Travelling Through Time: Destination Blackpool

In the 18th century, it became fashionable among the wealthier classes in England to bathe in sea water. At that time, it was believed that sea water was a great elixir and would improve people's health and well-being. Blackpool's location on the coast and its proximity to Manchester meant that it was an ideal location for the visiting upper classes.

A private road was built by Thomas Clfiton and Sir Henry Houghton in 1781 which meant more people were able to visit Blackpool. By 1782, stagecoaches began to travel to Blackpool from Manchester and Halifax. Between 1801 and 1851, the population of Blackpool grew from 473 to over 2,500.

In 1846 a railway line from Poulton to Blackpool was completed, making travel to Blackpool cheaper and easier, which resulted in a sudden influx of visitors arriving by rail. This influx lead to a boom in Blackpool with new hotels and attractions being developed and it experienced rapid growth throughout the the remainder of the 19th century.

In 1879, Blackpool became the first municipality in the world to have electric street lighting. In 1885 one of the world's first electric trams was established, which has remained in continuous service to this day.

By the 1890s, the population of Blackpool was 35,000 and it could accommodate up to 250,000 visitors. It has been estimated that the number of annual visitors was three million, many staying for a week. By 1901, the population of Blackpool was 47,000.

North Pier
A grand ceremony was held on 21 May 1863 for the official opening of the North Pier in Blackpool, which was attended by over 20,000 people. The North Pier is the oldest and largest of the three piers in Blackpool. It was designed by Eugenius Birch and is now the oldest of the few remaining examples of his work still in use.

Between 1864 and 1867, a landing jetty was built at the end of the pier which increased its length to 500 metres. Towards the end of the 19th century, shops and buildings for performances were added along the pier.

Blackpool North Pier II, Lancashire, England by OldeWorldGifts

Central Pier
Following the success of the North Pier, the Blackpool South Jetty was formed in 1864. The new pier was opened on 30 May 1868 and was originally know as the South Pier, until the pier now known as South Pier was built 30 years later. The Central Pier had a nummber of dancehalls located along the pier.

South Pier
The South Pier was originally named Victoria Pier and was opened on Good Friday in 1893. It was built shorter and wider than the other piers in order to accomodate pavilions along it. When it opened, it has 36 shops, a bandstand, an ince-cream vendor and a photograph stall.

Blackpool I, Lancashire, England by OldeWorldGifts

The vintage images on this page have been kindly provided by OldeWorldGifts. Below are the historical images of Blackpool in Lancashire, England, which are available on a variety of products at OldeWorldGifts. Click on an image for additional information.