Tag: Blue Plaques

Grand Theatre

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BlueBlueThe Grand Theatre in Blackpool is a historic venue that has been a central part of the town’s cultural scene for more than a century. Designed by the famous Victorian architect Frank Matcham, it first opened its doors on July 23, 1894. The theatre showcases Matcham’s distinctive style, blending Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic influences. Its lavish interior, adorned with intricate plasterwork and gold detailing, makes it an impressive and visually captivating space. Over the years, the theatre has seen several restorations to maintain its historic appeal while updating its facilities. It was saved from demolition in the 1970s by passionate… Read more »

Raikes Hall Hotel

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Raikes Hall, a grand mansion built by William Boucher in 1760, originally featured an elegant ground floor with three parlours, a servant’s hall, a butcher’s pantry, and a kitchen. The upper two floors included four guest rooms and additional quarters for servants. The estate also boasted gardens, orchards, stables, and various outbuildings. Legend has it that the name Raikes Hall came from the fact that Boucher was in fact involved in wrecking ships and plundering their cargo for profit; a play on ‘wrecker’ became ‘raikes’ – a raike was also a man of low morals and criminality so I will… Read more »

Arnold School Merges with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School

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In September 2012, Arnold School merged with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham St Annes to form Arnold KEQMS (now AKS Lytham), and from September 2013 the new school was fully co-located at the Lytham St Annes site. Arnold School, a respected independent school with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1880, closed in 2013 when it merged with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School (KEQMS) in Lytham St Annes to form a new institution called AKS Lytham, as seen in the picture of its current state. The merger was designed to combine… Read more »

George Formby Plaque Unveiled at Home

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In 2012, George Formby was honored with a blue plaque at Beryldene, celebrating his lasting impact. The ukulele has become closely associated with Formby, who was known for his cheerful smile, child-like charm, and unforgettable performances cherished by people on the Fylde Coast. George was born in Wigan in 1904 and initially seemed headed for a different career. His father, George Formby Snr, a well-known performer, once said there was no need for ‘another fool’ in the family. But after his father passed away in 1921, George Formby Jr. chose to continue his father’s legacy. His early act resembled his… Read more »

Birth of The Saddle Inn, Whitegate Drive

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The Saddle Inn, one of the oldest pubs in Blackpool, was built in 1776 and was originally owned by a saddler named Richard Hall. It still has that historic charm and is known as the oldest pub in Blackpool that’s been continuously licensed. Despite its small size, it has a lot of character and is well-known in town for its real ales, especially Bass. The pub features a large beer garden, two rooms off the main bar, and serves food from 12pm to 9pm. When the heritage image was taken, Catterall & Swarbrick was the brewery supplying the pub, which… Read more »