Preston Guardian digest 1844-1860

The introduction and digest below were written by Henry Kirby. Errors may have crept in as the result of OCR processing from a poor quality photocopy of the original typescript.

INTRODUCTION

This list of articles and news items lays no claim to completeness. It simply records a collection of readings that have been of interest to the compiler. In the main, the readings concern the changing topographical scene in Preston, references to the town’s strong Free Church tradition, and its historic links with the Temperance and Teetotal Movement. It also includes items of interest that may not be conveniently found elsewhere.

The words ”(and subsequent)” following an item indicate that in the week, or weeks, following a certain date, other articles sometimes at length, on the same subject may be found. Occasionally, more than one reference may be found to a subject listed in any one week’s newspaper.

It must not be assumed that in every case proposed ventures (such as the Public Hall in 1844) necessarily came to fruition. It must also be noted that in a few cases (such as John Wesley’s connections with Bilsborrow, recorded in 1898) the information given may be inaccurate, or, at least, questionable. The reference given is that quoted in the newspaper and it may not always be correct.

The left hand column of dates are those of the newspaper and not the dates of the events described.

1844
March 2 Foundation Stone laid at Victoria Quay Warehouse
March 30 Opening of Leyland Ebeneezer Independent Chapel
April 6 Report of the progress in the erection of Fulwood Barracks
April 20 Election of Samuel Smith (by a majority of 6) as a Councillor for St. George’s Ward; Demonstrations of Phreno-Mesmerism in the Temperance Hall
May 4 Post Office changes in Preston; New Circus erected in the Orchard and opened on 11th September, 1844
June 15 Proposed new Covered Market in Preston
June 22 Foundation Stone laid at St. James’s “Middle” school, Avenham
August 10 Foundation Stone laid and picture of the Literary and Philosophical Institution
August 31 Opening Services announced at Kirkham Wesleyan Chapel on Friday, 6th September, 1844; Ferguson’s “View of Preston Market Place” lithographed and will be published by subscription; Railway information: Cutting the line of the new Preston/Blackburn Railway and a map of the new railway to Liverpool
September 7 Sketch picture of the new Kirkham Wesleyan Chapel
September 21 A Moravian Mission Meeting in Preston, Moses Holden being present
October 5 Alterations begin at Lune Street Wesleyan Chapel, which include the erection of an ‘orchestra’ and fitting of an organ
November 16 Opening of Victoria Quay Warehouse
November 30 Proposed branch line from the main (North Union) railway to the new Victoria Quay Warehouse
December 7 Mr. Charles Kemble reads ”The Merchant of Venice” in the Theatre Royal on 2nd December, 1844

1845
January 4 Cobden and Bright at a Preston Free Trade Meeting
January 25 Description, Map and Picture of the Town and Guild Hall c
March 15 Enlargement of Walker Street Gas Works
March 29 Improvements in Bridge Lane: demolition of the “Worsted Factory” Bridge
June 28 Extension of Avenham Walk in Progress [this entry is also dated July12, possible error]
July 12 Improvements in Preston: Canal Bridge in Bridge Lane, Tithebarn Street, Holden’s Square, Water Pumps
August 23 Arrival of the “Helen Anna”, the first American vessel to use the Port of Preston, and which crossed the Atlantic in 23 days
August 30 Arrangements being made for the re-establishment of Preston Races
September 20 Moses Holden’s series of astronomical lectures in the Theatre Royal
November 8 Meeting of “friends and promoters” for the establishment of a hospital or infirmary for Preston and neighbourhood
November 22 Cobden and Bright at Preston Free Trade Meeting; Proposed building of a new Public Hall: estimated cost £3,000 – £4,000 – committee formed and shares offered at £5 each; Proposed removal of the fish-stones from the Market Place . and an end to holding public sales by auction at the Obelisk
December 13 Editorial about “Town Improvement” in Preston
December 20 Correspondence regarding proposed Public Hall and-a new Covered Market

1846
January 3 Town Council debate the re-siting of the fish market and the future of the fish-stones
March 7 Public Hall venture; Corporation to improve the present building and a new Hall may not be proceeded with
March 14 Editorial about proposed Covered Market
March 21 Tunnel being excavated in Fishergate Hill for the Ribble Branch Railway to the Victoria Quay
April 25 Preston‘s first Swimming Bath Opening on May, 11th, 1846, in Bath Street, near Cross Street (and subsequent)
May 16 Proposed new Post Office in rooms lately occupied as the Gentleman’s News Rooms, in Church Street, Opposite the Bull Inn
June 6 Opening of the Blackburn and Preston Railway on 1st June,1846
June 20 Laying of the Foundation Stone of Avenham Institute on 15th June, 1846
July 25 John Brodbelt (one of the “Seven Men of Preston”) presented with a Reference Bible on leaving St. Thomas’s Sunday School before proceeding to enter St. Bee’s Clerical College; First load of coal to travel on the Ribble Branch Railway to Victoria Quay
August 25 Richard (“Dickey”) Turner, of Preston, attends the World’s Temperance Convention in London
September 26 Editorial: “What is required for the efficient improvement of the Town of Preston”
October 3 The Health of the Town – severe outbreaks of scarlet fever and typhoid ( and subsequent)
October 24 Early notes about All Saints’ Church (then called the New Subscription Church) on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone on 21st October, 1846
October 31 First lecture in the Literary and Philosophical Society
November 19 Death and burial of Richard (”Dickey”) Turner (1790-1846)
December 19 Details about the ”Tramp House” near the Preston Workhouse: ”45 tramps sleeping in two rooms”, lack o: discipline, etc; Soup dispensaries opened in the town consequent upon the distress in trade throughout the year.

1847
January 2 Improvements promised at the ”Tramp House”; Possibility of travelling by train from Preston to London and back again in the same day
January 16 Distribution of soup in the town – 500 gallons in one week (and subsequent)
January 23 Cutting the first sod on the Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Railway on Monday, 18th January, 1847
February 13 Notes about Dr. Shepherd, founder of the town’s library
February 20 Proposed new bridge over the Ribble for the East Lancashire Railway
March 6 Notes about “The Origin and Statistics of the Preston Fire Extinguishing Establishment”, formed in 1803. Stated that this Establishment’s first Fire Engine (but not the first in Preston) came to the town in July, 1804, and cost £110.3.0
March 13 Extension of Avenham Walk still in progress
March 20 Historical statistics of distress in Preston (1807-1847)
May 1 Announcement of the Opening of Lytham’s first Wesleyan Chapel on Friday, 7th May, 1847
May 28 Early notes about the Talbot Chapel and Schools (St. Walburge‘s) on the occasion of the Foundation Stone laying on Monday, 24th May, 1847
June 26 Fever on the increase in Preston brings a call for greater cleanliness (and subsequent)
August 14 An alphabetical list of all the Electors on the Borough Register (with addresses and occupations)
August 21 An alarming increase of pauperism in Preston consequent upon the ”long and deep depression in the cotton trade” (and subsequent, for the remainder of the year)
September 25 Queen Victoria passes through Preston Railway Station and causes great disappointment by not stopping
November 20 A portion of Fulwood Barracks completed and ready for occupation
December 4 New Meeting House of the Society of Friends opened – ”erected on the site of the old chapel built in 1702”
December 11 Discovery of an old well in Church Street, near Guy’s Row

1848
January 8 The 60th Rifles take up occupation at the new Fulwood Barracks
March 4 Biog. details of Richard Palmer and his official Connections with Preston
May 6 Short article: “The Port of Preston”
May 13 Plan of site for a proposed new Covered Market – between Market Place, Lune Street and Friargate – in much the same position as that used when the St. George‘s Shopping Centre was built over 100 years later
June 17 Mr. Phelps appears at the Theatre Royal
August 12 Possibility of opening up a new-road from Church Street to the north – through the New Shambles and along the present Lancaster Road
September 9 Arrangements completed for opening up the New Shambles to make a new road to the north
September 16 Temperance Society‘s proposal to erect a Temperance Hall on Spittal Moss (area of St. Peter’s)
September 23 New Temperance Hall discussed by the “Moss Rose Temperance Society” – Shares offered in the new venture at £1 each, payable by weekly instalments 6d.
October 7 Improvements of the Parish Church – enlargements, re-arrangements, etc., to cost £2,000
October 14 Orders given to interdict the keeping of pigs in New Preston (area of New Hall Lane)
October 21 Criticism of the enormous number of pauper burials at St. Paul’s and the consequent health risks
October 28 Town Council debate the sanitary regulations of the town (a matter very much in people’s thoughts in view of a national outbreak of cholera)
November 4 Picture of All Saint’s Church Schools – on the occasion of the Foundation Stone laying on Monday, 30th October, 1848
November 11 Progress of the erection of the Avenham Institution; Cleansing the town: able bodied paupers usefully employed to clean “yards, alleys and other places”
November 25 Commencement of the construction of the East Lancashire Railway Bridge across the Ribble (cost £55,000); Grave Yards in Preston with burial statistics

1849
Jan 20 Death of Andrew Kinloch, aged 89, the first power-loom weaver
February 3 Details of proposed alterations.at the Parish Church
February 24 Resignation of the Postmistress, Mrs. Hardman, after holding the appointment for 45 years: Miss Wilson, the managing assistant, appointed Postmistress
March 10 Progress at the new Avenham Institute; Details of Dr. Shepherd’s Library
March 24 Death of Mrs. Hardman, aged 76, the former Postmistress
March 31 Extension of the town – Building of Stephenson Terrace, Deepdale Road, commenced
April 7 Opening of the Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston Railway on Monday, 2nd April, 1849
April 21 Progress on the building of the East Lancashire Railway Bridge over the Ribble
April 28 An account of the early building difficulties at the Avenham Institution
June 2 ”Sanitary State of Preston” – an inquiry into the sanitary condition of the Borough (and subsequent)
June 9 Distribution of Military General Service Medals (Peninsular Campaign) in Preston (One was issued with 9 Bars to Ex. Sgt. Dixon of the 1st Foot who also had the Waterloo Medal)
June 16 Church burial grounds in Preston, with useful statistics
June 23 Urgent need for a cemetery in Preston: land obtained for a prospective cemetery ”east of Deepdale Road and north of the Longridge Railway” – shares offered at £20 each; Reference to the “Moss Rose Temperance Society”, established in July, 1848
June 30 Progress at the new bridge over the Ribble; James Eastham, a handloom weaver, aged 65, receives his Military General Service Medal, with 11 Bars, 2 more than Ex.Sgt. Dixon
July 21 Grave yards in Preston
July 28 Moses Holden intends to recommence his instructive course of astronomical lectures
September 1 Moses Holden and astronomy
September 29 Moses Holden’ s Astronomical lectures
October 6 Incumbents of Holy Trinity Church
October 13 Flag-Staff erected on the Parish Church Steeple – replacing one blown down in a storm some years ago; Town improvement: Opening out Lancaster Road into Church Street, and other suggested street improvements
October 20 Opening of the New Circus Royal in the Orchard
November 3 Samuel Smith re-elected as a Councillor for St. George’s Ward in an unruly local election; “Antiquities and Topography of Preston” – lectures by Peter Whittle (and subsequent)
November 10 Town Council discuss the proposal for a public cemetery
November 17 ”Sanitary State of Preston” – streets and public ways amounting to 62,772 running yards, of which only 16,034 are provided with covered sewers (and subsequent); Biographical notes of Richard Palmer
December 1 Gold from the California Gold Rush of 1849 arrives in Preston; Unsatisfactory state of Penwortham Church Burial Yard (and subsequent)
December 8 Proposed new Union Workhouse
December 15 An appeal for Ragged Schools in Preston – efforts being made to establish new causes

1850
January 5 Death on December, 28th., 1849, of Ann Eliza Fishwick, wife of George Fishwick of Scorton, the only daughter of the late Roger Crane
January 19 Temperance Society Open ”an institute” in rooms adjoining Orchard Street. Advertised on 26th January, the institute was said to be ”the third door from Friargate” and incorporated a Reading Room and a Working Men‘ s Social Room
January 26 Revd. Nehemiah Curnock, the editor of John Wesley‘s Journal, preaches in Preston
February 9 Street lighting partly effected in Deepdale Road
March 2 Suggested enlargement of the House of Recovery
April 6 Meeting held in Preston to give support to the Great Exhibition of 1851 (and subsequent)
April 27 Early notes about St. Walburge’s RC Church and Steeple
May 11 Closing of the south side of Winckley Square and gates erected (and subsequent); Erection of the East Lancashire Railway Station and proposed lattice iron bridge along East Cliff
May 25 [indecipherable] St Walburge’s RC Church on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone on Monday, May 20th, 1850
June 1 Editorial about proposed Baths and Wash-Houses
June 29 Details of the sale of the Tulketh Hall Estate
July 6 Public sympathy in Preston over the death of Sir Robert Peel (and subsequent)
July 20 Editorial about a Peel monument or memorial in Preston and meeting held (and subsequent)
July 27 Article and Picture of the Baths and Wash Houses on the occasion of the Foundation Stone Laying on Thursday, July 25th, 1850
August 3 A reappraisal of the plans of St. Walburge’s
August 17 Testing of the Iron Girder Bridge across the Ribble (East Lancashire Railway); The Temperance Society propose to commence raising objections to the number of licences being granted in the town
August 24 Notes about early Wesleyan Methodism at Walton-le-Dale
September 7 Editorial about the Peel Memorial in Preston; Picture of the 52 Arch Viaduct across the Ribble, and the Opening of the East Lancashire Railway (Preston Extension)
September 28 Celebration of the Opening of the Avenham Institute, together with statistics, costs, etc.
October 5 Town improvements in the Shambles and Chadwick’s Orchard
October 12 Notice of the death of Dr. Cheetham, the Veterinary Surgeon, Nile Street, aged 79 (Dr. Cheetham once occupied the former house of Lord Molyneux in Molyneux Square, which later became the Cement Warehouse in Lancaster Road)
October 26 Proposed enlargement of the House of Recovery; Correspondence concerning the Mayoralty of Preston
November 2 ”A Teetotal Flitting” – an interesting and amusing temperance ceremony
November 23 A Public Meeting agrees to erect a Peel Memorial in Winckley Square
November 30 James Toulmin, dealer in Cheese, Bacon, Hams, Butter, etc., takes up business at 15, Market Place
December 14 £700 to be paid for the Peel Monument – a contract given to Mr. T. Duckett of Preston
December 21 Wesleyan Reform Union hold a meeting in The Countess of Huntingdon’s Chapel, Pole Street

1851
January 4 Notice of the death, on 1st January, 1851, of John Smith, aged 55, tallow chandler of Barton Terrace. one of the ”Seven Men of Preston”
January 11 Proposed widening of Maudland‘s Bridge across the canal; a club formed in Preston to enable parties to visit the Great Exhibition
February 8 Notice and report of the death of William Howarth, on 4th February, 1851, at the Temperance Hotel, Fishergate, aged 66, ”deeply regretted by friends in all the towns in Lancashire Deceased had been a strenuous advocate of total abstinence principles.”
February 15 Criticisms concerning the poor state of Methodism in Preston
March 8 Improvements in Old Chapel Yard, Friargate
April 26 Interments in Preston and the subsequent health risk
May 3 Statistics following the 1851 Census: Preston’s population was 68,356, compared with 50,073 in 1841 -.an increase of 18,283 in 10 years; Stated also that Preston’ s population of 68 ,356 consisted of 32,113 males and 36, 285 females (sic); Number of houses: inhabited 11,226, uninhabited 217, in course of erection 160; Opening of Chipping Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (A large room adjoining the Hill of Mr. J. Evans, providing seating for 130-150 people)
May 10 An appeal for the enlargement of the House of Recovery; The Roman Catholics take possession of premises in Hope Street for the purpose of Opening a Ragged School
May 17 Work commences at St. Walburge’s R.C. Church, revised details
May 24 More particulars from the 1851 Census (including the Fylde); Opening of Hope Street Ragged School on 19th May, 1851; Opening of the Saul Street Baths and Wash-Houses on Thursday, 22nd May, 1851; The erection of Union Workhouse advocated (and subsequent)
May 31 Proposed Wesleyan Methodist School in London Road; Tea Meeting in Preston to commemorate the Great Exhibition
June 7 Proposed new Fire Engine Station in Saul Street; Compulsory Street numbering introduced in Preston; Foundation Stone of St. Peter’s Tower and Steeple laid on 3rd June, 1851
June 21 Union Workhouse Scheme not to be proceeded with (and subsequent)
June 28 Picture of St. Peter’s Church and Steeple
July 5 Notes about the Derby family and Preston associations
July 12 Early notes about Hope Street Ragged School (the Protestant establishment later known as Mill Hill Ragged School) which had opened ”about 3 years ago”
July 19 Extension of the town: laying out of the Peel Hall Estate
July 26 Rev. James Everett, of the Wesleyan Reform Union, preaches and addresses a Public Meeting in Preston – a “Mr. S. Smith” defends the Wesleyan position
August 23 Correspondence calling for a Covered Market in Preston (and subsequent)
August 30 Delegates from various Sunday Schools in Preston meet in the Temperance Hall for the purpose of discussing the formation of a Band of Hope or Juvenile Temperance Society
September 6 The lighting of the town, times and statistics, etc.
October 11 Formation of the Preston Band of Hope, or Sunday Scholars’ Temperance Society – meetings to be held in the Corn Exchange
October 18 Two Preston firms, Horrockses, Miller and Co. and J. Whitehead [?] win medals at the Great Exhibition; letter proposing Market Place innovations
October 25 Editorial: Town’s Affairs (Borough Constabulary, Lighting of the town and the Water question); Improvements in telegraphic communication between Preston and the south
November 1 Notice of the death, on 30th October, 1851, of Miss Wilson, the Postmistress, aged 58; Questions concerning the Cuerdale Hoard Coins and their disposal; Proposed new Covered Market on the site of the present St. George s Shopping Centre (and subsequent)
November 15 Description of the site of the proposed new Covered Market and proposed new streets (and subsequent); Alderman Dr. Thomas Monk elected Mayor of Preston: Miss M. Wilson sister of the [indecipherable]
December 6 Proposed new Covered Market: Correspondence and Map; proposing a new market on the present site of the Harris Museum Building
December 13 Interesting map of the proposed new Covered Market showing a remarkable similarity in position to the present St. George’s Shopping Centre
December 20 A Public Meeting’s opposition to the proposed new Covered Market
December 27 Town Council refuse to proceed with the New Covered Market; Preston Sunday School Union purchase land on Mill Hill for the purpose of erecting a Ragged School; An earnest appeal for funds to enable the building of Mill Hill Ragged School to commence, together with an outline of its early years

1852
January 10 Miss Wilson’s appointment as Postmistress reversed and Mr. Drennan, former chief clerk at Liverpool Post Office appointed Postmaster
January 17 Proposed improvements at the Parish Church; St. Peter’ s Spire completed; Proposals for the re-siting of the Post Office; Work about to commence on a new Fire Engine House in Tithebarn Street
January 31 Proposed enlargement of the House of Correction (and subsequent)
February 14 Costs and Statistics at the House of Correction, 1820-1851
March 6 House of Correction enlargement scheme not to be proceeded with
March 13 The Water Supply in Preston: calls for a more efficient service; Discovery in Church Street (Opposite the present Manchester Road) of an ancient vault, covered with an engraved stone dated 1664
April 24 Completion and proposed siting of the Robert Peel Statue
May 15 Preston‘s water supply criticised in a Board of Health report (and subsequent); Erection of a small Covered Market, intended for green grocers, opposite the Arkwright Arms, Stoneygate
May 29 Foundation Stone laid on Monday, 24th May, at the new Tithebarn Street Fire Engine Station (cost to be £600-£700)
June 5 Inauguration of the Robert Peel Monument, on Whit Monday, 31st May; Foundation Stone laid on 31st May at the new Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at Mellor Brook; Picture of the Peel Statue
July 3 Advertised correspondence concerning appointments at Preston Post Office, and criticism of the Wilson sisters’ management
July 17 Mr Staunton, the British Chess Champion and writer of the game’s leading handbook, dines with Preston Chess Club
August 14 Preston’s Water Supply – changes being proposed (and subsequent)
August 28 Proposals to improve the Corn Exchange: a glass roof over “the area” and the conversion of the colonnade into shops, .eight on each side, at a cost of £1200; Preston’s Water Supply – arbitration between the Local Board of Health and the Water Company
September 4 Settlement of the Water Supply Question – Local Board of Health proposes to purchase the Water Company
September 18 Report of the death of the Duke of Wellington
September 25 Road improvements in Lancaster Road; A Teetotal Mutual Improvement Class Opened in the New Hall Lane area on 20th September, 1852
October 2 Town Council propose extending, by 50 yards, the size of the Dock Quay; Proposed equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington in Preston – site of the Obelisk suggested as a suitable position
October 9 Improvements in Lancaster Road and proposed re-siting of the Post Office; The re-roofing of the Corn Exchange Area (popularly called “The Preston Crystal Palace”)
October 16 Moses Holden’s “Farewell” Lectures in the Theatre; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dine at Preston Railway Station whilst passing through; An account of the early history of Cannon Street Congregational Church on the occasion of its re-opening on 13th October, 1852, following enlargement
October 23 Telegraphic communication established between Preston and Carlisle
October 30 Completion of the new Fire Engine Station in Tithebarn Street
November 6 The commencement of the town’s general sewerage scheme; Samuel Smith re-elected as a Councillor for St. George’s Ward, without a contest
November 13 Dr. Monk vacates the Mayoral chair
November 20 Preston’s reverence for the memory of the Duke of Wellington manifested on the occasion of his funeral
December 6 Correspondence calling for a Wellington Statue in Preston
December 11 Death and obituary of Richard Palmer, who died on Monday, 6th December, 1852, aged 79. Mr. Palmer was Town Clerk for over 50 years and officiated as clerk at the Guilds of 1802, 1822 and 1842, a case without parallel since the holding of the first Guild in 1328.
December 18 Funeral and interment, at the Parish Church, of Mr. Palmer, the late Town Clerk; Wellington Testimonial: agreement’ reached whereby local efforts will go towards the support of a national one
December 24 Mr. Ashcroft elected Town Clerk; Extension of the Preston Waterworks: costs, consumptions, populations etc

1853
January 1 Preston affected by a ”dreadful” hurricane and flood
January 8 300 ancient coins, in a good state of preservation, found in an old property at Tenter Hill, Whittingham
January 15 Work commences on the Corn Exchange ”area” roof; Opening of a Restoration Fund for the Parish Church
January 22 Death, on 13th January, 1853, of John Cryer, of Walton-le-Dale, aged 75. The deceased was an ex-Sergeant Major in the Royal Marines and fought on the ”Conqueror“ at Trafalgar. He received the sword of the French Commandere-in-Chief, Admiral Villeneuve. His service extended over 24 years. For upwards of 31 years he was an exemplary Christian in the Wesleyan Methodist Society
January 29 Details of the work being done at the Corn Exchange; Numbering of doors in Preston’s streets: proceedings will be taken against those failing to comply with the Police Act making numbering compulsory
February 5 Presentation of silver plate to Dr. Thomas Monk, the late Mayor, in commemoration of his distinguished-Mayoralty
February 19 The Water Supply of Preston: an important meeting of the Local Board of Health
February 26 Reminiscences of the celebration, in Preston, of “Collop Monday”; Proposed alterations of the Town Hall and the removal of the Obelisk, erected in 1782. The Town Council call the Obelisk “a useless piece of architecture”
March 5 Details of the proposed Parish Church improvements; Public attention drawn to a Ragged School in the depot of Dr. Shepherd’s Library, Shepherd Street; Proposed Public Hall and Temperance Institute – land purchased at the junction of Lancaster Road and Liverpool Street, 20 yards x 30 yards, Hall calculated to seat 1500 people, cost estimated at £2,500
March 12 Petition to re-site the Obelisk on the Moor Park.
March 26 Further petitions concerning the Obelisk – one that it might be used as a Harbour Light at Lytham Beach; Meeting discusses the proposed Public Hall and Temperance Institute
April 2 Town Council agree to the re-siting of the Fish Stones at the north east corner of the Corn Exchange, and the sale of the Obelisk for £2
April 16 Advertised Public Auction of several items from the Parish Church including the pulpit and reading desk; Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the authoress of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”alights at Preston Railway Station on her journey to Glasgow; Article about the history and antiquities of the Parish Church
April 30 Auction of articles from the Parish Church. Stated that the Pulpit and Reading-Desk were purchased by Mr. Threlfall of Woodplumpton, who proposed presenting them to that village Parish Church
May 7 Evidence of the Roman station at Kirkham
May 14 The Obelisk removed on Thursday, 12th May, 1853; Work being undertaken on the removal of the Fish-Stones
May 28 Details of the ”articles of agreements” for the erection of the old Parish Church; Town Council refuse to re-site the Obelisk in Preston and describe it as ”an ugly Column which was utterly worthless”
June 18 Preston’s population increases to 77000; Earnest appeal on. behalf of the proposed Temperance Institute
July 2 Fish-Stones finally removed on Friday, lst July, 1853
July 9 Proposal to demolish the old property on the south side of the Market Place
July 16 Preston’s Water Supply and the Local Board of Health; Town Hall Building Committee discuss the demolition of the Town Hall and the erection of a new one; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Treales (near Kirkham) C. of E. Church on Saturday, 9th July, 1853; Letter concerning the Town Hall
July 23 Town Council accept the Building Committee’s recommendations regarding the Market-Place area and the demolition of the Town Hall
August 6 Preston Corporation advertise for plans and estimates for a proposed new Town Hall
August 13 Letter proposing a Richard Arkwright statue in Preston
August 20 Details, Statistics, and Costs, of a massive proposed sewerage scheme in Preston
September 10 Queen Victoria passes through Preston Railway Station
October 8 Building work starts at Mill Hill Ragged School; Graveyards in Preston
October 15 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dine at Preston Railway Station whilst passing through
December 3 Details of St. Walburges RC Church, as it nears completion; Town Council debate the town’s water supply
December 10 New Town-Hall plans being made available for display
December 17 Tenders invited for the erection of a Militia Store House in Preston; Details of the new Town Hall plans
December 24 John Toulmin, Cheese Factor, advertises the opening of his shop, 34, Lune Street -opposite the Corn Exchange

1854
January 7 The Home Secretary, empowered by Act of Parliament, closes many of the graveyards in Preston
January 14 Dangerous dilapidations at the Temperance Cockpit
January 21 Proposed new Cemetery at the north east corner of Fulwood, near to the Barracks
February 4 Charles Dickens in Preston
February 11 Report of Charles Dickens’ visit to Preston
February 18 Preston Waterworks arbitration
February 25 Proposed new Town Hall: Plans, estimates, award of prizes; New Post Office building nearly complete
March 4 A great influx of Irish workers imported into Preston to provide labour in- cotton mills; Outdoor public meetings in Preston prohibited in order to avoid serious riots breaking out concerning the labour situation; New Town Hall postponed for 12 months in view of the money market in the town
April 1 Preston receives news of Britain’s entry into the Crimean War; Meeting at the theatre on “The State of the Town” (This meeting took place against the background of the great 1853/4 cotton mill owners’ “Lock Out”, details of which appear every week in the newspaper of the period)
April 8 Local Burial Board consider prospective sites for the new cemetery; Article from the ”Cheetham Society’s Books” relating to the Priory of Penwortham
April 15 Preston Waterworks arbitration case reachescourt (and subsequent)
April 22 Preston to recognise a day of humiliation and prayer on account of the ”just and necessary war in the Crimea”. Collections taken in Churches to be “applied to the of wives and families of the soldiers servingin the war”
April 29 £121. 19. 9. collected in Preston on the day of humiliation and prayer; The Guildhall News Room moves to premises over a shop in Fishergate at the corner of Cannon Street
May 6 Progress at St. Walburge’s RC Church
May 13 Opening of the new Post Office in Lancaster Road, on Monday, 8th May, 1854; Burial Board approve the contract for the purchase of land for the new cemetery
May 20 End of the cotton mill owners’ ”Lock Out”; Statistics of Day and Sunday Schools in Preston
May 27 Local Board of Health agree to purchase the Preston Waterworks Company for £135,225
June 3 Large crowds watch the fitting up of the figures of Nelson, Napoleon, and a Greek Slave, on the top of the Port Admiral, Lancaster Road; Meeting concerning the new Cemetery at Farringdon Park: estimated cost (which includes the erection of 3 chapels) £23075.16.).
June 10 Preston’s population stated to be: 1801 12,174, 1831 33,871, 1811 17,360, 1841 50,887, 1821 24,859, 1851 69,542
July 8 Editorial: Division of the ground at _the new cemetery(and “subsequent); Discovery of-human-remains and tombstone (c. 12th or 13th century) near St. Walburge’s Church
July 15 Formation of “St. Peter’ s Temperance Society” on Friday, 7th July, 1854; ear1y history of Mill Hill Ragged School – on the occasion of its move to new premises
July 29 Prestonians serving in the Crimea write home and describe conditions
August 5 Historical notes about the development of the Roman Catholic Church in Preston on the occasion of the Opening of St Walburge’s on Thursday, 3rd August, 1854; A case of cholera in Preston
August 19 Prospective new Dock for Preston; An Anti-Slavery meeting in Preston; Corporation consider the partial re-building of the existing Town Hall-and the Old Shambles property
August 26 1,300 teetotallers from Bolton visit the Temperance Cockpit and Richard Turner’s grave
September 2 The new cemetery: editorial concerning details, delays, statistics, etc. (and subsequent)
September 9 Final transfer of the Preston Waterworks to the Local Board of Health
September 16 The Health of Preston serious outbreaks of disease
September 30 An account, and statistics, of the Preston Strike of 1853/4 – Its causes and consequences
October 21 Wives of Preston soldiers serving in the Crimea receive a gift from the Mayoress in honour of the victory at the Battle of The Alma; Strong feeling in Preston for a Free Library and Museum; Notice of the. death, at Scorton, on October 19th, 1854, of George Fishwick, aged
October 28 Editorial: “Proposed Free Library For Preston” (and subsequent)
November 11 An “Auxiliary” formed in Preston to the UK Temperance Alliance, to suppress the liquor traffic; A suggestion that £105 be expended on a gold chain for the Mayor; A special edition of the ”Preston Guardian” carries news of the “great loss of British-troops” in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava
November 18 New designs for the re-erection of the Town Hall
November 25 Sir Robert Peel’s son visits Preston and views his father’s statue
December 2 Board of Guardians reject a proposed plan for the enlargement of the Workhouse; Increase of pauperism in Preston; Miss Florence Nightingale‘s appeal for ”assistance to our brave soldiers in the Crimea” receives local support
December 16 Proposed extension of Preston Railway Station

1855
January 6 Council approve plans for the partial rebuilding of the Town Hall – cost £9,000 – £10,000
January 27 Progress towards the establishment of a Free Library and Museum in Preston; John Worthington and Co, Town Hall Corner, invite subscriptions at a guinea each for Hardwick’s “History of the Borough of Preston and its Environs”
February 3 The suffering of the poor in Preston
February 10 First moves towards opening a public soup kitchen in Preston; Statistics of the National Schools
February 17 Distribution of soup at the kitchen at St. Paul‘s School begins on Friday, 16th February, 1855 (Shortly afterwards the kitchen was moved to-a shed adjoining the Baths and Wash House, Saul Street); New Parish-Church approaching completion; Opening of the new C. of E. Church at Treales, .Nr Kirkham, on Thursday, 15th February, 1855
March 3 Launch of the first Iron Canal Boat-to be built in Preston – the boat is intended for use between, Preston and Kendal; Water pumps in the town; Management of the Crimean War – A Public Meeting in Preston considers the high cost of progress and disturbing reports of the conditions
March 10 Completion of the spire of the new Parish Church; Moses Holden lectures at the Institution
March 24 Launch of the first Iron Screw Steamer built in Preston, on Monday, 19th March, 1855
March 31 Closing of the Cockpit Temperance Hall on Tuesday, 20th March, 1855 (It was stated that the Temperance Society had no alternative accommodation in which to move and that it was considering the purchase of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion’s Chapel in Pole Street); Correspondence about the new Cemetery
April 7 Details of new windows in the Parish Church
April 21 Details of stained glass windows in the Parish Church; Proposed re-building of Penwortham Parish Church; Parish Church bells
April 28 Sale, by auction, of the old corporate property in the Market Place realizes £137
May 5 Proposed enlargement of Preston Railway Station
May 12 Potential for iron shipbuilding schemes on the banks of the Ribble
May 19 Clearance of the old buildings in the Market Place, and: proposals for the area
May 26 History of the old property in the Market Place; The Market Place and proposed new Town Hall buildings (and subsequent)
June 9 Council decide against the plan for the partial redevelopment of the Town Hall buildings; The new Cemetery approaching completion; Cultivation of flax in the Fylde
June 16 Consecration of the C. of E. portion of the new Cemetery on Monday, 11th June, 1855
June 23 History and full details of’the Parish Church on the occasion of its re-opening on Thursday, 21st June, 1855
June 30 Notice of the death, at Bury, on 21 June 1855, of Henry Anderson, formerly of Walton-le-Dale, the “Temperance Poet” at the age of 46
July 7 First interments in the new Cemetery
July 28 Urgent need of improvements at Preston Railway Station
August 25 An advert indicates that the covered Market situated at the bottom of Stonygate (see May 15th, 1852) was called ”St. John’s Market”
September 1 Opportunities for iron shipbuilding in Preston
September 8 Letter about ”The filthy condition of the town”, with proposals for its improvement
September 15 Proposed new R. C. Church in the Ribbleton Lane area (St Joseph‘s); Rejoicing and celebrations in Preston and the Fylde occasioned by the Fall of Sebastopol
October 6 Proposed alterations at the Corn Exchange
November 3 Samuel Smith re-elected as a Councillor for St. George’s Ward without a contest
November 10 Hints and suggestions to the Town Council regarding street improvements, sewerage, health, etc.
November 17 Richard Threlfall, of Woodplumpton, elected Mayor of Preston
November 24 Problem of the poor in Preston; Public Meeting to promote a Free Library and Museum in Preston
December 1 Alterations in progress at Preston Railway Station
December 15 lntended resumption of soup distribution to the poor
December 22 Proposals, plans, and details of the Corn Exchange conversion into a Public Hall
December 29 (Supplement) Iron shipbuilding commences near the Quay, in premises erected by A. Ogle and Co., Engineers, of Hope Foundry, Preston

1856
January 12 Staging of Preston’s Grand Poultry Exhibition in the Corn Exchange
January 19 Editorial concerning a new Union Workhouse for Preston
February 2 The Temperance Society purchase a property in North Road, formerly used as a Malt Kiln, with a view to converting it into a Temperance Hall
February 9 Proposal for a new Police Station and Magistrates’ Office “immediately behind the Guildhall buildings”
February 16 Town Council decide against the new Police Station scheme on the proposed site
February 13 Sale of the Preston and Longridge Railway to the Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Junction Railway Co.
March 1 Proposals for the development of the Market Place and the area of the Old Shambles; Suggested sites for the proposed new Police Station
March 1 (Supplement) Lecture in Preston: -“The Lands And Peoples Bordering On The Ribble Before The Conquest”, by Rev W. Thornber, the Blackpool historian
March 8 Lecture in Preston: “The Roman Top ography Of Lancashire, With Particular Reference To The Recent Discoveries At Walton-le-Dale”, by Mr. Charles Hardwick
March 15 The proposed new Union workhouse question
March 22 An appeal for Preston’s new Temperance Hall – details and costs of the new building in North Road; Collapse, during rebuilding, of St. Mary’ s R.C. Chapel, Friargate Brow, on Tuesday, 20th March, 1856; Editorial and correspondence regarding the proposed new Union Workhouse (and subsequent)
April 5 (Supplement) Reception of the news of peace in the Crimea
April 12 Preston and the Florence Nightingale Fund; Contemplated improvements at the Tram Bridge Railway (and subsequent)
May 10 Alterations completed at Preston Railway Station
May 24 The rebuilt St. Mary s R.C. Chapel nearing completion
May 31 Preston’s celebrations in honour of the peace in the Crimean War – Processions, Parties, Illuminations, Mayor’s Dinner, etc.
June 7 Large Mormon emigration from Preston to America; Details of the new St. Mary’ s R.C. Chapel
June 28 Lancashire and Cheshire Historic Society visit Walton-le-Dale and examine relics of the Roman station there; Alterations required at Penwortham Bridge
July 12 Opening of the Temperance Hall, in North Road, on Saturday, 5th July, 1856
July 26 Details about Penwortham Bridge
August 23 (Supplement) Discovery of human remains (possibly buried in 1715) in Back Lane
September 6 Town‘s Watch Committee recommend the Market Place as a possible site for a new Police Station (and subsequent); Lt. Gen.-Sir Colin Campbell (later Lord Clyde), the distinguished Crimean soldier, whose Division held the Russian attack at Balaklava with “the thin red line”, visits Fulwood Barracks
September 13 Dedication of St. Mary’s R.C. Chapel on Wednesday, 10th September, 1856
September 20 Description of the proposed new Baptist Chapel in Fishergate
September 27 Town Council decide against the new Police Station proposals; Proposals for an illuminated clock to be included in the structure of Fishergate Baptist Chapel
October 4 The Temperance Society propose to establish “Cottage Reading a nd Conversation Roams in various parts of the town”; Extension of the town – sites selected for new Churches: Emmanuel, St. Matthews and St. Josephs, together with plans for new streets, mills, etc.
October 11 Proposed re-establishment of the Preston Races
October 11 (Supplement) Proposed site for a new Police Station at the corner of Earl Street and Lancaster Road; Valuable photographs taken in the Crimea during 1855. presented to the Avenham Institution
October 18 Baptists willing to erect a Clock in the tower of their new Chapel in Fishergate
October 25 Report of the Committee formed to promote a Free Library and Museum in Preston
November 1 A moving panorama of the principal scenes in the Crimean War opens in the Corn Exchange Rooms on 6th November, 1856; The proposed re-establishment of the Preston Races becomes a local election issue; Preston and Longridge Railway open a new passenger station at Maudland Bridge
November 8 Felice Orsini, the Italian revolutionary (who was later to make an assassination attempt on Napoleon III) lectures in Preston (and subsequent)
November 8 (Supplement) Joseph Livesey (junior) defeated in the local council elections
November 15 Erection of married families’ quarters at Fulwood Barracks
November 29 Discoveries at Castle Hill, Penwortham
December 6 Lecture by William Dobson: “Preston In The Olden Time”
December 13 A commemorative baptismal font presented to the Parish Church; Details and costs of proposed re-building and enlargement of Grimshaw Street Congregational Chapel
December 20 Opening of a “Chess and Conversation Room” at the Avenham Institute
December 27 Second part of Mr. Dobson’s lecture (see December 6th)

1857
January 3 Mr. Dobson’s lecture, “Preston In The Olden Time”, published, price 2d.
January 10 Closing of the last of the Catholic Burial Grounds in Preston (St. Augustine’s); ‘Lecture on American slavery by a fugitive slave; Fire in Penwortham Church vestry destroys ancient documents and registers
January 10 (Supplement) Temperance “Revival” Meetings enjoy considerable success
January 17 Scotsman residing in Preston inaugurate a proposed annual reunion on the occasion of Robert Burns’ birthday; Lecture in Preston by T. T. Wilkinson, F. R. A. S., :”The Danes in Lancashire, or, the Battle of Brunanburgh, and the possible location of the conflict”; Proposed new Shops at the rear of the Town Hall Buildings
January 24 Second Preston and North Lancashire Poultry Exhibition
January 31 Completion of Preston’s new Militia Store-House
February 7 Re-opening of the soup dispensing kitchen
February 18 (Supplement) The progress of temperance in Preston
February 28 Foundation Stone laid on Thursday, 26th February, 1857, of a new building to accommodate injured soldiers at Fulwood Barracks
March 4 (Supplement) Proposed alteration of Penwortham Bridge
March 7 Proposed new R.C. Church in Ribbleton (St. Joseph’s)
March 21 A “terrific” thunderstorm causes considerable damage in Preston
March 28 Increase of Mormons in Preston
April 4 Lecture by Joseph Livesey: “Forty Years Ago”
April 11 A report on the Lancashire Constabulary – Its History, Duties and Remunerations; An account of new buildings in progress in Preston, which includes the enlargement of Orchard Chapel; Lecture by Rev. W. Thornber: ”The Antiquities of Leyland, Walton, Cuerden and Penwortham”
April 18 Stained glass windows in the nave of the Parish Church
April 25 New Union Workhouse Scheme; A short account of the‘State of temperance in Preston on the occasion of the Temperance Society’s 25th Annual Meeting; severe criticism of the state of the Preston Theatre Royal
May 9 Waterworks for the supply of the Fylde district; Alteration of Penwortham Bridge
May 16 Two Russian guns, captured in the Crimean War, presented to the Town of Preston – Avenham Walks suggested as a suitable site for their reception
May 23 New Public buildings in Preston
May 30 The gas monopoly of Preston; The first “Hansom” cab to be introduced in Preston
June 6 The Russian Guns (see May, 16th) arrive at Preston Railway Station
June 13 New management at the Theatre Royal promise improvements; The Russian Guns situated in the Middle Walk at Avenham
June 20 A Proposed memorial to the Revd Jeremiah Borrocks, the Hoole astronomer
June 27 The condition of the working classes in Preston; Details and costs of the new schools and proposed new chapel for the Orchard Wesleyan Association; Moses Holden, on his own accord, provides a marble tablet in honour of Jeremiah .Horrocks
July 1 (Supplement) Preston receives news of the outbreak of the Great Indian Mutiny
July 4 Foundation Stone laid at Fishergate Baptist Chapel on Thursday, July 2nd, 1857 – the report contains useful information about the early Baptists in Preston
July 18 The British Temperance League (formed in 1834) holds its 23rd Annual Conference in Preston; Shortage of raw cotton material causes anxiety in local mills
July 25 Cutting of the first sod of the new Preston waterworks at Dilworth (Longridge) on Thursday, 23rd July, 1857
July 29 (Supplement) Alterations in progress at Penwortham Bridge; Increase of pauperism in the Preston Union
August 1 A further appeal for a memorial to the Revd Jeremiah Horrocks
August 8 Visit of the Queen of the Netherlands to Preston Railway Station
August 15 A suggestion that Jeremiah Horrocks, the astronomer, and the Horrocks family of Preston (the cotton mill owners) were related
August 15 Supplement) Poor Sambo’s grave at Sunderland Point
August 22 The East Lancashire Railway Company’s new stables; Formation of the Preston Anglers’ Society
August 29 Details and costs of the Orchard U. M.F.C. Schools on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone on Monday, 24th August, 1857; Proposed new Railway Station for Preston
October 3 Lord Derby causes a temporary stoppage of traffic in Lancaster Road; Further.appeal for a Jeremiah Horrocks memorial
October 10 Lord Derby and Preston Corporation
October 10 Preston observes a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer on account of the “awful visitation in India”
October 17 The Mayor of Preston opens an Indian Relief Fund
October 21 (Supplement) Lancaster Road reopened
October 24 The Indian Relief Fund – a public meeting in Preston; Cotton Trade difficulties bring about short-time working in local mills
October 31 (Supplement) Rejoicing in Preston on receiving the news of the capture of Delhi
October 31 Lord Derby and Preston Corporation
November 7 Cotton trade difficulties increase; Article: Bylaws and Street Nuisances for the Borough of Preston”
November 14 Can nothing be done for the unemployed? The Horrocks Memorial; Short-time working in local mills; The married accommodation completed at Fulwood Barracks
November 18 (Supplement) News of the first relief of Lucknow
November 21 Distress in the town brings about the re-distribution of soup; A proposed Anti-Tobacco Society in Preston; Proposals for re-deployment of unemployed mill hands; Charles Hardwick’s “History of the Borough of Preston and Its Environs” published at £1. 7s. 6d.; Death of Edmund Hornby – a former M.P. for Preston
November 28 Details of pauperism in Preston; The state of trade; The exhumation of a body in Preston Cemetery “caused by a report seriously affecting the character of a gentleman of high position in the borough”
December 5 The state of distress in the town (and subsequent); ‘The arrest of Alderman Dr. Thomas Monk (a former mayor and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County) on a charge of forgery, and his examination before the magistrates
December 8 (Supplement) The adjourned examination of Dr. Monk
December 9 (Supplement). Dr. Monk committed for trial to Lancaster Assizes
December 12 Formation of a Bedding Charity in Preston to assist the poor; Comments upon the Dr. Monk forgery case
December 16 (Supplement) News of the second relief of Lucknow
December 19 A review of Hardwick’s “History of Preston”; Town Council consider ways of creating employment for the poor

1858
January 2 The state of trade and the condition of the people
January 9 Second notice of Hardwick’s “History of Preston”; Report of the Bedding Charity (and subsequent)
February 6 The third Preston & North .Lancashire Poultry Exhibition in the Corn Exchange
February 20 Trial and conviction of Alderman Dr. Monk
March 3 (Supplement) a statement in his defence by Dr. Monk
March 13 The painted windows in the Parish Church
March 20 The removal of Dr. Monk from Lancaster Castle to Millbank Penitentiary, London
March 24 (Supplement) The Preston Bedding Charity concludes its activities
April 10 Progress at Preston Waterworks
April 17 (Supplement) The demolition of some antiquated mud cottages at Fishwick Bottoms
April 17 Short notice concerning horse racing on Fulwood Moor, commenced in 1786 and concluded in 1833; Closure of the Avenham Street “lock up”
May 1 Barry Sullivan, the great tragedian, advertised to appear at the Preston Theatre Royal
May 5 (Supplement) The new central “lock up”, Lancaster Road, used for the first time on Saturday, May 1st., 1858
May 8 A report of Barry Sullivan’s performances at the Theatre Royal (and subsequent); Opening of the new Court House and Police Station on Thursday, May 6th., 1858
May 19 (Supplement) The necessity of an omnibus in Preston
May 22 Brief details of balloon ascents in Preston (1822-1849)
May 29 Illegal cock-fighting being staged in Preston
June 19 A Panorama of the Indian Mutiny staged in the Corn Exchange Rooms
June 26 The establishment of a weavers’ Friendly Society in Preston
July 3 Opening of Fishergate Baptist Chapel on Thursday, July 1st., 1858
July 17 Avenham Park and the Tram Road Bridge – an appeal for improvements
July 31 Brief details of the life of Andrew Kinlock (1760-1849) (see January, 20th, 1849)
August 4 (Supplement) Early days recounted at Croft Street Wesleyan Schools on the occasion of their re-opening on August 1st., 1858
August 7 Laying the Foundation Stone of St. Luke‘s Church on Thursday, August 5th., 1858
September 11 A drinking fountain erected in the Market Place
September 25 The production of Newton’s Lithographic Plan of Preston
October 2 Sir James Brooke, K.C.B., (The White Rajah of Sarawak) lectured in Preston; The sewerage of the borough
October 16 Subscriptions invited for the publication of “The Beauties of Preston” – a set of interesting and picturesque views; Proposed new Tram Road Bridge
November 3 (Supplement) Samuel Smith narrowly re-elected as a Councillor for St. George’s Ward
November 6 Negotiations taking place concerning the Tram Road engine house and chimney; Preston’s water fountains
November 27 (Supplement) Death of the Revd. John Clay, B.D., aged 62, ”upwards of 36 years the indefatigable chaplain at the Preston House of Correction
Nov 27 Account of the funeral, at Churchtown, Garstang, of the Rev John Clay; Iron ship-building at the Old Quay; An interesting lecture in Preston: “Experience of a Catholic Chaplain in the Crimea” by the Revd. J. S. Woollett, S. J.
December 29 Suggested improvements in Avenham Valley and in the area of the Tram Bridge Railway

1859
January 1 Financial difficulties at Preston Grammar School
January 5 (Supplement) Mr. R. Townley-Parker accepts the Guild Mayoralty of Preston for 1862
January 15 Brief notice indicating that the Preston Races were last run on the Holme on 9th and 10th August, 1848; Details of the Preston Leguleian (Junior Law) Society, formed c.1826
January 19 (Supplement) Formation of a Natural History Society in Preston
February 5 Progress at the Tram Road Bridge.
February 19 The Revd. C. H. Spurgeon visits Preston
March 5 Public Meeting to inaugurate a “Penny Bank” in Preston
March 12 (Supplement) 499 people join the “Penny Bank” on its opening day
March 19 Membership invited to the newly formed Preston branch of the Young Men’s Christian Association; Proposed Preston-Fulwood omnibus service
April 2 Further details of the proposed omnibus service from Preston to Fulwood (and subsequent)
April 9 Correspondence concerning the future of the Town Hall
April 16 A “History of the Parliamentary Representation of Preston from 1756 to 1857” published by Dobson and Son, price 6d.
April 23 Early details of Grimshaw Street Congregational Church on the occasion of the Foundation Stone laying of the new Chapel on Friday, 22nd April, 1859; On the same day, the inauguration of the Teetotal Monument in the Cemetery – raised “to commemorate the origin, in Preston, of total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors”
May 21 Editorial: “Public Conveyances For Preston”
May 28 (Supplement) Re-building of the Tram Road Bridge; Extension of telegraphic communication in the Fylde
June 4 (Supplement) Public baths and wash-houses in Preston; Proposed formation of a Volunteer Rifle Corps in Preston; Laying of the Foundation Stone at St. Anne’s R.C. Church, Westby, near Kirkham, on Tuesday, 31st May, 1859
July 13 (Supplement) Movement towards a Free Library
July 16 Obituary of John Addison (1791-1859); Preston’s drinking fountains
July 20 (Supplement) Editorial: “The Free Library Movement”
July 30 Extension of the omnibus service – Ashton – Walton route opened on Thursday, 28th July, 1859
August 6 Details and costs of St. Luke’s on the occasion of its consecration on Wednesday, 3rd August, 1859
August 10 (Supplement) Progress at the Tram Road Bridge – improvements almost complete
August 20 A Public Meeting in the Temperance Hall considers ways to halt the increase of liquor licenses granted in Preston; The Revd. John Guttridge terminates a successful 3-year ministry at Orchard U.M.F.C. Chapel
August 27 An appeal for the re-development of Anchor Weind and the old property north of the Market Place
September 7 (Supplement) Human remains and a tomb-stone dated 1803 discovered on the site of the former Congregational Chapel at the corner of Fishergate and Chapel Street
October 5 (Supplement) St. Luke’s Church opened On Sunday, 2nd October 1859
October 12 (Supplement); H.R.H. The Duke Of Cambridge reviews the troops at Fulwood Barracks on Tuesday, 11th October, 1859
October 19 (Supplement) Queen Victoria passes through Preston Railway Station on Saturday, 15th October, 1859
November 3 (Supplement) First enrolments for the Rifle Volunteers takes place
November 12 The Preston-Rifle Volunteer Corps; The commemoration of the Revd. Jeremiah Horrocks’ memorial at Hoole Church; Town Council revive the Town Hall question
November 19 Details of the Preston Rifle Volunteer Corps (and Subsequent)
November 23 (Supplement) Statistics of Rateable Values in Preston; U.K. Temperance Alliance in Preston; Proposed opening of Queen Street Ragged School in the former Leeming Street Baptist Chapel
December 3 The Liquor Traffic and a great Methodist demonstratien in Preston; Town Council proposes a new Town Hall
December 10 Opening of the new Grimshaw Street Congregational Chapel on Thursday, 8th December, 1859
December 14 (Supplement) Proposed new bridge Over the Avenham tram railway
December 17 Lark Hill Estate (the former home of Samuel Horrocks, M.P. ) sold for £4,525; Mr. W. Atherton, Q.C., a former Prestonian and son of a Wesleyan Methodist Minister, becomes the Solicitor General
December 21 (Supplement) Details of progress at Shepherd Street Ragged School; Complimentary with this Supplement is an Almanac for 1860 which contains a “Chronology of Local Events AD 79 – 1859” by Charles Hardwick
December 24 Details of what was probably the first local Caesarean operation, performed at Walton-le-Dale’; Town improvements and the proposed new Town Hall
December 31 Preston teetotallers hope to effect a great revival in the temperance cause in 1860

1860
January 4 (Supplement) Chronological Register for 1859 – Local, District and National
January 7 Town Council considers the proposed Avenham Bridge
January 11 (Supplement) Stated that interments in the Cemetery from the date of its opening to the end of December, 1859, were 8,596 (average per week = 36.735); Demolition of the “Old Factory” (the oldest cotton mill in Preston) in Moor Lane, erected in 1777
January 14 R. Townley Parker declines the 1862 Guild Mayoralty during a local controversy; Proposed new Town Hall; Establishment, in Preston, of a “School Of Art” (and subsequent); Subsequent to a report (“Preston Guardian” 24th December, 1859) it was stated that a Caesarean operation had been carried out in Addison’s Yard, Preston, about 2½ years ago
January 21 Correspondence concerning the proposed new Town Hall
January 28 The Spinner’s and Minders’ Association open a Reading Room in the Imperial (otherwise Albion) Hotel, Church Street, Preston
February 4 (Supplement) The local antecedents of the new-Solicitor General, Mr. W. Atherton, QC
February 4 The Corporation’s proposal to purchase the Grammar School; Joseph Livesey retires from the proprietorship of the “Preston Guardian”; A Patriotic Ball raises funds for the Preston Rifle Volunteers
February 11 Corporation agree to purchase the Grammar School for £1,527. 10s. 0d.
February 18 Editorial: “A New Town Hall”; A new method of lighting the street lamps — the introduction of the lamplighter’s “pole”
February 25 (Supplement) Avenham Tramway Bridge
March 3 Details of-Preston Market Place and its stall lettings
March 17 (Supplement) Plans and proposals concerning the Town Hall buildings; Anti-American Slavery lectures in Preston
March 24 Establishment of a Co-Operative Society in Preston
March 31 (Supplement) The Wesleyans and slavery in the United States
April 7 Proposals for a new Town Hall and Covered Market
April 14 (Supplement) Opening of a Spinners’ and Minders’ Institute in the Albion Assembly Rooms, Church Street, on Monday, 9th April, 1860
April 14 A call for a memorial, in Preston, to Sir Richard Arkwright
April 28 First game played on Preston Cricket Club’s new ground at West Cliff
May 26 (Supplement) Progress at the new Avenham Tramway Bridge
May 26 Editorial: “Sewerage and Private Improvements in Preston”
June 2 (Supplement) Telegraphic “bell signals” installed at the Fishergate Telegraphic Company’s office
June 2 Proposed Artillery Volunteer Corps in Preston; Interesting proposals for a new Town.Hall, Covered Market and other improvements
June 23 The Presbyterian and Unitarian Assembly meets in Preston
June 30 (Supplement) Proposed omnibus between Preston and Blackburn
July 7 Report of the Sub-committee on Town Hall Buildings and Market Accommodation
July 14 Editorial: “New Town HalI and Market Buildings For Preston“ Proposed new Cattle Market – a site near Maudlands suggested
July 21 Construction of the Moor Brook Culvert
July 28 Formation of an Artillery Volunteer Corps in Preston
August 4 Progress at the Preston School of Art
August 11 (Supplement) Proposed station at Grimsargh on the Preston-Longridge Railway
August 11 The Fylde water supply
September 1 Opening of St. Anne’s R.C. Church, Westby, on Sunday, 26th August, 1860
September 15 (Supplement) Orations, in Preston, on American slavery
September 15 ProposedIsites for a new Covered Market and a Town Hall
September 22 Editorial: “The New Town Hall and Market Buildings”
September 29 (Supplement) Revd. Charles Garrett, a zealous teetotaller, commences a ministry in Preston Wesleyan Methodist Circuit
September 29 (Extra supplement) Town Council debates the proposed new Cattle Market
October 6 Land on the “Moor Hall Estate” suggested for a new Cattle Market; A proposed Concert Hall in Preston; Reference to an “Anti-Slavery Society” in Preston; Biographical notes concerning Edward Baines, the Lancashire Historian, born at Walton-le-Dale in 1774
October 13 Proposed town improvements in the Back Lane and Earl Street area; Further anti-American slavery support from Preston meetings
October 20 Proposed town improvements in the Anchor Weind and New Street area; Suggested sites for the proposed Concert Hall
October 27 Council discuss the proposed town improvements
November 10 Details of the Mayoralty of Preston, 1836 – 1860; The proposed new Town Hall
November 17 (Supplement) The Magistracy of Preston, 1836 – 1857; Erection of the Militia Officers’ Quarters in Starkie Street
November 17 Municipal facts, 1835 – 1860; Details and estimated costs of a proposed new C. of E. Church (St. Mark’s)
November 24 Preston Wesleyan, Primitive and United Methodists unite in a Grand Temperance Demonstration
December 1 Proposed town improvements on the north side of the Market Place; Her Majesty The Empress Eugenie passes through Preston Railway Station on Thursday, 29th .November, 1860; Discovery of ancient and human remains at Maudlands – on the possible site of the old St. Mary Magdalene’s religious foundation
December 8 (Supplement) “The Ancient Remains on the Maudlands” by Charles Hardwick
December 8 The new copper coins (1d. ½d. and ¼d.) are displayed in Preston
December 15 Gilbert Scott, the London Architect, invited to visit Preston to confer with the Town Council on the Town Hall question
December 22 Proposed re-building of Lune Street Wesleyan Chapel
December 29 (Supplement) Statistical details of Orchard United Methodist Chapel and Schools

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