Blackpool historian Anne Charlesworth has become a familiar and respected voice in the town’s heritage community, drawing on years of research and a long career in education to bring Blackpool’s past to life. A retired teacher, Charlesworth has spent the past decade focusing on local history, a role reflected in her public profile and her regular involvement with civic and cultural organisations across the Fylde coast.
Since 2016 she has been associated with Blackpool Council as a local historian, a position that has helped her engage with residents and visitors who are keen to understand the development of the resort beyond its well-known tourist identity. Her talks, articles and public appearances have become a key feature of the area’s heritage scene, particularly for groups such as the Blackpool Civic Trust.
Charlesworth is known for her clear, accessible storytelling, often examining Blackpool’s growth through the lens of individual buildings, neighbourhoods and social changes. One of her recent public talks, delivered at a Civic Trust meeting, explored the early evolution of South Shore from 1819 onwards, highlighting how small settlements, transport links and early businesses shaped the area long before Blackpool became a major seaside resort. Her ability to unpick the layers of everyday history has made her a sought-after speaker for community events.
Here she is after giving a presentation for the Blackpool & Fylde Historical Society at Blackpool Cricket Club in early 2025.
In addition to her talks, Charlesworth contributes written features to local heritage-focused platforms, including investigative pieces on lesser-known corners of the town centre. Her work has covered locations such as the former Hartes building — tracing its transformation from a troubled venue associated with gambling and violence to its later occupation by Woolworths and other businesses. These articles reflect her interest in how Blackpool’s urban landscape has evolved and what these changes reveal about the town’s social history.
Beyond her writing and public speaking, she plays a key role in the online community of heritage enthusiasts as an active administrator of the “History of Blackpool” Facebook group. In that capacity, she helps coordinate discussions, share historical resources and engage a wide audience of local residents and former visitors in discovering and preserving Blackpool’s past. Through education, research, online engagement and public outreach, Anne Charlesworth has positioned herself as an important advocate for Blackpool’s past. Her work continues to help residents and visitors alike discover the stories behind the streets, landmarks and local traditions that have shaped the town’s identity.
Best of all, she has been very supportive of Blackpool Timeline and we certainly appreciate it!
Image provided by Anne Charlesworth
Images by © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
