which is quite evident in this image. Photo: PDA
Preston Docks c.1962 The two banana boats, MV Geestland and MV Geeststar at the main basin. Image courtesy of S. Warren. Comment courtesy of Clydebrae: The "Geeststar" and her sister "Geestland" were designed for Geest's service to the Windward Islands. Commissioned in 1960, they flew the Dutch flag and were regular callers at Preston. In the early 50's the UK Government promoted schemes to encourage peasant farmers to grow bananas in Dominica and on St Lucia, but regular shipping opportunities stifled take up. In 1954 John van Geest took control of the Antilles Group of Companies and in September of that year Antilles Products Ltd changed name to Geest Industries (BWI) Ltd. At the same time negotiations were finalised with the respective banana associations of the four Windward Islands for exclusive rights to ship and market all production. Regular shipments to Preston followed initially using chartered tonnage until the building of these two ships. Production romped ahead - in 1954 the Windwards exported 6686 tonnes and by 1961 it passed the 100,000 tonnes mark. The Geest brand became a familiar site in competition with Fyffes. Throughout the 50's and much of the 60's Preston was the major Northern hub for Geest, with Barry in South Wales the alternative port. Traffic was very much one way, dominated by bananas and other tropical fruits, the latter still deemed exotic and in small quantities. Cargo was taken outwards but volumes were low, the ships sailing moreoless in ballast condition. Outward cargoes included bales of jute fillis, banana wrappings, tractor parts, chicken feed and domestic items including, on occasions, beer. As an illustration the "Geeststar" sailed from Preston, on her 14th voyage, on 2nd August 1961 and arrived back on the 28th - she then set off again on the 30th. Typically she would discharge around 900 tonnes of bananas working overtime 0600/0800hrs and 1800/2200hrs as and when necessary to achieve quick turnrounds. In the early Photo: PDA
Blackpool Road, Preston 1960. Inspiration for the construction of the Preston Bypass and ultimately the M55. This view is taken looking west at the junction of Pedder Lane and Blackpool Road. Ashton Park is visible in the left background. Jaguar House and the new Ashton Police Station would be round the corner to the left beyond the Bond dealership. The (Preston Bypass) Road Plan had included a proposal for a northern by-pass of Preston, to connect with the M6 at Broughton and provide a motorway to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. In the early 1960's, representations were made to the Ministry of Transport for an early start to be made on its construction, and preliminary preparation and design work was carried out by the County Council. However, as a result of the general increase in traffic, particularly on M6, and with the prospect of further increases arising from the development of the Central Lancashire New Town, it was decided to undertake a Study of the need for improved East/West communications throughout the whole of the Preston area.Photo: n/a