http://www.blackpoolcivictrust.org.uk/
The Blackpool Civic Trust was formed in February 1975 with the intention of encouraging and supporting the town of Blackpool and its people. Its objectives and aims are to stimulate a sense of Civic Pride to promote high standards of planning and architecture and to secure the preservation, protection and improvement of features of historical or public interest.A booklet listing and supplying information about the Blue Plaques is available in Blackpool Library and Stanley Park Visitor Centre. A sign is outside the Blackpool Tourism Office on Clifton Street showing the heritage trail.
20 out of 55 (36%) plaques have been curated
29 subjects all or unphotographedGender Diversity
Harold Larwood [full inscription unknown]
Blackpool Cricket Club, West Park Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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This plaque commemorates all those who met and fell in love here at Blackpool Winter Gardens and marks the enduring affection of those people for this place. Thousands of loves stories, an enduring legacy all starting here...
Blackpool Winter Gardens, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Sir Hiram Maxim's Flying Machine. Opened in August 1904, Sir Hiram Maxim's Flying Machine is the only surviving captive flying machine ride in the world and is Pleasure Beach's oldest ride. A steel pole, 62 feet high, supports 10 arms from which hang carriages, creating an illusion of flying. Designed by Sir Hiram Maxim to raise money for his attempts to be the first man to fly the measured mile.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Winter Gardens (Grade II Listed). The Blackpool Winter Gardens were first opened to the public in 1875 and the Pavilion and ancillary buildings designed by Thomas Mitchell were officially opened to the public by the Lord Mayor of London in 1878. Many subsequent additions to the original buildings took place and principal amongst these are the Empress Ballroom designed by Manghall and Littlewood - opened in 1896 and the Opera House designed by Charles McKeith - opened in 1939. The latter is the third Opera House to be built on this site. The original was the first building in Blackpool to be designed by the celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham and was opened in 1889. In 1978 the Winter Gardens and Opera House were refurbished by the First Leisure Corporation plc, who employed David Quigley as the architect for this work.
Blackpool Winter Gardens, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Adelphi Hotel. The original Adelphi Hotel (as known as the Adelphi and Post Office Hotel) was built on this site in 1835 by Esau Carter who has a claim to have been Blackpool's first Postman. In 1923 the building was rebuilt by the local brewers Catterall & Swarbrick and given a white tiled exterior, parts of which can still be seen in Adelphi Street.
Church Street, opposite Pizza Express, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Blowing Sands (Grade II Listed) This cottage is one of the few remaining early agricultural dwellings on the area known as Blowing Sands, Marton Moss. Soundings made in the 1930's revealed that there have been at least 11 periods in history when the sea shore occupied this site. It now stands as a representative of several similar dwellings from the late 18th century in this area. Kindly donated by Stanley Ward Conservative Club.
Junction Common Edge Road with Progress Way, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Robert's Oyster Rooms Oysters, and sea food generally, have been sold on this site since 1876. John Roberts of Preston set up the business in that year when customers could buy seven oysters for a shilling (5p) and bring along their own 'black velvet' - a mixture of stout and champagne - to wash them down. Little has changed in the business since those early days which has remained a family concern. Todays oysters generally come from Anglesey or Ireland. The building today remains as one of the oldest survivors on the Promenade.
Promenade, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Bailey's Hotel The original building (one of Blackpool's earliest hotels) was erected circa 1776 by Lawrence Bailey a local farmer. Over the years it has been known as Bailey's Hotel, Rossall's Hotel, Dickson's Hotel and the Metropole. Unique in Blackpool's history, it is the only hotel situated on the seaward side of the tram tracks.
Princess Promenade, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Big Wheel On this site stood a famous Blackpool landmark, the Big (or Great) Wheel. Opened on the 22nd August 1896, it was a massive structure rising to almost 230 feet and weighing around 1000 tons. It had 30 large carriages and over its 32 year life it carried millions of passengers giving them fine views of the Fylde. Never really a serious rival to its neighbour the Tower, it made its last revolution on the 20th October 1928 and was subsequently demolished.
Coronation Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Central Library (Grade II Listed). The Library is built on land provided by Blackpool Corporation and with monies donated by the Scottish born American multi-millionaire, Andrew Carnegie. The Library was officially opened by the Mayor, Alderman W.H. Broadhead, J.P. on the 26th October 1911. It replaced the former free Library in nearby Market Street (now the site of the Municipal Buildings) which had opened on the 25th March 1895. Kindly donated by Lancashire County Council.
Abingdon Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
The Central Picture Theatre This purpose built cinema opened in July 1913 and originally seated around a thousand patrons. It subsequently changed its name to the King Edward and opened, it remains a fine example of the first phase of cinema building in the Art Nouveau style. It showed its last film in 1972 and has since been known by a variety of names, used mainly as a nightclub.
Central Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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251 Whitegate Drive Built 1900 The home of Cornelius Bagot 1924-1940 He Gifted Little Marton Windmill (Grade II Listed) together with 315sq yards of land on 30th October 1937 in trust as a perpetual memory to local author Allen Clarke. Cornelius Bagot was knocked down by a taxi near this house on his 61st birthday 9th August 1940 During the W.W.2 Blackout.
251 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Church of the Sacred Heart Opened on the 8th December 1857 as the first Roman Catholic Church in Blackpool, services having been previously held in the nearby Railway Hotel. The western part of the building was designed by the 20 year old architect Edward W. Pugin and was followed by the addition of the large octagonal extension in 1894. Despite appearance, the building is of brick construction and is only faced with stonework. The Church interior has many interesting features including the pipes from the former Waterloo Cinema organ. Kindly donated by Barclays
Talbot Road, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Clifton Hotel (Grade II Listed). The first hotel on this site was known as 'Forshaw's' and was built around 1780. It was at that time one of the four main lodging establishments in the town. It was partly demolished and reconstructed in 1865, the final reconstruction, leaving what can substantially be seen today, taking place in 1874. Originally brick faced with stone dressing it has since been stuccoed and rendered. It remains today as a fine example of mid-Victorian architecture.
Talbot Square, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Lucy Morton Britain's first Women's Olympic Swimming Champion, winning a Gold medal at the 1924 Paris Games in the 200m Breastroke. She had previously held World Records in 1914, 1916 and 1920. She lived in the Town Hall from 1919 until 1927 where her father was Mayor's Attendant and in 1927 she married Harry Heaton, MBE. From 1930 until 1972 she was a swimming teacher for Blackpool Council and coached three Blackpool swimmers to International Level as well as officiating at many competitive events and as chaperone to the British Team. In 1988 she was honoured by the International Swimming Hall of Fame at Fort Lauderdale, USA. In 1969 she was presented to H M Queen Elizabeth II. Kindly donated by Jennifer and Peter Heaton and family.
Talbot Square, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Old Post Office Building The office was opened in 1877 by the town's first Postmistress Alice Carter, the daughter of Esau Carter who had become the resorts first Postman. Post Office business was undertaken until replaced by Blackpool's first Crown Office in 1892 which was situated in Coronation Street adjacent to these premises. Although the building has been structurally altered over the years it remains basically intact as the town's first major Sub-Post Office. Its status is commemorated in terra cotta above the first floor windows.
57/59 Church Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Parish Church of St John The first Church of St.John was built on this site in 1821 as a Chapel of Ease to Bispham. It became a Parish Church in 1860 Its third curate was the Rev. William Thornber (1829-45) Blackpool's first historian. His grave, and that of William H. Cocker another Blackpool pioneer and its first Mayor, remain to the east of the present church completed in 1878. The original vicarage, completed in 1829, stood across the street on a site behind the Empress Buildings.
St John's Square, Church Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Princess Parade. Built between October 1910 and September 1911, Princess Parade was officially opened by HRH Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll on 2nd May 1912. It replaced a narrow iron walkway on the sea defences around the Metropole Hotel. Over 200,000 tons of sand, used as infill, were transported along the Promenade from South Shore on specially laid railway track. Popularly referred to as the 'Sands Express', it consisted of five industrial steam engines named Alice, Annie, Horbury, Netherton and Reliance.
Princess Parade, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Queen Vera Road. Named by the traders of Abingdon Street Market to commemorate the visit of Miss Vera Greenwood of Whitworth, Rochdale, the reigning 'British Cotton Queen' of 1937. The street name was accepted by the Council in the same year and remains the shortest 'thoroughfare' in Blackpool.
Queen Vera Road, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Revoe Library 1904-2004 To commemorate 100 years of providing a library service to the community. Sponsor Central Drive Community Association.
Revoe Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Blackpool Civic Trust Heritage Trail Saddle Inn The present building dates back to around 1776 and was owned by Richard Hall, a 'saddler'. Known at one time as the 'Roundabout House' travellers had to go round (about) it to get to Preston Road. The well known Leigh family were landlords from 1892 until Jim (the Beekeeper) retired in 1967. Today it still retains a splendid air of yesteryear and is now the oldest continuously licensed premises in Blackpool. Kindly donated by Bass
286 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Solaris Centre. Opened in 1938 as the Harrowside Solarium it incorporated a winter garden, sun lounge and palm court style care. This distinctive art deco landmark was designed by J.C. Robinson, Chief Architect to Blackpool Corporation. The building was transformed in 2004 into an environmental centre of excellence.
South Promenade, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Temple of Arts. One of the oldest surviving buildings in the town centre. Built in 1847 it became John Eastham's Temple of Arts photographic studio in 1853, said to have been the first in Blackpool. The outer wall was originally adorned by three carved figures - 'The Three Graces', Faith, Love and Charity. Created by the artist for many years until uncovered in 1976. Sadly they were damaged during building renovation in 1988 and were replaced by a plastic replica. Kindly donated by Lloyds Bank.
Temple Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Town Hall (Grade II Listed) Built on the site of the former Town Hall demolished in 1895, it was completed in 1900. Designed by Potts, Son and Hemmings, built in Jacobean style of brick, faced with Yorkshire stone and originally topped with a spire and weather-vane. These were taken down in 1966 on the grounds of structural safety. Comprehensive restoration took place in 1985/86 and the building now stands as the focal point of the surrounding Conservation Area. Kindly donated by Blackpool Borough Council.
Talbot Square, Blackpool, United Kingdom
The War Memorial (Grade II Listed) A small temporary memorial dedicated to the fallen in the Great War was erected here in 1919. It was replaced by the present monument which was unveiled on Armistice Day, the 11th November 1923. Today it is dedicated to those who fell in battle in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Kindly donated by Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee.
Cenotaph, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Blackpool Masonic Hall. In the 1880's Clifton Lodge 703, the Fylde's oldest Masonic Lodge, pioneered the building of the Masonic Hall with the land being purchased for £1700 in 1888. Lord Skelmersdale laid the cornerstone for the main building on 6th May 1898 whilst The Provincial Grand Master The Earl of Lathom dedicated the Hall and its ornate Lodge room on 23rd September 1899. The large dining room extension on the west of the building was opened in June 1956. There are 31 various Lodges and Chapters that meet at the Hall
Adelaide Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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The Mitre Inn The building stands on the site of Dobson's Row which dates from the late 18th Century. The earliest deeds of the premises date from 1863 when they were used by John Crabtree as a grocers and confectioners. Many changes of ownership have taken place over the ensuing years. It became fully licensed premises in July 1898 and for a time rejoiced under the name of 'Ye Old Glue Pot'! It became known as the Mitre Inn in June 1902. Today it holds the distinction of being the smallest public house in Blackpool. Kindly donated by Philip and Sue Johnson
West Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Salisbury Woodland Pill Box - Type 22 [full inscription unknown]
Woodside Drive, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes [full inscription unknown]
Whinney Heys Lane, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Alderman Jean Robinson JP CBE 1899-1987. Jean Robinson JP CBE was the first female Mayor of Blackpool from 1968-1969. She served as a Magistrate in the Juvenile Court and was President of the Blackpool Soroptimists. Jean ran the cafe at Abingdon Street Market for 27 years.
Abingdon Street Market, Blackpool, United Kingdom
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Site of the Great Marton Church of England Girls' School built 1854 and rebuilt 1878 on land donated by Jane Shaw and Thomas and Christopher Hull. An infants' school from 1892, it closed in 1925 and was replaced in 1930 by Marton Parish Church Hall which was built by Atherton Bros. Besides being used for Sunday School and other church and community activities, from 1930 to 2002 Marton Operatic Society performed Gilbert and Sullivan and other operas here.
Michael Hall Theatre School, Preston Old Road, Marton, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Blackpool Tower Height 518ft 9in (158.115m) Grade 1 listed. When Blackpool Tower opened on 14th May 1894 it was the tallest building in the UK. Designed by Maxwell & Tuke, the construction work was undertaken principally by engineers Heenan & Froude. The Tower itself required 2,493 tons of steel and 93 tons of cast iron to construct. Five million bricks were used for the buildingwhich houses various attractions, including the circus and famous ballroom. Sir John Bickerstaffe (1848 - 1930), company chairman, was instrumental in the successful development of the Tower. The Bickerstaffe family played a prominent part in the history of the Tower until the mid 1960's.
promenade, Blackpool, United Kingdom
Audrey Mosson (1920-2009) [full inscription unknown]
Mayfair Hotel, Lonsdale Road, Blackpool, United Kingdom
The Nolan Family. The Cliffs Hotel was where the Nolan Family were discovered in 1973. The family of five sisters, Bernadette, Anne, Linda, Maureen and Denise, and two brothers, Tommy Jnr and Brian, emigrated with their parents, Tommy Snr and Maureen, from Dublin to Blackpool before having their eighth child, Coleen. The Nolans had major commercial success in the entertainment industry and has seven international hits.
The Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool, United Kingdom
