Tag: Landmarks

NHV Group Establishes New Base at Blackpool Airport

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At the end of 2020, NHV Group, a distinguished leader in B2B helicopter services (headquartered in Ostend, Belgium), inaugurated a new base at Blackpool Airport to facilitate passenger transfer services, supporting their client’s operations in the East Irish Sea. NHV won a contract with Spirit Energy in May 2020 to provide these services, taking over from Babcock MCS on December 1, 2020. Their dedicated team operates AW169 aircraft to manage offshore crew changes. The AW169 represents the pinnacle of modern aviation technology – a latest-generation 4.6/4.8 tonne twin-turbine helicopter that delivers class-leading performance and versatile capability, even in the most… Read more »

The Great Marton Windmill and the Oxford Hotel

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Much of the information below came from the late Harold Monks and Philip Walsh, which is featured on the display boards facing Park Road at what was once known as Oxford Square. The windmill, constructed of brick, was five storeys high, with a dome turned by a wheel and rope. One of the millers, Thomas Moore, is reputed to have carried out the first development of South Shore about 1819 on land bought by Alexander Moore from John Forshaw. The mill was repaired at intervals – in 1841 costing twenty four pounds, nine shillings and five pence – but ultimately… Read more »

Coyote Ugly Comes to Blackpool Prom

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Born in the heart of New York City in 1993, Coyote Ugly Saloon was the brainchild of Liliana “Lil” Lovell, who set out to create a bar that was anything but ordinary. With its fearless bartenders, electrifying atmosphere, and wild west-inspired decor, Coyote Ugly quickly became a legend. The unique blend of bartenders dancing on the bar, thumping music, and unapologetic fun sparked an international sensation. The iconic brand truly went global after the release of the film Coyote Ugly in 2000, bringing the bold, boundary-pushing spirit to screens worldwide. Since then, Coyote Ugly Saloon has expanded its reach across… Read more »

St Nicholas Church of England Primary School

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St. Nicholas Church of England Primary School remains as Blackpool’s oldest school still providing education within its original building, which still survives on School Road. The original school on the Moss was a dame school, a converted c1830 cottage on Division Lane. When it became too small (and it literally is the size of a cottage) the school moved across to School Road where it shared some of the church buildings and gradually extra buildings were added. It opened on April 16th 1873 as a one room school and schoolhouse with 79 pupils. The present school was gifted to the… Read more »

The Clifton Arms, One of Blackpool’s Oldest Hotels

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The Clifton Hotel in Blackpool has a rich history, originally opening as the Clifton Arms in 1780. It was partially demolished in 1865 and rebuilt by John Talbot Clifton, reopening in 1874. Over time, it has been known by various names, including the Ibis and Forshaws Hotel. John Harling took over the Clifton Hotel in 1889; the Blackpool Opera House also opened around this time. The hotel has been known as the Ibis and is currently operated as Forshaws Hotel. In 2021, a project to replace the failing render on the exterior of the building was completed, restoring it to… Read more »

Church Hall that’s Hosted Operatic Societies for More Than 70 Years

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A former church hall, which played host to one of Blackpool’s leading operatic societies for more than 70 years, has been furnished with a blue plaque. After 91 years of performing the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in Marton and on the Fylde coast, Marton Operatic Society folded last year. In commemoration of the old Marton Parish Church hall, where the society had performed for 72 years from 1930 to 2002, Operatic Society committee members thought that a blue plaque placed on the wall of the venue in Preston Old Road would be a fitting tribute. The site had been previously… Read more »

Blackpool Girls’ Secondary School & Blackpool Collegiate School for Girls

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The Education Act of 1902 made local authorities responsible for providing secondary education for all, and so plans were put in place to provide an educational establishment in Blackpool that could deliver this. In 1906 the Blackpool Secondary School opened on Raikes Parade, with the school playing fields on St Walburgas Road; this rather impressive building would later become, and still is home to the Salvation Army. September 1925 saw the girls move to the Blackpool Girls’ Secondary School at the junction of Beech Avenue and Forest Gate, which was officially opened by Lady Stanley on the 23rd of October… Read more »

Town Centre Building Becomes Temple of Arts Studio

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One of the oldest surviving buildings in the town centre. Built in 1847 it became John Eastman’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 Samuel Wood they were subsequently hidden for many years until uncovered in 1976. Sadly they were damaged during building renovation in 1988 and were replaced by a plastic replica.

Original Start for Courtfield House

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Built in 1897 by Town Freeman, successful businessman and ex Mayor Robert Mather JP, the house was considered to be one of the finest in the borough. The Mather family occupied the house until its sale, by auction in 1945. The name of ‘Courtfield’ was suggested by a family friend, Rev Fr Bernard Vaughan. The Vaughan’s ancestral home in Gloucestershire was called ‘Courtfield’, it had been in the family since 1570. At a cost of £14,750 (plus £396 costs) the buildings and land were bought amid controversy. There was much disquiet about the cost and perceived competition between the college… Read more »

Land First Purchased for Blackpool Masonic Hall

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A small piece of land at the top of Adelaide Street, at the junction with Lower King Street on the north side of the street was purchased by the Blackpool Masonic Hall Ltd on the 1 February 1888. The cost of this plot was £1700. Blackpool Masonic Hall Ltd had been incorporated on 2 December the previous year and 6000 £1 shares were issued. Whitaker Bond, the landlord of the Stanley Arms, and Thomas Sankey, school master of St John’s School, owned the land. From the signature of the original documents it appears that the same Thomas Sankey was also… Read more »