Preston Guardian digest 1891-1905

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.

1891
January 3 Article: “Elementary Education In Preston”(and subsequent)
January 3 (Supplement) A review of the local scene in 1890
January 10 (Supplement) The pollution of the Ribble – a Government Inquiry opens at Preston; Article: “The Proposed Cross Deaf and Dumb School”
January 17 (Supplement) General William Booth, head of the Salvation Army, visits Preston and delivers his famous address “In Darkest England”
January 24 Preston Town Council consider adopting electricity for street lighting; Land in Corporation Street is acquired for the erection of the new Harris Technical School (and subsequent)
January 24 (Supplement) Article: “Preston Gas Company” – a long and interesting article concerning the development of the gas industry in Preston (and subsequent)
January 31 Death, at Moor Park Avenue, on Wednesday, 28th January, 1891, and obituary of Alexander Tullis, aged 71, staunch Wesleyan Methodist, and a senior partner in the firm of Cooper and Tullis, builders of the Harris Free Library and Museum; Death, at Harrogate, on Saturday, 24th January, 1891, of Edward Grubb, aged 80, one of the earliest pioneers of the Preston temperance movement
January 31 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Details of the flooding of the Ribble, at Preston, in 1400
February 7 The re-opening of the Board of Trade Commission Inquiry on the Ribble question
February 7 (Supplement) The Deaf And Dumb Association acquire a site, at the eastern end of New Hall Lane, for the erection of the Cross School; A reminiscent biography of the late Edward Grubb (and subsequent); Funeral of the late Alexander Tullis
February 14 (Supplement) Notes and Queries; Fifty years ago – A Mormon baptism in the Ribble in 1840, and the opening of the Preston Literary and Philosophical Institution on 16th February, 1841
February 21 Formation of the Preston and District Farmers’ Club on Saturday, 14th February, 1891
February 21 (Supplement) Details of the proposed Cross Deaf and Dumb School
February 28 Death, at Walton’s Parade, on Wednesday, 25th February, 1891, funeral, and long obituary of Henry Crane Walton, aged 70, greatly respected Preston auctioneer
March 7 Death, on Saturday, 28th February, 1891, and obituary of Miss Margaret Barton, aged 66, librarian at Dr. Shepherd’ s Library; Local arrangements for the taking of the 1891 Census
March 7 (Supplement) Local Methodists commemorate the centenary of the death of John Wesley
March 21 Doubts concerning the proposed Preston-Blackpool direct coastal railway
March 21 (Supplement) Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Co-Operative Society Store, Ormskirk Road, on Saturday, 14th March, 1891
March 28 Town Council discuss the health of the town
March 28 (Supplement) Article; “The Health of Preston”; Formation of the Preston Labourers’ Union on Wednesday. 25th March, 1891
April 4 (Supplement) Historical details of the Roman Catholic Church in Preston are related on the occasion of the centenary celebrations at St. Wilfrid’s Church
April 11 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – The sermons of the Revd. William Manning Walker, the first minister of Grimshaw Street Congregational Church (and subsequent), and temperance reminiscences of the late Edward Grubb, by Myles Pennington; Celebration of the centenary of the foundation of St. Wilfrid’s R.C. Mission in Preston, on Tuesday, 7th April, 1891; Article: “Progress of the Preston Dock Undertaking”
April 18 The impending Jubilee of the Preston Whitsuntide Processions
May 2 The electric lighting of Preston’s town centre streets; Death, at Fulwood, on Friday, 1st May, 1891, and obituary of W. H. Cowell, well-known for his contribution to choral music in Preston
May 2 (Supplement) Town Council discuss the 1891 Census – Preston’s population was stated to be 107,560, an increase of 11,036 during the 10 year period since the last census
May 9 The Preston High School For Girls moves to new premises – the house of the late Thomas Miller, Winckley Square; Local businessmen discuss the advantages of electric lighting in Preston
May 16 Article: “The Proposed Cross Deaf and Dumb School”, with an illustration; Article: “Electric Lighting At Preston” – the article stated that Preston’s first commercial supply of electricity, for street lighting purposes, was generated from an engine shed in Corporation Street
May 16 (Supplement) Notes and-Queries – A petition concerning the decay of-Penwortham Weir in 1593; Death, at Friargate, on Tuesday, 12th May, 1891, and long obituary, of James Miller, aged 49, lithographer and sub-postmaster, widely known for his prominent connection with Preston Oddfellowship
May 23 The proposed new Institute for the blind in Preston
May 23 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – An examination, by the Revd. B. Nightingale, of manuscript documents of the late Revd. D. T. Carnson, minister of Cannon Street Congregational Church, 1820-1847; The Jubilee Whitsuntide processions in Preston (see June 11, 1892)
May 30 The second baseball season opens at Deepdale
May 30 (Supplement) Town Council accept the offer of an oil painting of Joseph Livesey, donated by his son
June 6 Death, aged 59, and funeral, of Edward N. Marks, a local journalist and writer
June 6 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Presbyterian Synods Held in Preston 240 Years Ago”; Details of the 1891 Census
June 13 Article: “The Free Education Scheme – Its-Application to Preston”; Article: “Penwortham Priory”; Death, at 36, Great Avenham Street, on Sunday, 7th June, 1891, and long obituary, of William Smith, aged 86, teetotaller, and eminent Wesleyan Methodist, of which body he was the oldest in Preston. William Smith was the brother of the late Alderman Samuel Smith, J.P., Mayor of Preston, 1863-64, and a grandson of Martha Thompson Whitehead, the first Methodist in Preston
June 13 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – Improvements in Ribble navigation, and criticisms of Preston contained in “Spas of England” (1841); Improvements in sewage and refuse disposal at Preston
June 20 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Details of the poetic weather predictions of the-late Moses Holden, the Preston astronomer, extracted from his Almanac of 1837; Article: “Rescuing The Fallen” – an interesting article concerning the good work done in Preston for the welfare of friendless girls; Memorial Service for the late William Smith at Lune Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. The report of William Smith’s Memorial Service touches upon his family’s strong association with local Methodism, and Lune Street Chapel in particular
June 27 Samuel Laycock, the Blackpool dialect poet, gives readings in North Road Wesley Methodist Chapel
June 27 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Goosnargh Church”, with illustration (and subsequent on 18th July)
July 4 The opening of extension curves, at Farington, on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, on Wednesday, 1st July, 1891
July 4 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Goosnargh Hospital”, with an illustration
July 11 Fire fighting improvements at Preston; Education statistics of Preston’s day schools; A review of temperance work in Preston
July 18 Major improvements proposed at St. Wilfrid’s R.C. Church
July 25 Formation of the Preston Camera Club on Wednesday, 22nd July, 1891. Meetings of the new club were first held in Hill Place, off Fishergate
July 25 (Supplement) Heavy rainfall causes considerable local damage)
August 1 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Stonygate”, with illustrations. This is an interesting story of Stonygate’s association with the development of Preston; Town Council agree to the re-laying of sections of the tramway (and subsequent)
August 8 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years-ago – Improvements in Ribble navigation, proposals for the provision of a Covered Market for Preston, and details of the Cuerdale coin hoard display
August 15 Proposed railway extensions north of Preston station
August 15 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Biographical details of Richard Palmer, Town Clerk of Preston, 1801-52
August 22 (Supplement) The Ribble Commission – the Board of Trade’s final report. This interesting report gives details of previous Ribble surveys, 1736 – 1890
August 29 Financial difficulties with the Harris Trustees prevents a completion of the Free Library and Museum; Town Council discuss the Ribble Commission’s Report
August 29 (Supplement) Laying of the Memorial Stones of Freckleton Primitive Methodist Chapel on Saturday, 22nd August, 1891; The revival meeting of the Preston Choral Society on Monday, 24th August, 1891
September 12 Delay in the opening of the Harris Free Library becomes subject to an important report by the building committee; Re-opening of the Public Hall, following re-decoration, on Saturday, 12th September, 1891
September 12 (Supplement) Article: “St. Augustine’s New Church”, with illustration – the article contains a resume of the development of Roman Catholicism in Preston
September 19 Demolition of the property known as “Town Hall Corner”, at the junction of Church Street and Old Shambles; Laying of the Foundation Stone of Eldon Street Primitive Methodist new Sunday and Day Schools on Saturday, 12th September, 1891; Town Council discuss the Ribble Commission’s Report
September 19 (Supplement) Article: “Ribble Bridges – Walton”, with illustration; Solemn Re-Opening, after re-building, and celebration of the Golden Jubilee of St. Augustine’s R.C. Church on Sunday, 13th September, 1891.
September 26 Town Council discuss the Harris Free Library and Museum deadlock, and the advantages of electric lighting in Preston
September 26 (Supplement) Article: “Sketches In The Fylde – Elswick”
October 3 (Supplement) Article: “Ribble Bridges – Penwortham”, with illustrations
October 10 The popularity of electric lighting in Preston; The proposed re-formation of a Chess club in Preston
October10 (Supplement) Article: “Sketches In The Fylde – Pilling”; Death, on Wednesday,-7th October, 1891, and obituary of Jabez B. Jones, aged 55, well-known Preston auctioneer and public servant
October 17 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – The destitution of the working classes in Preston, and proposals for town improvements
October 24 Article: “Electric Lighting In Preston” – the article reports a proposal to establish a permanent installation, off Lancaster Road, for the production of electricity in Preston; The flooding of the Ribble at Preston
October 31 Biographical details of William Butler, of Preston, late of the 17th Lancers, who charged with the Light Brigade at Balaclava
October 31 (Supplement) The first Foreign Cage Bird Show to be staged in Preston, at the Public Hall, on Saturday, 24th October, 1891
November 7 (Supplement) Article: “Sketches In The Fylde – Great Eccleston”; In the local municipal elections, George Oakey becomes the first Friendly Society and Trades Council candidate to be elected to Preston Town Council
November 14 Death, at 19, Stephenson Terrace, on Wednesday, 11th November, 1891, and obituary of William Slater, aged 65, yarn and commission agent. William Slater, an eminent Wesleyan Methodist, was the nephew of the late Alderman Samuel Smith, and a great-grandson of Martha Thompson Whitehead, the first Methodist in Preston
November 14 (Supplement) Article: “Centenary Of Wesleyan Methodism At Bamber Bridge” – a long and interesting article concerning the origin and development of Methodism in Bamber Bridge
November 21 Crime in Preston – the Chief Constable’s Annual Report; The progress of the Independent Order of Rechabites in Preston
November 21 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Presbyterian Synods At Preston” (and subsequent)
November 28 (Supplement) Town Council discuss the delays in completion of the Harris Free Library and Museum, and the new Dock
December 5 Formation of Preston Hockey-Club, and the acquisition of a ground, at West Cliff, adjoining the cricket field; Formation of the Preston Branch of the United Kingdom Commercial Travellers’ Association on Saturday, 28th November, 1891; Preston’s first Charity Ball, held in the Public Hall, on Thursday, 3rd December, 1891
December 19 The Salvation Army commences the distribution of “penny dinners” to poor children in Preston
December 19 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – Local rejoicings at the birth of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), and agitation for reform at the Workhouses in the Preston Poor Law Union

1892
January 2 The retirement of Mr. W. Brennan, postmaster of Preston, 1852-92
January 2 (Supplement) A review of 1891 – local and national; Town Council discuss the new Technical School and the delay in completion of the Harris Free Library and Museum
January 9 Sale of the Arkwright Arms to Mr. Arthur Margerison, for £600. It was stated that the purchaser planned to re-open the premises as a model lodging-house run on Salvation Army lines
January 9 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Backward Glances at Old Preston”. This is a long and interesting series of articles containing reminiscences of Preston 1830-50 (and subsequent)
January 23 School attendance in Preston; Formation of the Preston Branch of the Tramways, Cabmen, and ‘Bus Drivers’ Association
January 30 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Leyland Parish”
February 6 Article: “Equipment of the Preston Dock”; Death, at Lancaster, on Wednesday, 3rd February, 1892, and obituary, of Howard .Livesey, aged 64, retired cheese merchant and son of the late Joseph Livesey
February 6 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Preston Street and Place-Names”
February 13 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “St. Michaels-On-Wyre” with illustrations
February 20 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Preston Street Names and The House of Stanley”, and details of the accounts of the Ribble Fishery, at Preston, in 1575
February 27 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “The Stanley Crest”; Town Council discuss the purchase of Dock equipment
March 5 (Supplement) Article: “Elementary Education – The case of Preston”
March 12 A proposed railway station at Ashton
March 19 James Wilson is appointed Postmaster of Preston; Formation of a Temperance Vigilance Committee to monitor and oppose the granting of drink licences in Preston
March 19 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – A review of Tom C. Smith’s “Records of the Parish Church of Preston”
April 2 The progress of the Dock works
April 9 Labour difficulties in the local cotton trade (and subsequent)
April 9 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – An old Preston deed of 1703 relating to property, orchards and gardens in Friargate
April 16 John Kirby, of Freckleton, great-grandfather of the compiler of this Chronology, is elected a Guardian of the Preston Poor Law Union
April 16 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – Agitation for a Covered Market, and proposed Barracks at Fulwood. It was also stated that on 10th April, 1842, the brig “Albion” became the first vessel to leave Preston with exported goods for a foreign port; Article: “Preston and the Electric Light”
April 23 Serious labour problems beset the local cotton trade
April 23 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “The Old Preston Post Office”, with illustration – the article concerns the old post office situated at the southern end of the New Shambles
April 30 The Health of Preston – the Annual Report of the Medical Officer For Health; “Short time” working introduced in local cotton mills
April 30 (Supplement) Article: “Mr. Pilkington and the Distortion of Temperance History” – a critical review of “The Makers of Wesleyan Methodism.in Preston and the Relation of Methodism to the Temperance and Teetotal Movements”; Town Council discuss the sanitation of Preston; Proposed improvements in the storage of Preston’s water supply
May 7 William Pilkington defends his writings about Preston temperance and becomes involved in a long and controversial correspondence with “Graylocks” (and subsequent)
May 7 The first admittance of water into the new Dock on Monday, 2nd May, 1892
May 14 Death, at 43, Ashton Street, on Sunday, 8th May, 1892, and obituary, of Thomas Mawdsley, aged 66, Primitive Methodist local preacher, and a highly respected temperance worker
May 14 (Supplement) Article: “The New Conservative Working Men’s Club For Preston”, with illustration; Notes and Queries – Article: “The Oldest Barber’s Shop in England”, with illustration – the article concerns Coward’s barber’s shop, in Church Street, the site of which was used for the new Conservative Club
May 21 The approaching Royal Visit or H. R. H. The Duke of Edinburgh, with details of previous Royal Visits to Preston, 1306-1885
May 21 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “St. Wilfrid’s Church” – a historical review; Article: “The Jubilee of Preston Sunday Schools’ Processions” (an examination of historical records indicated that 1892, and not 1891 (see April 18, 1891), was the Jubilee year The Preston Canine. Society stages its first Show on the Covered Market, on Wednesday and Thursday, 18th and 19th May, 1892
May 28 Human skeletons dug up in Church Street, opposite the Parish Church
May 28 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – The Vicar Street murder of 7th May, 1822; Details of a Metrical Index to the Bible, published in 1711, by the Revd. Josiah Carter, M.A., a member of an old Preston family
May 28 The re-opening, after re-building, of St. Wilfrid’s R.C. Church, on Sunday, 22nd May, 1892
June 4 Preparations being made for the impending Royal Visit (and subsequent)
June 4 (Supplement) Article: “Preston And Its Dock” (and subsequent)
June 11 (Supplement) The Jubilee Whitsuntide Processions in Preston
June 18 The official programme for the Royal Visit and Opening of the new Dock
June 18 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “St. Lawrence’ s Church, Longridge”, with illustration
June 25 Article: “The Royal Visit”, with a full page illustration of the new Preston Dock, the final cost of the Dock and Ribble Works; Opening Services at Freckleton’s new Primitive Methodist Chapel on Saturday, 18th June, 1892
July 2 (Supplement) The Opening of Preston’s new Albert Edward Dock on Saturday, 25th June, 1892
July 9 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – Local Chartist gatherings, and depression in trade at Preston; Canvassing in Preston at the 1820 Election
July 16 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Preparations for the 1842 Guild Merchant, and shipbuilding in Preston
July 23 Town Council discuss preparations for increased trade at the new Dock
July 23 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Roman remains at Walton-le-Dale, the Seth Bushell monumental brasses at Preston Parish Church, and excavations at Castle Hill, Penwortham
July 30 The possibility of Preston staging the 1893 Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show
July 30 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – The discovery of an old Preston bridge, once spanning the Syke Brook, near the Regatta Inn, at the junction of Strand Road and Fishergate Hill
August 6 Dwight L. Moody (of Moody and Sankey), the American Evangelist, conducts a mission in Preston (and subsequent)
August 13 Sale of the old Frenchwood Tannery, the last tannery to operate in Preston; A proposed Wesley Centenary Chapel at Ashton; Laying of the Memorial Stones of Pilling Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Wednesday, 10th August, 1892
August 20 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – The Chartist Riots in Preston in 1842; Article: “A Personal Reminiscence of the Chartist Riots of 1842”
August 27 (Supplement) Opening of Eldon Street Primitive Methodist Higher Grade School on Saturday, 20th August, 1892
September 3 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – The Arms in Preston Parish Church, 1564-98
September 10 Stallholders in Preston call for market improvements (and subsequent)
September 10 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – The supposed Roman altar at Lund Church
September 17 (Supplement) Re-opening of the Preston Observatory following repairs and improvements; Laying of the Foundation Stone of a new Primitive Methodist Chapel at Leyland Lane, Leyland, on Saturday, 10th September, 1892
September 24 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “An Old-Time (1809) Preston Vigilance Committee” – the article contains an interesting list of signatories to the agreement; Article: “Old Houses In Fishergate”
October 1 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – The Preston Chartist Riots, and the celebration of the 1842 Guild Merchant
October 8 Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Wesley Centenary Methodist Chapel, Ashton, on Thursday, 6th October, 1892
October 8 (Supplement) Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Cross Deaf and Dumb School, New Hall Lane, on Saturday, 1st October, 1892
October 15 Conversion and re-opening as a model lodging-house of the Arkwright Arms, Stonygate; Major J. Chard, V.C., R.E., the officer who commanded the Defence of Rorke’s Drift (1879), after serving for several years at Fulwood Barracks, leaves Preston to take up a position in Singapore
October 22 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Brockholes Bridge”, with illustration; “The Year After the Rebellion of 1745” – a sermon preached by the Revd. R. Oliver, M.A., in St. George’s Church, Preston, in 1746; Land in Fulwood is purchased for the erection of the new Institute For The Blind
November 5 Madame Adelina Patti, “The Queen of Song”, appears in Preston at the Public Hall; The-formation of Preston Golf Club
November 5 (Supplement) Notes and Queries: 50 years ago – Cobden and Bright address a Corn Law Meeting in the Theatre Royal in 1842, and the success of Ribble Navigation enterprises
November 12 Death, at Longridge, on Monday, 7th November, 1892, and obituary, of Mr. T. Longworth, aged 55, an old Preston printer and publisher; Article: “The New Railway To Blackpool”
November 12 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – Article: “Dr. Shepherd’s Ancestry”
November 19 (Supplement) Article: “Golf In Preston” – An afternoon on the Ribbleton Links
November 26 Opening of the Co-Operative Society Central Store, Ormskirk Road, on Friday, 25th November, 1892, with illustration; The Revd. Dawson F. Chapman, M.A,, celebrates the 30th anniversary of his vicarial at St. Peter’s C. of E. Church
November 26 (Supplement) Town Council discuss “the pleasing prospects of trade on the Ribble”; Death, on Saturday, 19th November, 1892, and funeral, of Adam Leigh, J.P., aged 64, Preston cotton spinner and manufacturer
December 3 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston; The Preston Banking Company Limited opens sub-branches in Plungington Road and Church Street; Formation of a Fabian Society in Preston on Wednesday, 30th November, 1892
December 3 (Supplement) Notes and Queries – The prospectus of a Preston Liberal newspaper in 1836, and Preston’s contribution to the “cost of the defeat of the Spanish Armada”
December 10 Henry Cartmel, of St. Mary’s C. of E. Church, publishes his “Preston Churches And Sunday Schools”
December 17 (Supplement) Article: “The Harris Free Library and Museum”
December 24 (Supplement) Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Preston Working Men’s Conservative Club, Church Street, on Saturday, 17th December, 1892
December 31 Details of a severe local frost, with the temperature as low as 21 deg.F; “Short time” working introduced in local cotton mills as labour troubles persist (and subsequent); Preston Parish Church declines to accept the offer of an electric lighting installation
December 31 (Supplement) A review of 1892, local and national; Town Council discuss sanitary reforms in Preston

1893
January 7 Important changes at “The Preston Guardian” – the price is reduced to a penny, and the Supplement is discontinued
January 14 Fifty years ago – Preston and the Anti-Corn Law League; Death, at Carlsbad, and long obituary of John Huntington, of Cleveland, U.S.A., formerly of Preston, the benefactor of St. Paul’s C. of E. Church
January 21 Reminiscences of old Preston from Mr. and Mrs. Horam, residents of the Starch-houses; Promise of market improvements at Preston
January 28 Article: “Eighty Years In The Old Starch-houses”, with illustration; Town Council discuss the Harris Free Library and Museum and its prospects
February 4 Article: “Old Preston”, with illustrations of Town Hall Corner and Glover’s Court; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences-of George Woods, landlord of the Corporation Arms, Lune Street
February 18 Article: “From And Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Robert Emmett, sexton and verger of Christ Church C. of E.
February 25 A Vigilance Association is formed in Preston to assist the police to free the town from “criminality, vice and disorder”
March 4 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Dick Margerison, an old Bamber Bridge cock fighter
March 11 Lancaster Road Congregational Chapel inaugurates the “P.S.A.” (Pleasant Sunday Afternoon) Classes in Preston
March 18 Article: “Longridge”, with illustrations; John Toulmin, one of the proprietors of “The Preston Guardian”, is appointed a Magistrate; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of John Leach, Henry Hunt’s flag carrier at the 1830 Election
March 25 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of residents of the old Leyland Almhouses; Preston North End are defeated, 1-0, by Everton, in the Semi Final of the F.A. Challenge Cup Competition; The scheme for market improvements in Preston
April 1 Article: “Roman Ribchester”, with illustrations; Formation of the Preston and District Sheep Dog Club on Thursday, 30th March, 1893; Henry Wilson Worsley-Taylor, Q,C., J.P., D.L., is appointed Recorder of the Borough of Preston; Formation of the Preston Branch of the Independent Labour Party
April 8 Fifty years ago – An earthquake at Preston, and the Magistrates’ handling of the Preston Chartist Riots in 1842; Continued depression in the cotton trade (and subsequent); The Harris Institute propose the opening of women’s classes in Domestic Arts
April 15 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Winder, an old Preston solicitor; Death, at Hoghton Tower, on Wednesday, 12th April, 1893, and obituary, of Sir Charles de Hoghton, aged 69; The expansion of Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co. in Preston; Death, at Fylde Road, on Sunday, 9th April, 1893, and obituary, of John Hillidge, fish merchant and curer, aged 42. Mr. Hillidge was the first tradesman to manufacture ice in Preston
April 22 Death, at Knowsley Hall, on Friday, 21st April, 1893, and long obituary, of The Rt. Hon. Edward Henry Smith-Stanley, aged 66, 14th Earl of Derby; Funeral of the late Sir Charles de Hoghton; An illustration of Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co.’s new mill in New Hall Lane
April 29 The advertised sale, by auction, on 11th May, 1893, of the. copyright and goodwill of “The Preston Chronicle”; Funeral of the late Earl of Derby; The Medical Officer of Health for Preston gives an encouraging Annual Report
May 6 A serious fire at St. Walburge’s R.C. Church causes damage estimated at £1,000; The first Annual Report of the Preston Cinderella Club, a useful organisation offering free suppers and entertainment to poor children
May 13 Article: “Ribchester and Stydd Churches”, with illustrations; “The Preston Chronicle”, offered for sale by auction, fails to attract bids greater than £145 and is withdrawn. Early success is enjoyed by the newly formed Fulwood Tennis Club; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Richard Eatough, an old Preston corn merchant, and one-time landlord of the Grecian Inn, Lord Street; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Little Sisters of The Poor’ s new Home For The Aged Poor, Fulwood, on Saturday, 6th May, 1893
May 20 Article: ”From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Francis Brade, an old Prestonian with horse racing and cockfighting associations; Difficult conditions still persist in the local cotton trade
June 3 Notes and Queries: Fifty Years Ago – Preston, by privilege of the Treasury, is designated an independent port of the sixth class, and the Laying of The Foundation Stone of the New Jerusalem Church, Avenham Road, on 17th May, 1843; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Jackson, an old Preston tradesman; Details of the new Home For The Blind; Article: “What Preston People Read” – an interview With Mr. William Bramwell, the librarian at the Free Library
June 10 Death, at East Cliff Road, on Wednesday, 7th June, 1893, and obituary of John Worthington, aged 76, printer and publisher, formerly of “Town Hall Corner”. Mr. Worthington was the publisher of Hardwick’s “History of Preston”; Mr. Wilson, postmaster of Preston, is transferred to Exeter, and Mr. Edward Francis, of Halifax is appointed to the office; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, two old Preston tradespeople
June 17 Article: “The Home For The Blind At Fulwood”, with illustration; A proposed Soldiers’ Institute for Preston
July 1 Article: “Samlesbury Church”, with illustration; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Frank Sleddon, an old Preston cotton trade machinist
July 15 Death, at Moor Park Avenue, on Friday, 14th July, 1895; and long obituary of Jonathan Sellars, J.P., aged 70, shuttle and bobbin manufacturer, and one of Preston’s foremost Liberal politicians; Celebration of the Centenary of the opening of St. Wilfrid’s R.C. Church on Sunday, 9th July, 1893
July 22 Article: “Francis Townley – Reminiscences of 1745” (and Subsequent); Preston North End Football Club propose the formation of a limited liability company with the issue of 10,000 (subsequently reduced to 5,000) £1 shares; The funeral of the late Jonathan Sellars
July 29 Town Council discuss the need of a Preston Chamber of Trade, and improvements in the disposal of the town’s sewage; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Baron, an old handloom weaver; Article: “The New Technical School For Preston”, with illustration
August 12 A violent storm causes considerable local damage; Death, at Barton, funeral, and obituary of Miss Mary Cross, aged 88,-the benefactoress of the Preston Deaf and Dumb Home and the Home for Friendless Girls
August 19 The advertised prospectus of Preston North End Football Club Limited; Article: “Leyland Church”, with illustrations; The Harris Free Library and Museum is formally handed over to the Corporation on Friday, 18th August, 1893
September 2 Article: “Chipping Church”, with illustrations; Queen Victoria passes through Preston Railway Station; Town Council discuss extensions and improvements at the Cattle Market Slaughter House; The Independent Labour Party adopt a candidate for the forthcoming local elections
September 9 Article: “Vanishing Preston”, with illustration – the article concerns important improvements north of the Market Place
September 16 Article: “Street Improvements In Preston”, with illustration of the Virgins’ Inn, Anchor Weind, and sketch map showing proposed improvements north of the Market Place; Preparations in hand for the opening 0f the new Harris Free Library and Museum
September 23 The first General Meeting of Preston North End Football Club Limited, at the Public Hall, on Thursday, 21st September, 1893
September 30 Opening Services at the Wesley Centenary Methodist Chapel, Ashton, on Thursday, 28th September, 1893
October 7 Notes and Queries – Leyland Church and churchyard; Death, at Barton Hall, on Tuesday, 3rd October, 1893, and long obituary, of Alderman Charles Roger Jacson, J.P., D.L., aged 75, an eminent Prestonian; Laying of the Foundation Stone of The Industrial Institute And Home For The Blind, Fulwood, on Saturday. 30th September, 1893. The report contains a detailed resume of the Institute’s progress in Preston since its-formation in 1864
October 14 Notes and Queries – Executions on Gallows’ Hill in 1715; The impending demolition of New Street; A proposed main road between Preston and Blackpool; James Keir Hardie, M.P., President of the Independent Labour Party, addresses a large meeting in Preston
October 21 Lord Salisbury visits Preston and opens the Working Men’s Conservative Club, Church Street, on Tuesday, 17th October, 1893; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of John Lee, an old Preston and Leyland inhabitant; Consecration and Opening of St. Jude’ s C. of E. Church, on Thursday, 19th October, 1893
October 28 Town Council discuss the use of electricity for the lighting of Church Street; Formal Opening of the Harris Free Library and Museum on Thursday, 26th October, 1893
November 4 Preston North End Football Club Limited authorise the issue of 500 additional £1 shares; The Independent Labour Party candidate is unsuccessful in the local elections
November11 Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – Proposed public baths in Preston, and a Preston man’s association with the printing and production of railway tickets; Particulars of Patten House, Church Street, the former home of the Derby family; Reminiscences of early Preston Methodist personalities are related by the Revd. Charles Garrett, one-time minister of Lune Street Wesleyan Chapel
November 18 Article: “Through Two Rebellions – The Story of a Preston Tavern (The White Bull)”, with an illustration of the west side of New Street, then in course of demolition (and subsequent) November 25 Illustration – New Street, from Lord Street; Death, at Starkie Street, on Saturday, 18th November, 1893, funeral, and obituary, of Dr. Joseph Bray Gilbertson, M.D., J.P., aged 67, Coroner of the Preston District
December 9 Notes and Queries – Article: “Local Sequestrations And The Great Civil War”; A proposed new Water Scheme for Fulwood
December 16 Notes and Queries – Carr House, Bretherton, and its association with the Revd. Jeremiah Horrox and the Transit of Venus in 1639
December 23 Demolition of the Cement Warehouse, Lancaster Road, an old property once of the home of the Molyneux family; “Two Ghostly Lovers” – a Samlesbury Christmas story, by Harwood Brierley; Article: “The Sources of the Ribble”
December 30 Death, on Sunday, 24th December, 1893, and obituary, of Isaac Titterington, aged 58, of Ribbleton. Mr. Titterington died in the vestry of Tennyson Road Wesleyan Methodist School Chapel, of which he was the founder; A Review of 1893 – local and national; Mr. H. Gibson is appointed Governor of Preston Gaol; Celebration of the Centenary of St. Andrew’s R.C. Chapel, Cottam, on Wednesday, 27th December, 1893; A proposed Temperance Memorial Hall at Preston to commemorate “The Seven Men of Preston” and the-temperance movement’s origins in the town; The Revd. Haywood Firth, M.A., popular vicar of Christ Church C. of E. for 30 years, resigns his connection with the Parish and the town; Proposed opening (to the public) of the Harris Lending Library and Reading Room on 1st January, 1894, the 15th Anniversary of the opening of the Free Library at the Town Hall; Town Council discuss the slaughter-house facilities in Preston

1894
January 6 “The Preston Guardian” incorporates “The Preston Chronicle” and becomes the largest weekly_paper in Lancashire. The article introducing this merger contains a resume of the history of “The Preston Chronicle”; Article: “Vestiges of Old Preston”, with illustrations of the Cement Warehouse, Lancaster Road, and the east side of New-Street, then in course of demolition
January 13 Death, at Ashton, on Monday, 8th January, 1894, and obituary, of Thomas Townley, aged 78, a teetotaller having long associations with the Temperance Movement in Preston; Preston Borough Police Force establish a Soup Kitchen, behind the new Conservative Club, Church Street, and provide free suppers and entertainments for poor children; Article: “Vestiges of Old Preston”, with illustrations of the entrance to Turk’s Head Yard, and Ward’s End. The article contains interesting biographical details of “Doctor” James Cheetham, an eccentric old Preston veterinary surgeon; Notes and Queries – Charges for the execution of rebels at Preston in 1715, and the flooding of the Ribble in 1400
January 20 Article: “Recollections of an old Prestonian” – interesting reminiscences of “Owd Abe” Thompson, aged 80, with an illustration of Turk’s Head Yard; Notes and Queries – Richard Towneley and the Preston Fight of 1715
January 27 Article: “Old Preston – Transformation Scenes”, with illustrations of the Cross Keys in the Market Place, and Pedder’s “Old” Bank, Church Street
February 10 Opening of a Soldiers’ Institute, at 149, Church Street, on Monday, 5th February, 1894; Article: “The New Memorial Chapel of St. Lawrence, Barton”, with illustration (and subsequent)
February 17 The Jubilee Edition of “The Preston Guardian”, containing a long account of its first 50 years, together with many illustrations of its premises, former premises, plant and machinery, etc.
March 3 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston; Death at North Road, on Sunday, 25th February, 1894, and obituary, of Cuthbert Hornby, aged 78, an old Preston temperance worker and a senior Rechabite
March 10 Celebration of the Centenary of the birth of Joseph Livesey
March 17 Article: “Joseph Livesey in the Fylde”
March 24 Death, at Ashton, on Saturday, 17th March, 1894, funeral, and obituary, of Alderman William Birley, J.P., Mayor of Preston 1858/9; The Independent Labour Party adopt a Parliamentary candidate to contest the Preston Constituency, and James Keir Hardie, M.P., attends the adoption meeting; Death, at Ashton, on Monday, 19th March, 1894, and obituary of Thomas Cornell, aged 64, clog-iron manufacturer and prominent Wesleyan Methodist; Laying of the Foundation Stones of Walmer Bridge and Fylde Road, Preston, Primitive Methodist Chapels on Good Friday, 23rd March, 1894
March 31 Article: “A History and Description of the Regalia, Plate, Arms, and Mayoral Insignia of The Borough of Preston” (and subsequent); Correspondence concerning the “Seven Men of Preston” and the origins of Preston temperance (and subsequent)
April 14 The proposed erection, in Preston, of a National Temperance Memorial Hall; Article: “Primitive Methodism in Preston”, with an illustration of Fylde Road Chapel
April 21 Statistics of the Church of England Sunday Schools in Preston; Article: “Holy Wells in Lancashire – Fernyhalgh and Penwortham”, with illustrations
April 28 The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Preston; Article: “Goosnargh Church”, with illustration
May 5 Death, at Blackburn, on Thursday, 3rd May, 1894, and obituary of W. A. Abram, J.P., aged 59, local writer and author of “Memorials of The Preston Guilds”; Notes and Queries – Sir Richard Arkwright’s first £50
May 26 T. Wemyss Reid, a former editor of “The Preston Guardian”, receives a Knighthood; Article: “Kirkham”, with illustrations; Queen Victoria dines at Preston Railway Station during her visit to Lancashire
June 2 The proposed expansion of the Preston Gas Company
June 9 Death, at Scarborough, of ex-Alderman Charles Fryer, Mayor of Preston1874/5, and a former Town Clerk; Article: “Primitive Methodist Chapel, Walmer Bridge”, with illustration
June 16 Opening of Pilling Wesleyan Methodist Chapel on Wednesday, 13th June, 1894; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Ephraim Ashton, an old Preston wheelwright and blacksmith; Death, at 5, Bank Parade, on Wednesday, 13th June, 1893, funeral and obituary of William Drennan, aged 73. Postmaster of Preston 1852/91; Town Council agree to stage the 1895 Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show at Preston; Article: “The Arms-Of Preston” (and subsequent)
June 30 Formation of the Preston Branch of the National Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Children, on Saturday, 23rd June, 1894: Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Starkie, aged 90, an old Preston cockfighter; Article: “Wesleyan Chapel and School, Ashton-on-Ribble”, with illustration
July 7 Article: “Pilling New Wesleyan Chapel”, with illustration; Article: “Official Robes of Preston Corporation – Curious Customs”
July 21 Notes and Queries – Preston in 1745; Article “The Stonyhurst Centenary (and subsequent)
July 28 The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society accept Preston’s invitation to stage its 1895 Show
August 4 Opening of the Cross Deaf and Dumb School on Saturday, 28th July, 1894, with illustration
August 11 The Jubilee of The Preston Banking Company Limited; Article: “The Mayoral Insignia of Preston”
August 25 Opening of the Little Sisters of the Poor’s new Home For The Aged Poor, Fulwood, on Wednesday, 22nd August, 1894
September 1 Town Council discuss the lighting, by electricity, of the Harris Free Library, the Town Hall and the Public Hall
September 8 The work of the Preston Temperance Vigilance Association; A Temperance Conference debates the proposed Livesey Memorial Hall
September 15 Article: “A Forgotten Hero” – biographical details of Pte. Bergin, V.C., 33rd Regt., a Prestonian who received the Victoria. Cross for his part in the storming of the fortress at Magdala during the 1868 Abyssinian Campaign; Article: “St. Mary’s Catholic Church”, with illustrations; The Catholic Truth Society hold a Conference in Preston, visited by Cardinal Vaughan, R.C. Archbishop of Westminster
September 22 The Prince of Wales pauses whilst passing through Preston Railway Station
September 29 Sir Charles and Lady Halle give a recital in the Public Hall
October 6 Article: “The ‘Plundered Ministers’ of North Lancashire” (and subsequent)
October 13 Formation of Preston Debating Society on Tuesday, 9th October, 1894
October 20 Formation of the Preston Traders’ Association; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of George (“Old Dawdy”). Kay, a Preston nonagenarian; J. R. Clynes, trade union activist, addresses a Preston demonstration; Article: “Salwick and Lund Church”, with illustrations
October 27 The local Labour Party declines to adopt candidates for the forthcoming Council elections; Article: “A Popular History of Lancashire” – a review of Col. Henry Fishwick’s “History of Lancashire”
November 10 Illustration of The National School, Avenham Lane
November 17 Opening Services at Walmer Bridge Primitive Methodist Chapel on Sunday, 11th November, 1894
November 24 Death, at Ashton, on Monday, 19th November, 1894, and obituary of P. H. Heward, aged 74, Methodist local preacher, and the founder of Wesleyan Methodism at Midge Hall; The Preston Banking Company Limited amalgamates with the London and Midland Bank; Details of the Edward Grubb Monument in Harrogate’s Harlow Cemetery
December 1 Article: “Broughton”, with illustrations
December 8 Article: “The Ancient Friary of Preston”
December 15 The Duke of Norfolk presents prizes to successful students at the Harris Institute; Article: “The Old Magdalen Hospital, Preston

1895
January 5 A review of the Preston scene, 1894
January 12 The Preston Committee of the British Women’s Temperance Association open new rooms for the advancement of their cause at 115, Fishergate, on Tuesday, 8th January, 1895; Article: “Woodplumpton Church”, with illustrations
January 19 Ignace Jan Paderewski, “King of the Piano”, appears at the Public Hall, on Thursday, 17th January, 1895
January 26 Notes and Queries – Lancashire Church Bells and Inscriptions
February 9 Uncertainties in the cotton trade bring distress to Preston. Soup kitchens provide nourishment for the unemployed; Notes and Queries – The Old Charities of Preston
February 16 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mr. Wilson, aged 76, an old Friargate tradesman
February 23 Article: “Feeding The Hungry in Preston and the Fylde”; Proposed reduction of wages in the cotton trade; Article: “The Great Frost – Scenes on the Ribble”, with illustrations
March 2 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of John Holden, aged 84, an old Fylde veteran
March 9 Death, at London, on Thursday, 7th March, 1895, and obituary of John Livesey, aged 72, son of Joseph Livesey
March 23 Article: “The Last of The Shambles”, with illustration – an interesting article concerning the demolition of the remaining properties in The Shambles in Lancaster Road
March 30 Town Council discuss more clearance of property north of the Market Square; Death, at Clifton Hall, on Thursday, 28th March, 1895, and long obituary of Alderman Edmund Birley, J.P., aged 77, eminent Prestonian and Mayor at the Guild of 1882; Article: “The Scattered Relics (Obelisk and items from the old Parish Church) of Old Preston”, with illustrations; The proposed raising of Slack Brow, Ribbleton (and subsequent)
April 6 Funeral of the late Alderman Edmund Birley; Details of progress in the erection of the new Technical School; Opening Services at Fylde Road new Primitive Methodist Chapel on Thursday, 4th April, 1895; Article: “The Scattered Relics (Patten House gates and Arkwright House inscribed panels) of Old Preston”, with illustrations; Major William Sudell, mill manager, founder of Preston North End Association Football Club, and one of the foremost men in association football in England, is sentenced to three years penal servitude after being found guilty of embezzlement
April 20 The erection of a Memorial Stone to the late Edward Grubb in the Temperance Section of Preston Cemetery
April 27 Town Council discuss the erection of a new Fish Market; The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Preston; Laying of the Foundation Stone of St. Lawrence’s C. of E. Church, Barton, on Monday, 22nd April, 1895, with an illustration of the old Church
May 4 Article: “More Vanishing Preston”, with an illustration of the north side of Lord Street
May 11 Laying of the Foundation Stone of Wesham Primitive Methodist Chapel on Saturday, 4th May, 1895; Improved conditions prevail in the local cotton trade
May 18 Formation of the Preston Clothlookers’ Association; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Samuel Cornall, aged 80, an old Preston Radical
May 25 Article: “Another Relic of Old Preston”, with illustration – an interesting article concerning William Shawe’s House, 135, Church Street; The proposed Preston – Blackpool direct coastal railway scheme is considered by a Parliamentary Select Committee
June 1 Article: “The Oldest Nonconformist Church In Preston”, with illustration – an interesting article concerning the Unitarian Chapel, Percy Street
June 8 “The Morals of Preston” – a Free Church Minister’s criticisms: Notes and Queries: Fifty years ago – The appointment of Preston Cricket Club’s first professional in 1845
June 15 Proposed construction of the Miller Arcade; Unveiling of the C. R. Jacson Memorial in the Harris Free Library and Museum on Thursday, 15th June, 1895
June 22 Town Council discuss the proposed establishment of a Reference Library within the Harris Free Library (and subsequent); Article: “Miller Arcade, Preston – An Imposing Block”; Completion of the new Home For The Blind, Fulwood; Formation of the Preston and District Temperance Federation, to co-ordinate the work of the various organisations, on Monday, 17th June, 1895; ‘Article: “Warton Old Mill”, with an illustration; Article: “Preparing For The Royal Lancashire Show At Preston”
July 6 A record of 40 years’ burials in Preston Cemetery
July 13 Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Harris Technical Institute, Corporation Street, on Saturday, 6th July, 1895
July 27 Preston’s first Independent labour Party Parliamentary Candidate is defeated in the General Election; The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society Show is staged on Moor Park on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 25th, 26th and 27th July, 1895
August 3 Death, at Penwortham, on Thursday, 31st July, 1895, funeral, and obituary of Thomas Dodd, J.P., aged 77, solicitor, and for 58 years the Clerk to the Preston Magistrates
August 10 Article: “Vanishing Preston – Demolition Of A Masonic Lodge-Room” – an interesting article concerning the clearance of property on the north side of Church Street, between Lancaster Road and the Town Hall, to provide a site for the Miller Arcade
August 24 Celebration of the Centenary of St. Mary’s R. C. Church, Fernyhalgh, on Sunday, 18th August, 1895
August 31 Death, at 148, Friargate, on Sunday, 25th August, l895, funeral, and long obituary of William Toulmin, aged 75, eminent Preston teetotaller, pastor of Ashmoor Street Free Gospel Chapel, and one of the founders of Mill Hill Ragged School
September 7 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Robert Champion, 81, an old Prestonian
September 14 Article: “The Birthplace Of The Horrockses”, with illustrations of Edgworth, near Bolton
September 21 Article: “Preston Blind Institute -The New Home”, with an illustration
September 28 The Corporation agrees to the Harris Institute using the former premises of Dr. Shepherd’s Library, Cross Street, for domestic science classes; Opening of the new Home For The Blind, Fulwood, on Monday, 23rd September, 1895
October 5 Proposals for the improvement of Ribble navigation, incorporating the construction of a Preston – Southport Canal (and subsequent); Correspondence concerning the origins of the Preston Industrial Institute For The Blind
October 19 Improvements at Preston Gas Works; Notes and Queries – the passage of Charles II through Preston in 1651, and “Bonnie” Prince Charles Edward’s associations with Preston in l745
October 26 Thomas Walmsley (“Graylocks” of “The Preston Guardian”), President of the Preston Temperance Society, celebrates his 80th birthday on Saturday, 19th October, 1895; Article: “Progress At The Harris Museum”; Further correspondence concerning the origins of the Preston Industrial Institute For The Blind; Notes and Queries – Fireworks in Preston Market Place in 1857; Formation of the Preston Church Day Schools’ Association on Wednesday, 23rd October, 1895
November 2 Death, at the Golden Lion Inn, Ward’s End, on Thursday, 31st October, 1895, and obituary of William Newton, aged 67, formerly Sgt. of the 44th Regiment, an old Crimean War veteran who was present at the Fall of Sebastopol
December 14 Celebration of the Jubilee of Walker Street Congregational Church Sunday School on Sunday, 8th December, 1895
December 21 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Morris, aged 80, an old Preston railway worker
December 28 A review of 1895 – local and national; Notes and Queries – The first shop front with a window display in Preston, with illustration (It was stated that this existed in Cheapside, prior to 1810, at the premises occupied by John Beattie)

1896
January 4 Article: “Lancashire Cotton Trade In 1895; A Year Of Disaster”
January 11 Proposed railway improvements in the Preston district, involving the widening of the approaches to the Central Station
January 18 Article: “Chipping: A Lancashire Nook”; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Henry Cunningham and Joseph Weights, two old Prestonians
January 25 Death, at Edgar Street, on Wednesday, 22nd.January,1896, and long obituary of Thomas Banks, aged 81, eminent Prestonian, and for many years the respected leader of the Spinners’ and Winders’ Association
February 1 Funeral of the late Thomas Banks
February 15 Cutting of the First Sod of the Fulwood Waterworks Extension, at Goosnargh, on Wednesday, 12th February, 1896; Article: “Hothersall’s New Auction Mart” – details of the proposed new Auction Mart at Preston Cattle Market
February 22 Laying of the First Brick of the Miller Arcade on Tuesday, 18th February, 1896
March 7 Opening of Hothersall’s Auction Mart, at Preston Cattle Market, on-Friday, 6th March, 1896; A proposed new Parliamentary Bill to increase the efficiency of Ribble navigation; Article: “A Story Of Hidden Treasure” – an account of the finding of the Cuerdale coin hoard in 1840 (and subsequent)
March 21 Article: “Early Records of Cannon Street Congregational Church”, by the Revd. B. Nightingale
March 28 Notices Column – “Sedan chairs were introduced into Preston during the Guild of 1622 by R. Langton, one of the bailiffs of the borough”; Notes and Queries – The Cuerdale Hoard (and Subsequent)
April 18 Article: “The Old And The New. A Kirkham Transformation Scene”, with illustrations of the Bowling Green Inn and the new Congregational Church
May 9 The 1896 Ribble Navigation Bill is read before the House of Lords Committee (and subsequent)
May 16 Article: “Elementary Education In Preston” (and subsequent)
May 30 Death, at Grange Farm, Freckleton, on Tuesday, 26th May, 1896, and long obituary of William Allsup, aged 74, Preston shipbuilder, former Town Councillor, and a life teetotaller
June 6 Death, at Fulwood, on Saturday, 30th May, 1896, funeral, and long obituary, of Thomas Walmsley (“Graylocks” of “The Preston Guardian”) aged 80, eminent teetotaller, local historian, and President of Preston Temperance Society and the Preston Band of Hope Union; Work about to commence on the Preston – Blackpool main road
June 27 The 1896 Ribble Navigation Bill comes before a House of Commons Select Committee
July 4 Laying of the Foundation Stone of Kirkham Congregational Church on Thursday, 2nd July, 1896
July 11 Notes and Queries – Ribchester revisited, with illustrations
August 1 Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Miller Arcade on Thursday, 30th July, 1896
August 15 Completion of-the erection of St. Vincent’s R.C. Boys’s Home, Fulwood; Article: “Seventy Years’ Connection With Preston Parish Church” – a conversation with Anthony Warren, aged 80, verger of the Parish Church
September 5 Proposed erection of Garstang Road Congregational Church, with illustration
September 12 Article: “A Fylde Hamlet: Wrea Green”
September 19 Alderman Ben Tillett, general secretary of the Dockers’ Union, addresses a Preston Independent Labour Party Meeting
September 26 Death, at Brindle Lodge, near Preston, funeral, and obituary, of James Whitehead, J.P., aged 72, former Preston Town Councillor, and one-time Chairman of The Preston Bank; Article: “A Lancashire Village: Longton”
October 3 Article: “A Walk Through The Fylde”
October 31 Article: “What Preston People Read, And Don’t Read” – an interview with Mr. W. S. Bramwell, Chief Librarian at the Harris Free Library
November 7 James Keir Hardie speaks at a Preston Independent Labour Party Meeting; Article: “The Preston Free Public Reference Library”
November 14 Article: “A Visit To Preston Museum”
December 5 Proposed new Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Garstang Road, Fulwood (and subsequent)
December 19 Death, at Toronto, Canada, on Friday, 27th November, 1896, and long obituary, of Myles Pennington, aged 82, an old Preston temperance pioneer, and a regular contributor to temperance articles in “The Preston Guardian”. In his youth, Mr. Pennington worked on the horse-drawn Preston-Walton Summit Canal Tramway, and his obituary contains interesting references to the tramway’s early years.
December 24 A Review of 1896 – local and national

1897
January 16 Article: “Reminiscences Of Early Railway Days” – local anecdotes extracted from the writings of the late Myles Pennington
February 13 A depression in the Lancashire cotton industry brings about a proposed reduction of 10% in operatives’ wages; Proposed new Central Post Office in Preston, occupying land north of the Market Place; The formation, at Fulwood Barracks, of a branch of the Army Temperance Association
February 20 Death, at Ashton, on Wednesday, 17th February, 1897, and long obituary, of James B. Hodgkinson, aged 73, noted lepidopterist, ornithologist, and natural scientist, and donor of the Hodgkinson’ Collection to the British Museum; Proposed formation of the Preston Christian Endeavour Union
February 27 Difficulties persist in the local cotton trade; Preston commences to make arrangements for the celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee (and subsequent)
March 6 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston
March 13 Dedication of the Hulton Memorial Lych-Gate, at Penwortham Parish Church, on Tuesday, 9th March, 1897, with an illustration
March 20 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Cowperthwaite, aged 83, an old Prestonian with remembrances of sedan chairs and coaching days; The Vigilance Committee propose staging a “Purity Crusade” to attack low morals, drinking, and gambling, in Preston
March 27 A Public Meeting decides to extend the Infirmary in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee; Death, at Avenham Colonnade, on 13th March, 1897, of John Greenwood, aged 86, the last of 6,291 “old franchise men” in Preston who retained the vote following the 1832 Reform Act; Death, at Chaddock Street, on Saturday, 20th March, 1897, and obituary, of Henry Oxendale, aged 82, consistent member of Lune Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel for 70 years, and a prominent temperance advocate
April 3 Death, at Bairstow Street, on Saturday, 27th March, 1897, and obituary of Paul Butler, aged 84, retired corn merchant, eminent United Methodist, and a former Preston Town Councillor
April 10 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – Preston long years ago, the reminiscences of James Green, an old Samlesbury weaver
April 24 The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health For Preston
May 1 Death, at Oxford Street, on Friday, 23rd April, 1897, and obituary, of Mrs. Charlotte Leach, aged 85, an old Prestonian who lived on the island of St. Helena during Napoleon’s confinement there
May 15 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Harry Threlfall, aged 84, an old Bamber Bridge cockfighter
May 22 Queen Victoria dines at Preston Railway Station whilst passing through; Preston acquires a new ambulance carriage, with an illustration
May 29 The Centenary Parade of the 3rd Battalion (Militia) Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, on Monday, 24^th May, 1897 – the report contains a long and interesting account of the Lancashire militia movement since 1642
June 12 Article: “Preston In The Queen’s Reign” a long review of the changing scene in Preston, 1837-97
June 19 Arrangements for the Jubilee celebrations in Preston
June 26 The celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee – details of religious services, processions, balloon ascents, military display, demonstration of school children, beacon fires, etc.; Opening of Kirkham-Congregational Church, on Saturday, 19th. June, 1897
August 14 Formal Opening of St. Vincent’s R.C. Boys’ Home, Fulwood, on Sunday, 8th August, 1897
September 11 Depressed conditions persist in the Lancashire cotton trade (and subsequent); Roman Catholics in Preston celebrate the 13th centenary of St. Augustine’s mission to England; Article: “The Victoria Technical School” – a descriptive article about the new Technical School, Corporation Street
September 18 Opening of the Victoria Technical School, Corporation Street, on Thursday, 16th September, 1897
September 25 Laying of the Memorial Stone of Garstang Road Congregational School Chapel, on Thursday, 23rd September, 1897; Dick, Kerr and Company Limited purchase their first interest in the old Preston Waggon Works, Strand Road; Statistics of Preston Church of England Day Schools; Laying the Memorial Stones and Bricks of Freckleton Wesleyan Methodist new Sunday School, on Saturday, 18th September, 1897
October 2 Formation of the Preston and District Cattle Dealers’ Association, on Friday, 1st October, 1897
October 9 The Inaugural Meeting of the Preston branch of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters
October 16 Death, at 4, Peel Terrace, on Sunday, 10th October, 1897, funeral, and obituary, of James Duthie, aged 75, for 23 years the Secretary of Preston Temperance Society
October 23 Dick, Kerr and Company Limited propose developing the old Waggon Works, Strand Road, and providing employment for “400 to 500” men in the construction of tramway equipment
October 30 Dissolution of the Preston Nonconformist Council, and the formation, in its stead, of the Preston Evangelical Free Church Council, on Monday, 25th October, 1897
November 6 Death, on Monday, 1st November, 1897, and long obituary, of Col. J. R. M. Chard, V.C., R.E., aged 50, the officer commanding the British Defence of Rorke’s Drift, 1879. Col. Chard’s obituary refers to his residence in Preston, from 1887 to 1892, during which time he was responsible for several improvements at Fulwood Barracks
November 20 Article: “Preston Bands Of Hope Jubilee” – a long and interesting article written in connection with the national Jubilee of the Band of Hope movement
November 27 Town Council discuss the future of the Grammar School – an urgent problem arising after the opening of the new Technical School; Article: “Preston Rates: A Comparison With Other Towns”
December 4 Celebration by the Preston Bands Of Hope of the national Jubilee of the movement

1898
January 8 The Inaugural Meeting of the Preston Hairdressers’ Association
January 15 Death, in Garstang Road, on Sunday, 9th January, 1898, funeral, and long obituary, of Alderman Dr. John Holden, aged 55, Mayor of Preston 1893/4
January 22 Article: “Tulketh And Its Early Associations”
February 5 Article: “Jubilee of Mill Hill Ragged School”
February 12 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston; Article: “St. Joseph’s Orphanage. A Beneficent Work”
February 19 Celebration of the Jubilee of Mill Hill Ragged School, on Sunday, 13th February, 1898; Formation of the Preston and District Church of England Band of Hope Union, on Friday, 18th February, 1898
February 26 Town Council discuss the question of private animal slaughter houses in Preston; The Preston Diamond Jubilee (of Queen Victoria) Committee discuss ways of spending subscriptions of £7,907 on extensions at the Infirmary; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Edward Wilson, aged 74, an old Preston showman
March 5 Suspected child murder in Preston – Isabella Cookson, of Pleasant Bank Place, is arrested in connection with the murder of her newly born grandchild (and subsequent)
March 19 “Life In Old England” – extracts from a lecture on the history of Preston, by Prof. F. W. Maitland; Article: “Moor Park Wesleyan Day Schools. Past, Present, and Future”; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Parkinson, aged 88, the oldest publican in Preston
March 26 Article: “The Fire Brigade-In Preston” – an interesting article suggesting some much needed reorganisation (and subsequent); James Hibbert, architect of the Harris Free Library and Museum, resigns as an Alderman of Preston; Death, at Porter Place, on Sunday, 20th March, 1898, funeral, and long obituary, of G. Buckston Browne, aged 80, “one of Preston’s most beneficent and philanthropic men”, and a Vice President of the Temperance Society
April 2 Town Council discuss the sanitary condition of Preston and receive much improved statistics of the death-rate
April 9 Celebration of the Jubilee of the establishment of Primitive Methodism in Freckleton on Sunday, 3rd April, 1898; A Public Meeting revives the old question of the construction of a Preston – Southport Canal
April 16 Dr. Fridtjob Nansen, the distinguished Arctic explorer, lectures in Preston on Thursday, 14th April, 1898
April 23 Isabella Cookson is found guilty at Manchester Assizes of the murder of her grandchild, and is sentenced to death
April 30 Postal letter sorting is inaugurated at the Central Railway Station; The Home Secretary advises the Queen to respite the death sentence passed on Isabella Cookson, the Preston murderess; Article: “The Preston Swimming Bath. Suggested Improvements”, with a sketch plan of the proposed alterations
May 14 Proposed erection, on land near to the Harris Free Library and Museum, of the Lancashire Sessions House; A preview of the Opening, on Sunday, 15th May, 1898, of St. Thomas Home For Infirm And Afflicted Boys, Tulketh Hall, Ashton
May 21 Preston mourns the death of W. E. Gladstone; Opening of the new Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School, Freckleton, on Saturday, 14th May, 1898; The Church of England take steps to establish a Police Court Missionary to work amongst first offenders at Preston Police Court; Article: “Tulketh Hall Dedicated As A Home For Afflicted Boys”, with an illustration
May 28 Laying of the Memorial Stones of Moor Park new Wesleyan Methodist Schools, on Saturday, 21st May, 1898; Memorial Services in Preston Churches on the death of W. E. Gladstone; H. W. Worsley-Taylor, Q.C., resigns as Recorder of Preston, and Frederick Hamilton-Mellor, B.L., is appointed to the office; Article: “Sanitation And Health In Preston” – an article based on the Medical Officer of Health’s Annual Report
June 4 Printing and production innovations at “The Preston Guardian”, with an illustration of the new “Three Decker” Press manufactured by Joseph Foster and Sons
June 11 Article: “Preston Town Improvements”, with sketch map showing the proposed sites for the new Central Post Office and County Sessions House
June 18 Proposed Conservative Working Men’s Bowling Greens on land adjoining Moor Park
June 25 Article: “Preston-Conservative Working Men’s Bowling Club”, with illustration
July 9 Opening of Garstang Road Congregational Church School Chapel, on Thursday, 7th July, 1898; Mr. Walmsley, of the Discharged Prisoners’ Aid Society, is appointed as Missionary at Preston Police Station
July 16 Laying of the Memorial Stone of Walker Street new Congregational Church Sunday School, on Saturday, 9th July, 1898
July 23 Death, at Ashton, on Monday, 18th July, 1898, and long obituary, of Jasper Norwood, aged 74, former militia bandmaster, and promoter of the successful “Norwood’s Concerts” staged over many years in Preston
July 30 Article: “Cromwell At Preston” – a long and detailed account of the Battle of Preston, 1648
August 13 Barnum and Bailey’s “Greatest Show On Earth” is staged on Penwortham Holme on Thursday and Friday, 11th and 12th August, 1898
August 27 Article: “Preston Cattle Market. The New Auction Mart”, with an illustration of E. G. Hothersall’s new premises
September 3 Article: “Preston Man Returns From Klondyke” – the success story of Daniel Sanderson, of Euston Street, a Klondyke gold miner; Opening of the new Auction Mart premises at Preston Cattle Market on Wednesday, 31st August, 1898
September 17 Article: “Echoes of The-Civil War. Sequestrated Estates in North Lancashire”
October 1 Commemoration of the Jubilee of All Saints’ C. of E. Church on Thursday, 29th September, 1898; The experiences of a Preston soldier, Pte. Robert Hardiker, 2nd Batt. Lancashire Fusiliers, who took part in the fighting leading up to the Fall of Khartoum
October 22 Article: “Ribble Navigation. Preston Corporation Inspect The Dredging”, with illustrations (and subsequent)
October 29 The United Methodist Free Church propose the erection of a new School Chapel (Guttridge Memorial) in Deepdale Road; Death, at Stockport, on Monday, 24th October, 1898, and obituary of Jeremiah James Greaves, aged 85, organist and choirmaster at Preston Parish Church for almost 60 years; Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co. purchase the old Militia Storehouse, Stanley Street
November 5 Re-opening of Preston Theatre Royal, after being completely rebuilt, on Monday, 31st October, 1898
November 12 Article: “Memorials Of Goosnargh” – extracted from the writings of the Revd. E. D. Bannister
November 19 Re-opening of Moor Park Wesleyan Day and Schools, following rebuilding, on Thursday, 17th November, 1898
November 26 Proposed erection, on land off Lancaster Road, of the Livesey Memorial Temperance Hall; Town Council agree to alterations at the Grammar School; Death, at Fishwick Parade, on Monday, 21st November, 1898, and long obituary, of William Wilkinson, aged 66, one of Preston’s senior corporate officials, and an active Church of England Sunday School worker
December 10 The establishment of a physical science laboratory at the Harris Institute; Formation of the Preston Confectioners’ Association; Formation of the Preston and District Head Teachers’ Association, on Saturday, 3rd December, 1898; Death, whilst playing the “Te Deum” on the organ of Lune Street Wesleyan Methodist Church, on Sunday, 4th December, 1898, of Joseph Andrew Ainsworth, aged 48
December 17 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Clarkson, aged 78, the sexton of Goosnargh Parish Church
December 24 Thomas Coulthard and Co. complete the manufacture of a motor vehicle, the first of its kind to be constructed in Preston; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of John Newton, aged 79. an old Prestonian having long associations with local electioneering and Ribble navigation; Opening of Walker Street Congregational Church Sunday School, on Thursday, 22nd December, 1898
December 31 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Lee, an old Preston astronomer and scientist; Article: “Preston’s Night Schools. Continued Education” (and subsequent); Opening of the Turkish Baths in the new Miller Arcade; A review of the local scene in 1898

1899
January 14 Death, at Avenham Tower, on Friday, 13th January, 1899, and long obituary, of Edwin Henry Booth, J.P., aged 70, former Preston Town Councillor, and founder of the chain of west Lancashire grocery shops
January 21 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Alice Kirby, aged 99
January 28 Formation of a Robert Burns Club in Preston, on Wednesday, 25th January, 1899; Inauguration of Penwortham Congregational Church Mission on Monday, 23rd January, 1899
February 11 Death, at Fishergate Hill, on Saturday, 4th February, 1899, and long obituary of Joseph Foster, aged 58, Preston manufacturer, and an eminent Wesleyan Methodist; The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston
February 18 Article: “Natural History In The Neighbourhood Of Preston”
March 4 Labour difficulties in the cotton trade; A serious fire causes £2,000 damage at Allsup and Co.’s shipbuilding works, Strand Road; Article: “Roman Ribchester And Recent Excavations”, with illustrated map (and subsequent)
March 11 Town Council accept a scheme for the reorganisation of Preston Fire Brigade
March 18 Article: “The Proposed New Works On The Marsh”, with illustrated map – details of the proposed construction of an engineering factory on the west side of Strand Road
March 25 Re-opening of the old Waggon Works, Strand Read, on Thursday, 23rd March, 1859 [1899?]; “Preston In Ye Olden Tyme” – extracts from a lecture by J. MacDonald
April 1 “Northward” – Historical, Topographical, Residential and Scenic Gleanings Between Preston and Lancaster, by Anthony Hewitson – a long series of articles extracted from Mr. Hewitson’s new book, with illustrations (and subsequent); Town Council consider proposed improvements at the Fire Station; Proposed rebuilding of Croft Street Wesleyan Methodist Schools; Article: “Preston’s Tribute To The Queens Hospital Extension Scheme”; Ignace Jan Paderewski, the distinguished Polish pianist, performs at Preston Public Hall on Monday, 27th March, 1899
April 8 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Riley, aged 86, of Kirkham
April 15 Article: “The Soldier At Home, A Visit To Fulwood Barracks”; Opening of the Preston Soldiers’ Institute new premises, Market Street, on Thursday, 13th April, 1899; Death, at Freckleton, on Saturday, 1st April, 1899, and obituary, of the Revd. William Hudson, aged 83, an old temperance missionary, and a Methodist local preacher
April 29 Nonconformist Churches in Preston commemorate the tercentenary of the birth of Oliver Cromwell
May 6 Opening of the Conservative Working Men’s Bowling Club, Moor Park, on Thursday, 4th May, 1899; Death, at West Cliff, on Tuesday, 2nd May, 1899, and obituary, of the Revd. Charles Harrison Wood, Ll.B., aged 74, vicar of St. George’s Church since 1862, and one of the Harris Trustees
May 13 Funeral and Memorial Service of the late Revd. C. H. Wood; At its 67th Annual General Meeting, Preston Temperance Society agrees to the erection of a new temperance hall, on land off Lancaster Road, to be called the Livesey Memorial Hall
May 20 Article: “The Proposed Leasing Of Preston Tramways” –an interesting article outlining the case for electric tramways; Death, at Hoghton Vicarage, on Wednesday, 17th May, 1899, and long obituary, of the Revd. Jonathan Shortt, B.A., aged 73, vicar of Hoghton, curator of the old Cross Street Museum and Hon. curator of the Harris Museum; Work about to commence on the construction of Dick, Kern and Co.’s Works, Strand Road
June 3 Town Council consider the Medical Officer of Health’s Annual Report
June 10 Continuing public interest in the future of Preston’s tramway system; Mrs. Alice Kirby celebrates her 100th birthday with a party in the Public Hall
June 17 Article: “The New Session House For Preston”, with an illustration; Preston opposes a Parliamentary Bill proposing the construction of a tramroad bridge linking Southport with Lytham; “Ten Years In A Preston Parish” – extracts from a lecture by the Revd. E. Over, M.A., vicar of St. Saviour’s C. of E. Church
July 1 Details of the proposed Jubilee extension scheme at the Infirmary (and subsequent)
August 5 A Preston Corporation report recommends the construction of an electric tramway system; Editorial: “Preston’s Opportunity” – a long editorial endorsing the merits of an electric tramway in Preston; The trouble in the Transvaal – a Public Meeting in Preston considers the grave crisis developing in South Africa; Opening of the Rawstorne Hall and new classrooms at the Royal Cross School For The Deaf, on Saturday, 29th July, 1899
August 12 Article: “Excavations At Ribchester. Interesting Discoveries”; Death, at Spring Bank, on Saturday, 5th August, 1899, and long obituary of Alderman James Clegg, J.P., aged 71
August 19 Warlike preparations being made in the Transvaal as-British troops embark for South Africa (and subsequent)
September 2 Extensions and improvements proposed at Preston Police Station; Town Council discuss the proposed tramway system for Preston, and the revived interest in the construction of a new Penwortham Bridge
September 16 The gathering crisis in the Transvaal – warlike preparations being made as the Boers dispute British suzerainty
September 23 Article: “Battle Honours Of The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment” (and subsequent)
October 7 Death, at Kensington, on Monday, 2nd October, 1899, and long obituary, of J. Billington Booth, J.P., aged 78, an old Prestonian having many strong local associations including a directorship of Preston Gas Company from 1857 to 1880
October 14 “The Preston Guardian” reports the outbreak of war between Great Britain and the Zuid Afrik (Boer) Republic; Expert engineers recommend the adoption of an electrical tramway scheme in Preston; Barnum and Bailey’s “Greatest Show On Earth” is staged on Moor Park; Death, at Victoria Parade, Ashton, on Sunday, 8th October, 1899, and long obituary, of Thomas Rushton, aged 68, accountant, eminent Wesleyan Methodist, and the oldest local preacher in the Lune Street Wesleyan Circuit
October 21 Boers invest Mafeking and Kimberley as war rages on the borders of Natal and the Transvaal
October 28 Details of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment’s brave defence of Kimberley (and subsequent); The re-arrangement of municipal wards in Preston; Death, at Penwortham, on Thursday, 26th October, 1899, and long obituary of Alderman Thomas Edelston, aged 69, solicitor, a former secretary of Preston Temperance Society, and Mayor of Preston in 1892/93; Article: “The Navigable Condition Of The Ribble”
November 4 A plan of Preston’s redistributed municipal-wards; The Regimental Band of The Grenadier Guards give a concert in the Public Hall; Funeral of the late Alderman Thomas Edelston; Three “Progressive Municipal Association” candidates are successful in contesting Preston Town Council seats
November 11 The Boers invest Ladysmith; Details of the railway extensions north of the Central Station
November 18 Opening of a new wing extension at Fulwood Workhouse on Tuesday, 14th November, 1899
November 25 A proposed new Wesleyan Methodist Chapel at Penwortham; Death, at Scarborough, on Monday, 20th November, 1899, and long obituary, of Thomas Whittaker, aged 86, “the last of the original band of Preston temperance apostles”
December 2 Troops of Lancashire regiments, including the Loyal North Lancs., parade through Preston before embarking for South Africa; Lord Derby consents to be Mayor of Preston at the 1902 Celebration of the Guild Merchant; Article: “Electrical Machinery – A Big Preston Industry”; Article: “The Charities of Preston”
December 9 The impending resignation of the Revd. Canon James Hamer Rawdon as vicar of Preston Parish Church
December 16 Joseph Livesey’s watch is presented to the Revd. Charles Garrett; A description of the plans of the new Central Post Office
December 23 An illustration of the new Central Post Office, together with a resume of earlier Post Offices and postal services in Preston; The 1st Volunteer Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, is called upon to serve in South Africa; Death, at Ashton, on Thursday, 21st December, 1899, of John Haslam, J.P., aged 77, eminent United Methodist, and former Preston Town Councillor
December 30 Editorial: “The Story of 1899” – a local and national review; Article: “Loyal North Lancashire Regiment – Lancashire Men At The War”

1900
January 6 Obituary of the late John Haslam, J.P.
January 13 Death, at 33, Winckley Square, on Saturday, 13th January, 1900, and obituary, of ex-Alderman Edward Garlick, J.P., C.E., Mayor of Preston in 1882/83, and Civil Engineer in charge of the Dock Scheme during its early years; A demonstration of Marconi’s wireless telegraphy is given in Preston on .Monday, 8th January, 1900
January 20 Letters from Preston soldiers serving in South Africa; The Revd. Hercules Scott Butler, M.A., is appointed vicar of Preston Parish Church; Funeral of the late Edward Garlick; Further proposals concerning the construction of a direct tramway, bridging the Ribble, linking Southport and Lytham; The selection of Preston men to serve with the 1st Volunteer Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in South Africa (and subsequent); “Preston Liberals And The War” – extracts from a speech by George Toulmin, J. P.
January 27 The new Preston – Blackpool main road still subject to discussion; Death, at Ashton, on Sunday, 21st January, 1900, and long obituary, of Henry Eli Sowerbutts, J. P., aged 60, cotton manufacturer, and eminent Wesleyan Methodist; Miss Clara Butt performs in Preston Public Hall
February 3 Laying of the Foundation Stone of the County Sessions House, on Friday, 2nd February, 1900; Details of the proposed extensions and improvements at the Royal Infirmary
February 10 Severe weather grips the Preston district, with thermometers recording 18 degrees of frost; Interesting reminiscences about the Old Croft Street Wesleyan Schools are related on the occasion of their closure on Tuesday, 6th February, 1900
February 17 News of the relief of Kimberley; More Preston reservists are mobilised to serve in South Africa
February 24 Patriotic scenes in Preston.as the 1st and 2nd Volunteer Battalions Loyal North Lancashire Regiment leave for South Africa; Town Council agree to erect a veranda along the Lune Street and Fleet Street sides of the Public Hall; Old soldiers in Preston are called upon to join the local reserve volunteers
March 3 News of the relief of Ladysmith
March 24 Article: “Cromwell And The Battle Of Preston” – extracts from-the writings of Theodore Roosevelt; Death, at Ashton,- on Wednesday, 21st March, 1900, and obituary, of William Brown, aged 64, lithographer, printer and engraver, and one of the leaders of the Congregational Church in Preston; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the-Railway Men’s Mission Hall, Corporation Street, on Wednesday, 21st March, 1900
March 31 Death, at Warrington, on Friday, 30th March, 1900, and long obituary, of Walter Bond, aged 73, for many years the overseer compositor of “The Preston Guardian”, and inventor of the “Prestonian” Web Printing Machine
April 7 Letters from local soldiers besieged in Ladysmith; The Board of Trade’s condemnation of the proposed tramway bridge across the Ribble estuary
April 21 An illustration of the proposed tramway bridge over the Ribble; Details of the late Joseph Sumner’s bequest of paintings, including a water colour by Turner, to the Harris Art Gallery
April 28 Article: “The Gift Of Pictures (by the late Joseph Sumner) To The Harris Art Gallery”; Article: “Excavations At Ribchester”; A serious fire causes extensive damage to the Prince’s (formerly Gaiety) Theatre, Tithebarn Street
May 5 Re-fixing of the Seth Bushell memorial brasses on the interior walls of Preston Parish Church; Induction of the Revd. H. S. Butler, M.A., as vicar of the Parish Church, on Thursday, 3rd May, 1900
May 12 A proposed new C. of E. Church (St. Michael’s) at Ashton; Preston Temperance Society organise fund raising efforts to pay for the erection of the proposed Livesey Memorial Hall
May 19 The interesting account of Pte. J. Brindle, 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, a Preston soldier besieged in Kimberley; News of the relief of Mafeking – “news of the relief was hailed in Preston with the wildest demonstration of enthusiasm”; Article: “Restoration of St. Anne’s Church, Woodplumpton”; Opening of extensions at the Tulketh Hall R.C. Boys’ Home, on Sunday, 13th May, 1900
May 26 Formation of the Preston Rifle Club, on Wednesday, 23rd May, 1900; Article: “St. Anne’s Church, Woodplumpton. Interesting Discoveries”, with an illustration
June 2 Article: “Elswick Congregational Church. 250th Anniversary”, with an illustration; News of the British occupation of Pretoria and Johannesburg; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the new T. C. Hincksman Memorial Wesleyan Methodist School, Croft Street, on Saturday, 26th May, 1900; The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Preston
June 16 Improvements and extensions about to begin at Preston Police Station; Opening of the English Electric Manufacturing Works, Strand Road, on Thursday, 14th June, 1900
June 23 Article: “The Earliest Days Of Teetotalism” – some errors corrected by William Livesey; Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co. purchase Swainson, Birley and Co.’s “Big Factory”, one of the largest and best appointed mills in Preston
July 7 Laying of the-Memorial Stones of the extension of St. Mary’s Street Wesleyan Methodist School, on Saturday, 30th June, 1900
July 14 Fifty years ago – the demolition of the old Workhouse, Avenham Lane, in 1850; The rearrangement of Municipal Wards in Preston, with an illustrated map; The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company close the Fishergate Hill Railway Station
July 21 Street improvements in Preston; A depression in the cotton trade (and subsequent)
July 28 Completion of the enlargement of the North Union Railway Bridge
August 4 Article: “A New History Of Preston” – extracts from Col. Henry Fishwick’s “History Of The Borough Of Preston”; Teetotallers take note of a reduction in the number of public houses in Preston
August 11 Preston Independent Labour Party propose contesting the next General Election, and James Keir Hardie is mentioned as a possible candidate
August 18 Article: “The Staple Trade Of Preston” – an interesting article concerning the development of Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co., and Swainson, Birley and Co., with an illustration of the “Big Factory” (otherwise Fishwick Mills, off London Road); The proposed reconstruction of the Princes Theatre; Death, at Lune Street, on Thursday, 16th August, 1900, and obituary, of Thomas Beech, aged 58,.gifted Preston musician, and successful promoter of local musical concerts (It was stated that Mr. Beech was responsible for the visits to Preston of Patti, Paderewski, etc.)
August 25 Article: “Col. Fishwick’s ‘History Of Preston’ “- its “sad deficiencies are criticised by H. Clemesha; Death, on Wednesday, 22nd August, 1900, and long obituary, of William Parkinson Wesley, M.A., aged 67, Wesleyan School headmaster, local preacher, and founder of the Moor Park Academy, Brackenbury Road; Death, at Fir Bank, Fulwood, on Friday, 24th August, 1900, and obituary, of Charles Welch Whitehead, aged 60, one of Preston’s oldest-printers, and an eminent Wesleyan Methodist
September 1 Article: “Preston And The Revolution (of 1688)”; Town Council discuss the proposed electric tramways
September 8 A cotton famine in America causes a crisis in the local cotton trade “which has no parallel since the American Civil War”; Article: “Preston Water Supply” – a long and interesting article concerning the water supply in Preston since 1654 (and subsequent); Article: “Sewerage And Sanitation – Grievances At Preston
September 15 “Short time” working introduced in local cotton mills as the cotton industry’s problems worsen (and subsequent)
October 6 Opening of the Holy Family R.C, Church, Freckleton, on Sunday, 30th September, 1900; James Keir Hardie, Preston’s second Independent Labour Party Parliamentary candidate is defeated in the General Election
October 13 A new steam fire engine is acquired by Preston Fire Brigade; Article: “The Ribble Channel: A Tour Of Inspection”, with illustrated maps; Opening of Shepherd Street Mission’s Crow Hill House Children’s Home, Oxford Street, on Thursday, 11th October, 1900
October 20 The proposed illuminating of the Town Hall clock; The proposed new Penwortham Bridge
October 27 Article: “Preston Market Cross In 1274”, with an illustration of a copy of the alleged structure; Article: “Recollections Of A Life” – the reminiscences of Richard Veevers, a member of an old Preston family (and subsequent); Death, at Liverpool, on Sunday, 21st October; 1900, and long obituary, of the Revd. Charles Garrett, aged 76, eminent Wesleyan Methodist minister, having strong associations with Methodism, teetotalism, and social work in Preston; Town Council decide not to contribute to the cost of the proposed new Penwortham Bridge, but agree to make land available for its approaches; H. C. Brooks, the headmaster, produces a brochure history of Preston Grammar School
November 10 A life sketch of Alderman W. B. Roper, J.P. Mayor of Preston; Improved conditions prevail in the cotton trade
November 24 Death, at 63, St. Paul’s Road, on Thursday, 22nd November, 1900, and obituary, of James Buck, aged 70, a greatly respected local temperance worker; Opening of the Railway Men’s Mission Hall, Corporation Street, on Thursday, 22nd November, 1900
December 1 A long and interesting article concerning the origins and development of the Railway Men’s Mission in Preston, with an illustration of the new Mission Hall, Corporation Street
December 15 Article: “Fishergate – Past And Present”, together with ‘Lines Suggested By A Walk Down Fishergate, in March, 1835’; Article: “Fylde Road Iron Church” – some recollections concerning the old Primitive Methodist “Iron Chapel”, destroyed by fire on Monday, 3rd December, 1900
December 22 Details of the re-built Prince’s Theatre on the occasion of its re-opening, on Saturday, 22nd December, 1900
December 29 The Story of 1900 – a local and national review

1901
January 5 Article: “Preston: 1891 – 1901 – Retrospect or A Century’s- Growth”
January 12 Cremated remains are first interred in Preston Cemetery, on Tuesday, 8th January, 1901; Proposed new Railway Station, near to the Cattle Market
January 19 Opening of the extensions at St. Mary’s Street Wesleyan Methodist School, on Saturday, 12th January, 1901; Article: “To What Saint Is The Preston Parish Church Dedicated”, by H. W. Clemesha – an interesting article investigating which Saint, St. John, or St. John the Baptist, is the Saint to whom the Parish Church is dedicated (Mr. Clemesha’s research does not result in a definite conclusion.)
January 26 Preston mourns the death of Queen Victoria; Opening of the T. C. Hincksman Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Schools, Croft Street, on Thursday, 24th January, 1901
February 2 A table made from Joseph Livesey’s handloom is placed on the platform of Preston Temperance Hall; The Proclamation of the accession of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, under the title of Edward VII, is read in Preston at the Town Hall, and at the site of the old “bars” in Fishergate, Friargate, and Church Street
February 9 Memorial Services in local Churches on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s funeral; Article: “Queen Victoria Royal Infirmary. Suggested Preston Memorial To The Queen”
February 23 Article: “Police Station Extension At Preston”, with an illustration. This interesting article contains a resume of the history of Preston Borough Police Force; Article: “The New Operating Theatre For The Infirmary”, with an illustration of the new theatre, the gift of Dr. R. C. Brown
March 2 The first Annual Dinner of the Preston Funeral Undertakers’ Association; Article: “Oddfellowship In Preston” – a short article on the financial history of the Preston Oddfellows
March 9 Notice of the death, at 35, West Cliff, on Wednesday, 6th March, 1901, of Martha Whitehead Heaton Toulmin, the wife of John Toulmin, J.P., managing proprietor of “The Preston Guardian”, and a great grandchild of Martha Thompson Whitehead, the first Methodist in Preston
March 23 A proposed tramway connection between Preston and Lytham
March 30 “Old Preston – Contrasts and Curiosities” – extracts from a lecture by the Revd. H. G. Barnacle
April 6 The taking of the 1901 Census in Preston
April 13 Editorial: “Vanishing Preston” – the demolition of Avenham House, Avenham Lane (at the corner of Bairstow Street), an old Preston residence, formerly the home of Dr. Bushell and Richard Newsham
April 20 Ratepayers of Deepdale call for a bridge in Deepdale Mill Street, crossing the Preston – Longridge Railway; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Mary Whittle, aged 91, an old Prestonian with memories of four Guilds; Electric lighting is installed in the Harris Free Library and Museum; Article: “The Preston Tramways – Important Recommendations”
April 27 Preston Temperance Society report a shortage of some £4,000 on its appeal for funds in aid of the proposed Livesey Memorial Temperance Hall
May 4 Results of the 1901 Census – Preston’s population was stated to be 120,860, an increase of 13,287 since 1891; James Keir Hardie, M.P., and Philip Snowdon address a Socialist Mission in Preston Public Hall; An important development in the manufacture of cotton looms in Preston; Dr. R. C. Brown presents an organ to the Royal Infirmary
May 11 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Alderman Bibby, aged 79, Mayor of Preston in 1885/87; Article: “Preston Electric Trams – The Broad Gauge Adopted”
May 18 Agitation for an end to the South African (Boer) War is renewed on the occasion of the first Anniversary of the Relief of Mafeking
May 25 Men of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment return to Preston after service in South Africa; The proposed reorganisation of Preston markets
June 8 Objections are raised to the proposed Preston – Lytham tramway; A proposed direct tramway between Preston and Horwich (1901 was a period of great expansion in electric tramways, and “The Preston Guardian” is rich in references to ambitious schemes which never came to fruition)
June 15 More Preston soldiers return from service in South Africa
June 22 Editorial “Preparing For The Guild” – Preston commences to make arrangements for the Celebration of the 1902 Guild Merchant
June 29 Article: “New Free Methodist Church And Schools (Guttridge Memorial)”, with an illustration; Preston Corporation oppose proposed railway extensions in the areas of Avenham and Miller Parks
July 6 Article: “A New Church (St. Michael’s) For Preston” – an interesting article concerning the development of the Church of England in Ashton; Death, at 51, Friargate, on Sunday, 30th June, 1901, and obituary, of Edward Foster, aged 76, chemist and druggist, and a prominent Preston Spiritualist
July 13 A proposed R.C. suffragan See at Preston or Lancaster; A Public Meeting agrees to proceed with extensions at the Royal Infirmary in honour of Queen Victoria; Efforts being made to reverse “the present deplorable condition of the Liberal Party in Preston”. As a first move in this direction, the formation took place of the Preston Working Men’ s Liberal Association
July 20 A great heat is experienced at Preston, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees F. in the sun
July 27 Awful tragedy in Preston – William Daley, of Water Street, a demented and eccentric tradesmen, is charged with the wilful murder of his wife
August 3 William Daley is found guilty of murder at Liverpool Assizes, but is declared insane; Fifty years ago – Some prominent Prestonians are recalled by R. T. Thompson, an old Preston cricketer; The discontinuance, due to lack of success, of the Preston Rifle Club
August 24 “Remember, Remember, The First Of September” – a letter from William Livesey concerning the signing of the first Teetotal Pledge, in Preston, on 1st September, 1832, and its historical significance
August 31 The Chief Constable’s Annual Report
September 7 Editorial: “The Approaching Guild Merchant”
September 14 The site of Preston’s Pleasure Gardens, east of New Hall Lane, is re-named “Farringdon Park”; Death, at Stanley Terrace, on Saturday, 7th September, 1901, and obituary, of Arthur Frederick Winter, aged 49, photographer, and eminent Wesleyan Methodist; A proposed Isolation Hospital in Sandy Lane, Fulwood
September 28 King Edward VII passes through Preston Railway Station; The proposed Preston – Lytham and Preston – Horwich tramway schemes are withdrawn; Town Council consider the proposed erection of an Infectious Diseases Hospital
October 5 Article: “Preston Guild Merchant. The Origin Of Guilds In General, And Preston Guild In Particular” (and subsequent)
October 12 Interesting discoveries during the demolition and re-building of the old bridge across the river Darwen at Walton-le-Dale
October 19 Town Council consider the extension of the scope of Preston’s proposed electric tramways; Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Shepherd Street Mission, on Saturday and Sunday, 12th, 13th October, 1901; Death, at Winckley Square, on Saturday, 12th October, 1901, and obituary, of James Tullis, aged 77, Preston contractor. Mr. Tullis belonged to the firm of Cooper and Tullis, builders of Preston Town Hall and the Harris Free Library and Museum
October 26 Aldermen Moses S. Maynard, James Burrow, and Walter Bibby, all ex-Mayors of Preston, resign their seats on the Town Council
November 2 Alderman James Galloway resigns his seat on the Town Council; More “Progressive Party” candidates, including Harry (later Sir Harry) Cartmel, win seats on Preston Town Council; Death, on Sunday, 27th October, 1901, and obituary, of John Snalam, aged 82, eminent Preston Baptist, and founder of St. George’s Road Baptist Tabernacle; Opening of the Doctor R. C. Brown Presentation Organ, at the Chapel of the Royal Infirmary, on Saturday, 26th October, 1901; Re-opening of the Parish Church, after painting, decorating, renovation of the organ, and installation of electric lighting, on Sunday, 3rd November, 1901
November 9 Article: “Preston Guild Merchant – A Century Of Guild Mayors – an interesting article concerning the Mayors at the Guilds of 1802 and 1822 (Nicholas Grimshaw),1842 (Samuel Horrocks), 1862 (Robert Townley-Parker) and 1882 (Edmund Birley); Article: “The Guild Mayor” – a biographical sketch of the 16th Earl of Derby, Guild Mayor for 1902; Alderman Dr. J. E. Dunn resigns his seat on the Town Council (The resignation of five Aldermen, within a fortnight, brought about a situation “without parallel” in Preston municipal history); Formation of the Preston Women’s Liberal Association, on Monday, 4th November, 1901
November 16 Lord Derby is installed as Guild Mayor of Preston; Heavy rainfall causes flooding of the Ribble and the Preston – Lancaster Canal
November 23 Article: “Town Clerk In Three Guilds” – a biographical sketch of Richard Palmer, Town Clerk of Preston at the Guilds of 1802, 1822 and 1842; Article. “The Court Leet of Preston, Or Local Life And Laws Between 1653 And 1813”, by Anthony Hewitson (and subsequent); “Old Walton” – extracts from a lecture by T. Harrison Myres
December 7 Article: “How Preston Obtained Manhood Suffrage. A Sketch Of Parliamentary Representation To 1832”, by H. W. Clemesha; Madame Clara Butt appears at Preston Public Hall
December 14 Article: “The Guild Mayor 0f Preston, And The Countess Of Derby” – a long biographical sketch; Opening of the Rawstorne C. of E. Mission Church, Middleforth Green, Penwortham, on Saturday, 7th December, 1901
December 21 Distress is experienced in the east end of Preston, and a soup kitchen is opened at the Old Militia Barracks, New Hall Lane; Article: “Preston Tramways And Early Railways” – an interesting article concerning Thomas Swinburn, a north west Lancashire railway pioneer; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Primitive Methodist Sunday Schools, Fylde Road, on Saturday, 19th December, 1901
December 28 A review of 1901 – local and national

1902
January 4 Town Council consider the-construction of a new refuse destructor capable of providing motive power for use in connection with the new tramways
January 11 “Relics Of Preston” – extracts from a lecture by T. Harrison Myres
January 18 Death, at Higher Bank Road, Fulwood, on Sunday, 12th January, 1902, and obituary, of Richard Fallowfield, eminent Wesleyan Methodist, and headmaster of Moor Park Wesleyan School for 37 years; Recommendations for the improvement of Ribble navigation (and subsequent) (Only a few years after the Opening of Preston Dock, the problems of navigating the narrow and shallow channel of the Ribble were becoming of great concern to Preston Corporation.)
January 25 The construction of Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co.’s new “Entrance”, Stanley Street, with an illustration; Death, at Chaddock Street, on Saturday, 18th January, 1902, and obituary, of James Oxendale, aged 81, an eminent and beneficent Wesleyan Methodist; Death, at St. Ignatius Square, on Monday, 20th January, 1902, and obituary, of William Tullis, aged 54, of the firm of David Tullis and Sons. Mr. Tullis died whilst his firm was engaged in the construction of the County Sessions House
February 1 Town Council agree to the construction of underground public conveniences in Church Street; The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society agrees to stage its 1902 Annual Show, in Preston, during Guild week; Proposed improvements to Walton Bridge; Death, at Grafton Street, on Sunday, 26th January, 1902, and obituary, of Thomas Berry, aged 76, one of the founder members of the Liberal (later Reform) Club in Preston; Death, at Victoria Parade, Ashton, on Tuesday, 28th January, 1902, and obituary, of Alderman John Cookson, aged 73; Re-decoration and improvements at the Public Hall in advance of the Guild
February 8 Death, at Ashton-under-Lyme, on Tuesday, 4th February, 1902, and long obituary, of James Mawdesley, aged 54, a Preston born man who became “the greatest labour leader the employees in the cotton trade have ever had”; Article: “Royal Cross Deaf And Dumb School”, with illustrations N.B. “The Preston Guardian” of this date is the first edition to contain a photographic illustration
February 15 Installation of electric lighting at Fulwood Workhouse; Death, at St. Ignatius Square, on Sunday, 9th February, 1902, (less than a month after that of his son) and long obituary, of David Tullis, aged 79, senior proprietor of David Tullis and Sons, contractors for the new County Sessions House; The proposed extension of St. John the Baptist’s C. of E. Church, Broughton
March 1 Town Council decide to contribute towards the cost of the new Penwortham Bridge; Death, at Windermere, on Friday, 21st February, 1902, and long obituary, of Richard Veevers, J.P., aged 80, an old Prestonian. Mr. Veevers’ obituary contains many interesting anecdotes of his family’s long association with Preston
March 22 Men of the 3rd Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment parade through Preston on returning from active service in South Africa; Local arrangements being made to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VII
March 29 “Poor-Law Administration (in Preston)” – extracts from an address by Councillor Harry Cartmel
April 5 Article: “The Harris Institute – Its Educational And Financial Difficulties”
April 12 Death, at Walton-le-Dale, on Monday, 7th April, 1902, and obituary, of William Troughton, aged 64, one of Preston’ s leading horticulturalists, and for many years the secretary of Preston Horticultural Society; Distress in the east end of Preston is alleviated, and the soup kitchen in the old Militia Barracks is closed
April 19 Article: “Preston’s Social Statistics” – an interesting article concerning the ages and occupations of people in Preston; Death, at Church Street, on Sunday, 13th April, 1902, and obituary of ex-Alderman Walter Bibby, J.P., Mayor of Preston in 1886/87
April 26 “The Temperance Movement in Preston in 1832” – a letter from William Livesey. Mr. Livesey claims to be the last person in Preston who attended the first meeting of Preston Temperance Society in 1832; Article: “The North Lancashire Homes For The Blind” – containing a long and detailed history of the Preston Industrial Institute For The Blind (and subsequent)
May 3 A Preston man, Mr. James Bell, becomes Town Clerk of London; A Preston centenarian, Mrs. Alice Kirby, of Swansea Street, celebrates her 103rd birthday; Death, at Tulketh Road, on Friday, 2nd May, 1902, and obituary, of David Miller, aged 63, of the firm of Miller and Ball, cheese merchants
Mayl 10 A revival of the Walton-le-Dale “Mock Corporation” in advance of the Coronation and Guild celebrations; George Toulmin, J.P., joint proprietor of “The Preston Guardian”, is nominated as Liberal candidate at a bye-election in Bury
May 17 George Toulmin wins the Bury bye-election; The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Preston; The provisional programme for the Celebration of the 1902 Guild Merchant; Lady Derby, the Guild Mayoress, offers to defray the cost of a new town standard
May 24 Article: “Preston Parish Church Plate”; Peace terms are agreed between Great Britain and the Boer Republic, and hopes are held out for an early end to the South African War; Preston Telephone Exchange is transferred from Guildhall Street to Glover Street, and arrangements are made for underground cables to replace the existing overhead wires
May 31 Preston Liberals congratulate George Toulmin, M.P., on his success at the Bury bye-election
June 7 The South African War is ended, and peace is declared between Great Britain and the Boer Republic; Peace rejoicings at Preston
June 14 Peace Thanksgiving Services are held in Preston Churches
June 21 Details of the funeral, at Manchester, of James Ross, former Preston North End player, and a member Of the “Old Invincibles”; Deepdale ratepayers stress the urgency of the erection of the bridge over the Preston – Longridge Railway in Deepdale Mill Street; Article: “Preston’s Fire Brigade – The Old And The New”
June 28 King Edward VII’s sudden illness causes a postponement of the .Coronation
July 5 Intercession Services for the health of the King in Preston Churches; The provisional programme for the Guild Merchant Celebrations
July 12 Elaborate preparations being made in Preston for the Guild Celebrations (and subsequent)
July 19 A description of the newly decorated Public Hall; More Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Volunteers return to Preston after active service in South Africa
July 26 A description of the Guild decorations in Preston, together with illustrations; The Lea Gate Toll Bar, on the new Preston – Blackpool main road, is declared free; The first meeting of the Preston and District Pigeon Fanciers’ Association; Article: “Infantile Mortality In Preston” – an interesting report concerning the high rate of infant mortality in Preston since 1876
August 2 The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society prepares for its Annual Show to be staged on Moor Park during Guild week; Article: “Preston Guild Festivities”, with more illustrations of street decorations (and subsequent); Mr. W. L. Holland presents a pair of ceremonial halberds to Preston Corporation; Town Council agree to the construction of a new refuse destructor and generator near to the Deepdale tram sheds
August 16 Details of the national and local celebration of King Edward VII’s Coronation; Article: “The Coming County Show”, with an illustrated map of the Moor Park Show Ground
August 23 Article: “Proposed Restoration Of Walton Church. History Of The Sacred Edifice”, with an illustration; The first public proclamation of the Guild Merchant, on Saturday, 16th August, 1902; More Loyal North Lancashire Regiment Volunteers and Reservists arrive in Preston after serving in South Africa
August 30 Article: “Preston Guild: A Twenty Years’ Retrospect”, with many illustrations and photographs of eminent Prestonians; The second public proclamation of the Guild Merchant, on Saturday, 23rd August, 1902; A complete programme of the Guild arrangements and festivities
September 6 The “Guild Edition” of the “Preston Guardian” containing a full description of Guild events, including the third and final public proclamation of the Guild, on Saturday, 30th August, 1902, religious services, processions, the presentation, by Lady Derby, of a new Town Standard, Temperance and Friendly Society demonstrations, and the opening of the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Extensions and the Robert Charles Brown Operating Theatre at the Royal Infirmary on Tuesday, 2nd September, 1902; The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society stages its Annual Show on Moor Park
September 13 Details of the closing functions of the Guild Merchant, including the adjournment of the Guild Court, the torchlight procession, and the closing of the Royal Lancashire Show; Article: “Interesting Recollections Of Old Prestonians And The Guild”
September 20 Death, at Chorley, on Thursday, 18th September, 1902, and obituary, of William (“Billy”) McKenna, aged 35, an ex-Preston North End footballer; Interesting notes on the origins of Wesley Methodist Chapel, North Road
September 27 Details of the draining of Preston Moor, by Philip Park, in 1834
October 25 A pioneer airship flies above Preston (This is the first reference by “The Preston Guardian” to such an event)
November 1 A proposed new Mortuary and Post Mortem Rooms at the Police Station
November 8 Death, at Whittingham, on Tuesday, 4th November, 1902, and obituary, of Joseph Smith, aged 77, cotton manufacturer, and a former director of The Preston Bank
November 15 Lord Derby is presented with gold Guild Medals as he takes leave of the Council; Article: “A Forgotten Preston Episode” – an interesting recollection of the Mayoral dispute at Preston, in 1863, involving the late Alderman Samuel Smith and Councillor C R Jacson; Death, in London, on 9th November, 1902, and long obituary, of the Very Revd. Canon J A. Pyke, aged 60, one of Preston’ s most eminent Roman Catholics; Winston S. Churchill speaks in the Public Hall on Monday, 10th November, 1902
November 22 Article: “The Derby Cockpit” – an interesting article, with illustrations, concerning the history of the old Cockpit, Stoneygate
November 27 Town Council agree to confer the Honorary Freedom of Preston on Lord Derby; Walter H. Tittensor, of Dundee, is appointed as resident engineer for the construction of the new tramways
December 6 Article:”Preston’s Infantile Mortality” (and subsequent)
December 13 Doctor Whitley, the Baptist historian, becomes pastor of Fishergate Baptist Church; Death, at 13, Hopwood Street, on Monday, 8th December, 1902, of Mrs Jane McMann, aged 102
December 20 Article: “The Derby Cockpit” – another interesting article concerning local cockfighting (and subsequent); Death, at Fleetwood, on Sunday, 14th December, 1902, and obituary, of Newton Livesey, aged 79. retired cheese merchant, and the son of Joseph Livesey
December 27 A review of 1902 – local and national; Death, at 21, Addison Road, on Saturday, 20th December, 1902, and obituary, of James Staveley, aged 75, well-known Prestonian, and a former treasurer of Moor Park Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

1903
January 3 An outbreak of smallpox in Preston causes great distress and a soup kitchen is established in Manchester Road (and subsequent)
January 10 Subscriptions are solicited towards the cost of a chain of office for the Mayoress of Preston
January 17 Formation of the Preston Women’s Health League, on Wednesday, 14th January, 1903. This organisation was formed to promote better health and cleanliness, at family level, in Preston; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of the Crabtree sisters, members of a family with rich memories of old Preston
January 24 Article: “Mr. Henry Cartmel, J.P.” – an interesting life sketch of the former manager of-Horrockses,-Crewsdon and Co., who was also a staunch temperance and Sunday School worker in-Preston; Opening of Fylde-Road Primitive Methodist new Sunday School, on Thursday, 22nd January, 1903
January 31 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Nixon, aged 84, of Cold Bath Street, an old Prestonian who describes the privations of a hard life; New proposals are made for the construction of a Preston – Horwich tramway
February 7 Death, at 53, Priory Street, on Tuesday, 3rd February, 1902, and obituary, of Thomas Bond, aged 68, “one of the most prominent bellringers of the district”
February 14 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Ashcroft, aged 82, an old Preston – Lancaster Canal boatwoman; Representatives from 30 trade unions consider the establishment of a Trades Hall in Preston
February 21 Tragedy at Fulwood Barracks – Bombardier Harry Short, R .F. A., is found dead, possibly murdered, in his barrack room; Robert Pateson interview Part 1
February 28 Gunner William G. Hudson, R.F.A., is charged with the murder of Bombardier Harry Short; A great gale causes extensive local damage and loss of life; Robert Pateson interview Part 2
March 14 The Wesleyan Methodists of Tennyson Road School Chapel propose the erection of a new Church at the corner of Miller Road and Acregate Lane; Photographic portraits of Councillors and Corporate officials at the 1902 Guild are presented to the Harris Art Gallery
March 21 Proposed new Wesleyan Methodist Church at Penwortham
March 28 Town Council consider the finances of the new electric tramways
April 4 Preston Corporation invite tenders for the erection of a Bandstand in Avenham Park
April 11 Article: “The Revd. George Alker, M.A.” – a long article about the life, work; and impending retirement of the respected vicar of St. Mary’s C. of E. Church since 1857
April 25 Proposed memorial to be erected in Preston to the officers and men of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment who fell in the South African War; At Manchester Assizes, Gunner Hudson is found guilty of the wilful murder of a comrade at Fulwood Barracks and is sentenced to death; Article: “The Preston Trams Question”, with an illustrated map of the proposed, and possible alternative, routes
May 2 Death, in London, on Tuesday, 28th April, 1903, and long obituary of the Rt. Hon. R. W. Hanbury, M. P., aged 57, one of the members for Preston; Efforts are renewed to raise funds for the erection of the Livesey Memorial Temperance Hall
May 9 An application is made to the Home Secretary for the reprieve of Gunner Hudson’s death sentence
May 16 Gunner Hudson is executed at Strangeways, Manchester, on Tuesday, 12th May, 1903; John Kerr, of Dick, Kerr and Co., wins the bye-election in Preston caused by the death of Mr. Hanbury
May 23 Article: “Life In Preston From 1650 to 1700”, by W. H. Clemesha; A House of Lords Committee discusses the proposed Preston – Horwich Tramways Bill; The Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Preston; The John Dewhurst collection of art paintings is bequeathed to the Harris Art Gallery (At the Guild of 1882, Mr. Dewhurst donated the organ at Public Hall)
May 30 Scaffolding being used in connection with the erection of the new Sessions House catches fire and causes great anxiety in the town centre; Death, on Thursday, 28th May, 1903, and long obituary, of Richard Lawson, aged 86, of R. Lawson and. Sons, Cheapside and Fishergate. Mr. Lawson was the oldest hosier in Great Britain, and the first tradesmen in Preston to introduce plate glass to his shop front; The proposed formation of a Philharmonic Society in Preston
June 20 The topmost stone of the Sessions House Tower is laid on Tuesday, 16th June, 1903; Horrockses, Crewsdon and Co. propose large developments in the area of the “Big Factory”, off London Road
June 27 Preston Methodists commemorate the bi-centenary of the birth of John Wesley
July 4 An interesting account of the Preston Poor Children’s Annual Outing, organised by the Borough Police
July 28 Roman Catholics in Preston mourn the death of Pope Leo XII
August 8 The honorary freedom of Preston is conferred upon Lord Derby, the 1902 Guild Mayor, on Thursday, 6th August, 1903
August 22 A description of the new Central Post Office; Death, on Tuesday, 18th August, 1903, and obituary, of Joshua Margerison, aged 88, head of the Preston soap manufacturing firm, an eminent Methodist local preacher, and a former Preston Town Councillor
August 29 Opening of the new Central Post Office, on Monday, 24th August, 1903
September 5 Death, at Great Avenham Street, on Monday, 31st August, 1903, and obituary, of Charles Cowell, aged 67, headmaster of Christ Church Boy’s School, 1871 to 1898
September 12 Laying of the Foundation Stone of St. Mark’s C. of E. Mission Hall, Abbey Street, on Saturday, 5th September, 1903
September 19 Article: “Training The Mechanical Engineer. Educational Work At Preston” – an interesting article concerning the facilities for engineering education at the Harris Technical School
September 26 Article: “The Old Half Way House At Walton”, with an illustration
October 10 Difficulties in the cotton trade cause local distress problems (and subsequent)
October 24 Death, at Swansea Street, on Saturday, 17th October, 1903, and obituary, of Mrs. Alice Kirby, aged 104; Death, at Avenham Lane, on Monday, 19th October, 1903, and long obituary, of George Sharples, aged 83, Preston’ s oldest tradesman, and pioneer electrical and telephone engineer who traded at 7, Fishergate, for over 60 years; The proposed South African War Memorial to be erected on the flagged space in-front of the Central Post Office
October 31 Lancashire County Council propose the re-building and enlarging of the County Hall; Town Council award the contract for the supply of electric tram cars to the Preston firm of Dick, Kerr and Co.
November 7 Death, at Queen’ s Road, Fulwood, on Tuesday, 3rd November, 1903, and long obituary, of Henry Oakey, aged-86, an old Preston printer and stationer; The Preston Sunday School Union celebrates the national Centenary of its movement on Monday, 2nd November, 1903
November 14 Town Council accept Dick, Kerr and Co.’s tender for the supply of overhead equipment and the permanent way construction of the new tramways; Article: “The Mock Corporation of Walton-le-Dale” (and subsequent)
November 21 The development of the motion cinema, with interesting local associations; Death, in London, on Thursday, 19th November, 1903, and long obituary, of ex-Alderman James Hibbert, aged 72, the architect of the Harris Museum, and Mayor of Preston in 1880/81
November 28 Funeral of the late James Hibbert
December 5 Death, at Lytham, on Saturday, 28th November, 1903, and obituary, of Paul Catterall, aged 79, the oldest solicitor in Preston, and a former member of Preston Town Council
December 12 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mr. Holmes, aged 81, an old United Methodist, with a rich collection of anecdotes of old Preston; Work commences on the construction of the new electric tramway system in Preston – it was stated that work first commenced in Broadgate, Deepdale Road and Watling Street Road; Preston Magistrates oppose plans for the proposed construction of a Hippodrome in Corporation Street
December 19 The rising popularity of cinema entertainment in Preston
December 26 The advertised sale, by auction, of William Harding and Co.’s Preston horse trams and other equipment formerly used on the old horse tram system; An interesting account of how Shepherd Street Mission caters for the poor children of Preston at Christmas

1904
January 2 Article: “Preston Tram Service, The Last Of The Horse Cars”
January 9 Article: “Preston’s New Electric Tramway System”, with illustrations of the proposed cars and trampoles, and an illustrated map of the routes
January 16 Article: “Protection’s Hell On Preston. Poverty And The Workhouse” (and subsequent); Death, at Deepdale Terrace, on Wednesday, 13th January, 1904, and obituary, of Alderman Thompson, J.P., aged 69, a member of Preston Town Council since 1875
January 23 A description of the South African War Memorial to be erected in Preston; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Benjamin Clarkson, an old Friargate tradesman; Funeral of the late Alderman Thompson
February 13 Article: “Preston Old Races. Interesting Reminiscences” (and subsequent)
February 20 Joseph Swarbrick becomes the first direct Labour representative to win a seat on Preston Town Council; Death, at Grimsargh, on Wednesday, 17th February, 1904, and obituary, of William Blackhurst, aged 77, Preston’s oldest Freeman; Historical notes on the development of the United Methodist Free Church in Lostock Hall; The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston
February 27 Winston S. Churchill makes a “great speech” at a Preston Free Trade Demonstration, in the Public Hall, on Friday, 26th February, 1904; Article: “New Free Methodist Church For Lostock Hall”, with an illustration of the proposed new building; Town Council consider problems connected with the’ laying of the new electric tramways; Funeral of the late William Blackhurst
March 12 Article: “Local Records And Reminiscences”, by Anthony Hewitson (and subsequent); A proposed Preston – Blackburn tramway scheme is heard before a House of Commons Committee; Death, at Glover Street, on Sunday, 6th March, 1904, and obituary, of Charles Croft, aged 81, an old Preston worthy
March 19 Article: “Free Methodist Expansion In Preston”, with an illustration of the proposed new Church and School (Guttridge Memorial), Deepdale Road; The Preston Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society celebrates the national centenary of the movement; Death, at Goosnargh, and obituary, of Jeremiah Thornley, aged 89, an old Preston journalist and music teacher
March 26 Some interesting and amusing notes concerning Moses Holden, the Preston astronomer; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church and School Poulton Street, on Sunday. 20th March, 1904
April 2 Article: “Half A Century In The Fire Brigade” – the reminiscences of Superintendent A. Savage, the longest serving member of Preston Fire Brigade; Town Council veto a proposed scheme to extend the new tramway system to Ribbleton
April 16 Death, at “Hill View”, Fulwood, on Sunday, 10th April, 1904, and obituary, of William McClellan, aged 94, an eminent Prestonian with memories of five Guilds
April 23 The proposed erection of Cliff Spinning Mill, off New Hall Lane; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Spencer, aged_80, of Kirkham Street, who describes the privations of a hard life in Preston
April 30 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Thomas Yare, an old teetotaller, and a founder of the Co-Operative Society movement in Preston; Article: “The New County Sessions Hall At Preston”, together with illustrations of the new building; Proposed railway widening in the vicinity of Miller Park; The Town Council, on receipt of residents’ guarantees, reconsiders its earlier decision and agrees to extend the tramway system to Ribbleton
May 7 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of William Clarke, aged 80, of Fishergate Hill, the oldest newsagent in Preston; A unique ceremony in Preston – the old Colours of the 2nd Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, are laid up at the Parish Church on Sunday, 1st May, 1904; Details of progress in the construction of the new tramway system
May 14 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – Old time bits of Preston life are related by Robert Arnett, aged 80; A proposed new County Court Office, behind the Post Office, off Birley Street (and subsequent); Preston Corporation agrees to allow the railway. companies to extend their operations in the areas of Avenham and Miller Parks
May 21 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of John Proffitt, aged 74, the founder-of the Preston Orphan School (which later became the Harris Orphanage)
May 28 Article: “Elswick And Its Historic Chapel”, with illustrations; The North End Hotel, Corporation Street, is purchased by the trade-unions for use as a Trades Hall and Club; An illustration, together with details, of the new Sacred Heart R.C. Church and School, Poulton Street; Article: “Preston’s New Destructor. Most Up-To-Date In The World”; Board of Trade inspectors are satisfied with the construction of the Preston electric tramway system
June 4 Article: “Richard Cobden, born June, 3rd, 1804 – A Centenary Tribute To The Apostle Of Free Trade”; The valedictory sermons of the Revd. George Alker, M.A., vicar of St. Mary’s C. of E. Church since 1857
June 11 Interesting and amusing anecdotes of Charles Carus Wilson, brother of the former vicar of Preston Parish Church; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Agnes Fenton, aged 85, an old Prestonian; The new electric tramway system is opened in Preston on Tuesday, 7th June, 1904; The Preston Liberal Association celebrates the Cobden centenary; A House of Commons Committee considers the proposed Preston – Horwich tramway; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the United Methodist Church, Lostock Hall, on Saturday, 4th June, 1904
June 18 A preview of the opening of the new Lancashire County Sessions House on Saturday, 18th June, 1904, with photographs and illustrations; Details of the proposed Isolation Hospital at Deepdale, with an illustration; Agitation concerning the proposed Preston – Horwich and Preston – Blackburn tramway schemes
June 25 Article: “Hoghton Wesleyan Chapel. The Mother Society Of Preston And Blackburn”, with illustrations; A Public Meeting considers the desirability of forming a Preston Branch of the Free Trade League; The new Fulwood Isolation Hospital nears completion; Preston’s high death-rate is diminishing – an encouraging Annual Report from the Medical Officer of Health
July 2 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Margaret Cookson, aged 80, the daughter of an old Preston water seller; The first Preston Quarter Sessions to be held in the new Sessions House
July 9 Laying of the Foundation Stone of Guttridge Memorial United Methodist School Chapel, Deepdale Road, on Saturday, 2nd July, 1904; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Joseph Sudell, aged 89, one of Henry Hunt’s bodyguard at the 1830 Election
July 16 Opening of St. Mark’ s C. of E. Mission Hall, Abbey Street, on Saturday, 9th July, 1904; Article: “The Cost Of The Ribble” – a survey of the first 13 years; Details of important renovations and alterations at All Saints’ C. of E. Church
July 23 Article: “Samlesbury. Its Interesting Traditions”, with illustrations; Navigation on the Ribble – a report by the resident engineer; Details of the Preston United Trades Hall, Corporation Street
July 30 Interesting and amusing anecdotes about Tommy Prescott, an old Preston saddler; Article: “Factory Life In Preston”; Article: “Freckleton Hall. An Interesting Quaker Connection”, with an illustration; The second annual Feather Show of the recently reconstituted Preston Ornithological Society is staged in the Temperance Hall, on Saturday, 23rd July, 1904; Opening of the Preston United Trades Hall, Corporation Street, on Saturday, 23rd July, 1904; The reopening of All Saints’ C. of E. Church, following important renovations, on Saturday, 23rd July, 1904
August 6 Article: “Jubilee Of St. Walburge’s Church”, a long and interesting article concerning the history of St. Walburge’s R. C. Church, with illustrations; Death, at “Beech House”, Fulwood, on Wednesday, 3rd August, 1904, long obituary, and funeral, of Alderman Benjamin Walmsley, aged 67, the “father” of Preston Town Council, and Mayor in 1885/86
August 13 Formation of the Preston Branch of the Free Trade League; Celebration of the Jubilee of St. Walburge’s R.C. Church on Sunday, 7th August, 1904; Death, on Tuesday, 9th August, 1904, and obituary, of John Livesey, aged 57, potato merchant, and a Wesleyan Methodist
August 20 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of the daughters of ex-Sgt. Gardner, an old Preston militiaman; Article: “Gas Making Methods In The Preston Works”; Details of Preston’s first fatal tramway accident; Proposed secondary school for girls in Preston; Death; on Monday, 15th August, 1904, and long obituary of Bandmaster Thomas Gray, the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s trumpeter, and an official at the last three Preston Guilds
August 27 Article: “Preston Holidays. Where The People Went To”
September 10 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Joseph Wilkinson, an old Preston Chartist (and subsequent); Death, at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, 7th September, 1904, and obituary, of Thomas Nelson, aged 51, the Mayor’ s beadle, and the keeper of Preston Town Hall; Opening of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church and School, Poulton Street, on Sunday, 4th September, 1904
September 17 Article: “The Trades And Industries Of Preston. Educational And Technological Equipment”; Article: “Penwortham In Mediaeval Days”, with illustrations
September 24 Death, at Walton-le-Dale, on Wednesday, 21st September, 1904, and long obituary, of Richard Calvert, J.P., aged 80, cotton manufacturer, and senior partner of W. Calvert and Sons; The erection, in Watling Street Road, of two cottage homes for disabled soldiers; The impending visit to Preston of Col. W. F. Cody (“Buffalo Bill”) and his wild west show
October 1 Funeral of the late Richard Calvert
October 8 Death, at Garstang Road, on Sunday, 2nd October, 1904, and obituary, of George Bell, aged 76, an eminent Wesleyan. Methodist; Unveiling of the South African War Memorial on Thursday, 6th October, 1904
October 15 A report of the good work done by the Brook Street Christian Socialist Club, founded in Preston in 1899; Article: “The Cotton Trade. Prosperity for Preston”; The Inaugural Meeting of the Photographic Section of Preston Scientific Society is held on Tuesday, 11th-October, 1904; Article: “Broughton Church. Big Scheme Of Alterations”, with illustrations
November 12 The Preston Powerloom Overlookers’ Association erect a new club room, in Leicester Road; Article: “Romance Of The Rise Of Primitive Methodism”, with illustrations of Lawson Street and Saul Street-Chapels; Heavy rainfall causes the Ribble to flood at Broadgate; Death, at Holmrook Road, on Thursday, 10th November, 1904, and obituary, of John Henry Holden, aged 46, an official of the Prudential Insurance Company, and a Wesleyan Methodist
November 19 Article: “A Day At Preston Dock: How The Traffic Is Dealt With” (and subsequent); Publication of “The Preston Court Leet Records 1653 – 181”, by Anthony Hewitson; Town Council consider a new Parliamentary Bill to enable the Corporation to precede with the improvement of Ribble navigation
November 26 Proposed erection of a R.C. School, facing Kenmure Place and English Martyrs’ Place; Town Council reflect on the early success of the new electric tramways, and consider agitation over the high level of unemployment in Preston; Death, at Ribblesdale Place, on Saturday, 19th November, 1904, obituary, and funeral, of Henry Dodd, aged 50, the Preston Magistrates’ Clerk
December 3 Article: “Preston Fight (of 1715)”, with an illustration of Lieut. General Wills, commander of the King’s forces in the action against the rebels; Opening of the Y.M.C.A. Gymnasium, in Carey Baptist Church premises, Pole Street, on Monday, 28th November, 1904; Details of the proposed English Martyrs’ R.C. School, with an illustration; The Tulketh Spinning Company propose the erection of Tulketh Mill, Ashton; Article: “Preston’s Unemployed. Work, But Not Enough Of It”
December 10 Article: “Preston’s Old Market Place”, with an illustration; Building of the Hippodrome Theatre, Friargate, in progress; Death, at Lytham, on Saturday, 3rd December, 1904, and obituary, of W. B. Norwood, for some time the well-known conductor of Preston Operatic Society, and organist at St. Andrew’s Church, Ashton, for over 20 years
December 17 Distress in Preston brought about by the high level of: unemployment in the town; The Rt. Hon. H. H. Asquith addresses a Liberal Party demonstration in the Public Hall on Tuesday, 13th December, 1904
December 24 Death, at Moor Park Villa, on Tuesday, 20th December, 1904, and long obituary, of Levi Fish, aged 67, cotton manufacturer, and eminent Wesleyan Methodist
December 31 Article: “Progress And Change In 1904” – a review of the local scene; Death, at Bamber Bridge, and long obituary, of Samuel (“Sammy”) Gaskell, aged 83, an eminent Wesleyan Methodist, and founder of several Methodist Societies in the Preston area; Article: “Annals Of Kirkham”, with illustrations (and subsequent); Funeral of the late Levi Fish; Preston. Savings Bank propose the erection of new premises in Church Street, on a site formerly occupied by Pedder’s “Old Bank”, with illustrations

1905
January 7 Anecdotes of the late Samuel (“Sammy”) Gaskell are related at his Memorial Service at Bamber Bridge Wesleyan Methodist Church; Preston’s Hippodrome Theatre nears completion; The Revd. Isaac Price, M.A., resigns after 26 years of service as vicar of St. Luke’s C. of E. Church
January 14 Joseph Chamberlain addresses a Preston Free Trade League Demonstration in the Public Hall; The advertised opening of the Hippodrome Theatre to take place on Monday, 16th January, 1905
January 21 Opening of the Ribbleton route of the new tramway system on Saturday, 21st January, 1905
January 28 Details of the new John Billington Booth Memorial Engineering Laboratories at the Technical School
February 4 Editorial: “Preston’s Lead In The Free Trade Movement”; The formation of the Preston Road Cycling Club; Opening of the John Billington Booth Memorial Laboratories at the Technical School on Monday, 30th January, 1905
February 11 Article: “Educational Progress In Preston” (and subsequent); Article: “Vanishing Preston”, with illustrations of Black Horse Yard, Back Lane, and Pedder’s “Old Bank”; Death, at St. Barnabas Place, on Wednesday, 8th February, 1905, and obituary of John Bradshaw, aged 67, a United Methodist, and greatly respected committee member of Preston Temperance Society; Opening of Guttridge Memorial United Methodist School Chapel, Deepdale Road, on Thursday, 9th February, 1905
February 18 Article: “The Industrial Growth Of Bamber Bridge”, with illustrations; Death, at Grafton Street, on Thursday, 16th February, 1905, and obituary, of James France, aged 73, a respected Wesleyan Methodist connected with Croft Street School and Marsh Lane Chapel since-1840; Dr. T. W. Whitley, pastor of Fishergate Baptist Church, wins a world-wide essay competition on the origin and history of the Bible; Death, at Eldon Street, on Wednesday, 15th February, 1905, and obituary, of Benjamin Clarkson, aged 81, an old Preston Chartist
February 25 Article: “Reminiscences Of Walton-le-Dale”, with illustrations; Article: “Old Local Railway Days. Beginnings and Developments”, by Anthony Hewitson (and subsequent)
March 4 Article: “Historic Walton-le-Dale. A Village With A Memorable Past”, with illustrations; Work commences on the erection of Eldon Street Mill
March 11 Article: “Longridge Ancient And Modern” (and subsequent); Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Dixon, of Marsh Lane, an old Preston octogenarian; A unique ceremony in Preston – the Mayor (Alderman Margerison) and Corporate Officials attend worship in a Nonconformist Church, Lune Street Wesleyan Methodist
March 18 The first concert of the Preston Orchestral Society is given in the Public Hall on Friday, 17th March, 1905
March 25 The proposed construction of an Open Air Swimming Pool on Moor Park; The Chief Constable’s Annual Report on crime in Preston; The latest Ribble Bill comes before a-House of Lords Committee (and subsequent)
April 1 Article: “Lancashire’s Great Public Schools – Stoneyhurst”, with illustrations; Article: “The Picturesque Old Tram Road”,-with an illustrated map; Details of the proposed Open Air Swimming Pool on Moor Park, with an illustrated map; Death, at Brackenbury Road, on Tuesday, 28th March, 1905, long obituary, and funeral, of ex-Chief Superintendent Robert Brown, of the Preston Borough Police Force. (In 1884, then a Detective Inspector, he represented the Borough Police in New York at the trial of Gerald T. Tully, the Preston bank fraud. See Kirby, H. L. “The Preston Bank Fraud”, 1981) April 8 Article: “The Garden Of Lancashire -Leyland: A Study In Contrasts”, with illustrations (and subsequent); A proposed 6 days Trades Exhibition to be staged in Preston; Richard Fazackerley resigns after 32 years as agent to the Preston Conservative Association
April 15 Article: “Bygone Local Records: The White Book Of Preston Council”, by Anthony Hewitson (and subsequent); Dr. Barnardo visits Preston; The 73rd Annual Meeting of Preston Temperance Society receives ,a rather discouraging report on the influence of the movement in the town; Details of a proposed Primitive Methodist Chapel to be erected at Tardy Gate; Details of Preston’s first Council School, to be built in Roebuck Street
April 22 The first cargo of fish to be landed at the Port of Preston arrives on Wednesday, 19th.April, 1905; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Timothy Yates, aged 80, an old handloom weaver, and Preston inventor of the “shuttle guard” and a waterproof seat for tramcars
May 6 Article: “Preston Parish Church. Coming Jubilee Of The Restoration”, by the Revd. Dawson F. Chapman, former vicar of St. Peter’s Church
May 13 Article: “Glimpses Of Mediaeval Preston”; The Jewish community in Preston purchase land for burial purposes in the Cemetery
May 20 Death, at Bank Parade, on Thursday, 18th May, 1905, and long obituary, of Thomas Coulthard, J.P., aged 74, an eminent Preston engineer, and former Town Councillor; A new entrance to Avenham Park, from the east side, to be constructed; Laying of the Foundation Stone of Tulketh Mill, Ashton, on Saturday, 13th May, 1905
May 27 Details of the activities of the recently formed Preston Traders’ Defence Association; The Preston branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association celebrate the national Jubilee of the movement
June 3 Article: “Preston Parish Church: Jubilee Of The Rebuilding. Some Old-Time Memories”, with illustrations (and subsequent); Article: “Hoole Church And Jeremiah Horrocks”, with illustrations; The demolition of Pedder’s “Old Bank”, Church Street
June 10 Opening of the Open Air Swimming Pool, Moor Park, on Wednesday, 7th June, 1905, with an illustration
June 24 Article: “Life In Fulwood Barracks”, with illustrations’ (and subsequent); Cutting of the First Sod at the site of Christ Church C. of E. new School, Fitzroy Street, on Monday, 19th June, 1905; Details of the new United Methodist Free Church, Lostock Hall, on the occasion of its opening on Saturday, 24th June, 1905 (and subsequent); A week’s celebration of the Jubilee of the rebuilding of Preston Parish Church; Celebration of the Centenary of Congregationalism in Kirkham
July 1 Death, at Bamber Bridge, on Monday, 26th July, 1905, and long obituary, of Charles Walker, aged 50, well-known Preston contractor, responsible for the erection of many local properties including the Blind Home, Little Sisters’ Home, Sacred Heart Church School, Larkhill Convent and the Theatre Royal
July 8 The Calvert Collection of cased British birds is donated to the Harris Museum; Laying of the First Brick of the new Savings Bank, Church Street, on Friday, 7th July, 1905
July 22 Article: “Hallelujah Sammy” –anecdotes of the late Samuel Gaskell are related by William Pilkington
July 29 Article: “Isaac Ambrose, King’s Preacher, Religious Recluse, and Ejected Minister”, by the Revd. B. Nightingale, with illustrations (and subsequent); Article: “St. James’s Church, Preston”, a thirty years’ retrospect, by the vicar, the Revd. T. Barton Spencer, M.A.; The Town Council agree to proceed with a scheme for the improvement of Ribble Navigation
August 5 Opening of the newly constructed entrance to the east side of Avenham Park
August 12 Opening of the Fulwood, via Deepdale Road, route on the new tramways; Preston has its first full holiday week; Laying of the Foundation Stone of Deepdale Isolation Hospital, on Thursday, 10th August, 1905; Laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Schoolroom and Vestries at the Unitarian Church, off Church Street, on Saturday, 5th August, 1905
August 26 Article: “Half Way House, Walton-le-Dale”, with an illustration; Death, at High Street, on Tuesday, 22nd August, 1905, and obituary, of William Melling, an old Preston fishmonger
September 2 Town Council consider returning to the use of gas for street lighting purposes
September 9 Article: “Cuthbert Harrison, The Persecuted Minister Of Elswick”, by the Revd. B. Nightingale, with illustrations (and subsequent); A report of the progress in the construction of Cliff Spinning Mill
September 16 Article: “Warton Old Mill”, with illustration; Efforts being made to promote an Annual Dairy Show at Preston; A Church Army Labour Hall to be opened in Tulketh Crescent, Ashton
September 23 Article: “Goosnargh: Past And Preston”, with illustrations; Interesting reminiscences of Wesleyan Methodism at Hoghton
September 30 The growth of Wesleyan Methodism – proposed new Chapels at Ribbleton and Penwortham; Article: “Preston Priest-Hero”, the interesting reminiscences of Fr. Thomas Jackson, a Preston born Roman Catholic missionary; Laying of the Foundation Stone of Christ Church C. of E. new Infant School, Fitzroy Street, on Saturday, 23rd September, 1905; Death, at Fylde Road, on Tuesday, 26th September, 1905, and obituary, of W. Cleuton Dobson, well-known Wesleyan Methodist, and a Preston temperance leader
October 14 Article: “Joseph Livesey: Free Trader, Temperance Reformer, And Philanthropist” – a long and interesting article concerning the life and work of “The Father of English Temperance”; Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Caleb Kay, aged 84, an old Prestonian with active memories of the Chartist agitation; The proposed formation of a Distress Committee to help the unemployed in Preston
October 21 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of James Greenhalgh, an old Preston octogenarian, and founder of “Greenhalgh’s Band”; Lack of progress in the construction of the bridge in Deepdale Mill Street across the Preston– Longridge Railway line; A life sketch of Alderman J. Ormrod, newly elected Mayor of Preston; Death, at Beech Grove, Ashton, on Tuesday, 17th October, 1905, and obituary, of W. H. Thompson, aged 67, an eminent Wesleyan Methodist;. Death, at Watling Street Road, on Tuesday, 17th October, 1905, and obituary, of Philip Thorp, aged 75, stonemason, and former sexton of the Nonconformist portion of Preston Cemetery
October 28 Article: “Sir Wemys Reid’s Memories” (Sir Wemys Reid was a former editor of “The Preston Guardian”); Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Sarah Nelson, aged 82, an old Prestonian with many interesting local memories; The centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar is remembered in Preston; An interesting account of the history of Preston Savings Bank is given on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the new premises, Church St on Monday, 23rd October, 1905; Article: “Church” Army Institution For Preston”, with illustrations
November 4 Article: “From An Old Arm Chair” – the reminiscences of Mrs. Sarah Houghton, aged 86, an old Prestonian; Death, at Frenchwood, on Sunday, 29th October, 1905, and obituary, of John Molineux, aged 75, an old Preston schoolmaster, and founder of the “Preston Classical, Mathematical, and Commercial School”; Opening of the Church Army Labour Hall, Tulketh Crescent, Ashton, on Monday, 30th October, 1905
November 11 Article: “Woodplumpton Church And Its History. The Story Of A Lancashire Witch”, with illustrations; Details-of the proposed new Park School For Girls; General Booth, head of the Salvation Army, visits Preston and preaches in the Hippodrome Theatre, on Sunday, 5th November, 1905; Details of a proposed Wigan – Preston – Blackpool Railway scheme
November 18 Article: “Ribbleton Recreation Ground”, with an illustrated map
November 25 Formation of the Preston Fur Fanciers’ Society, on Thursday, 23rd November, 1905; Agitation concerning the delay in the construction of the Deepdale Mill Street bridge; Death, at Lytham, on Sunday, 19th November, 1905, obituary, and funeral, of Major William Henry Hincksman, J.P., aged 70, cotton manufacturer, director of The Preston Bank and Preston Gas Company, and an eminent Wesleyan Methodist
December 2 Details of Preston’s first Labour Club, Acregate Lane, on the occasion of its opening on Saturday, 2nd December, 1905; Dr. R. C. Brown presents an organ to the Fulwood Blind Home; Article: Congregationalism In Preston”; Details of the proposed new Wigan – Preston – Blackpool Railway; Death, at Fulwood, on Monday, 4th December, 1905, and obituary, of Johnathan Abbatt, aged 76, an old Preston tradesman, and a descendant of Robert Abbatt, the pioneer of Preston’s first water supply
December 16 Article: “Preston In The Olden Times”, with an illustration of the South Prospect of Preston, 1728; The preservation, within the Garstang Road entrance to Moor Park, of the base of an old stone cross which formerly stood in Deepdale Read; Opening of the new Schoolroom and Vestries at the Unitarian Church, on Saturday, 9th December, 1905
December 30 A review of the year, local and national