The restorative work on the river defence wall along Broadgate has started and apparently the work will last a couple of months. It got me thinking as to what it would have been like before the wall was built so I went along to the Library to see if there are any flood records.
The earliest records I could find were from 1771, 1799, 1833 and 1840 when on the 17th August Preston experienced ‘a perfect hurricane’. In 1866 on the 16th November the most serious and wide spread damage for 200 years was experienced. ‘The Ribble and the Darwen are one’ and ‘the old portion of Avenham Park was filled up and rose much above the level of the lake in the park’ ( what lake would that be? ). In Broadgate there was a sea of water with houses jutting out of it. Occupants bundled furniture upstairs and sailed off to Fishergate Hill. People in the centre of South Meadow Lane were hemmed in on all sides to a depth of 3 to 4 feet. Some houses were flooded at the bottom of Grafton, Lauderdale and Beech Streets. Water overflowed the end of Ribble Place and ran in the end of Taylor Street. The Regatta Inn had 4 foot of water flowing past its door. Workmen had to abandon Strand Road and move to Fishergate Hill. At its peak at 10-30pm water was running down Elm Street. In Fishergate water had risen as high as the base of Stanley Terrace.
After the flood subsided it was said that Strand road looked like the bed of a river. The foundations of the Pleasure Boat Inn were exposed ‘to the very bottom’.
In 1880 flood water washed against the houses of Broadgate.
There were other floods through the years at regular intervals and I don’t intend to just give a list of dates. However, I did find an interesting snippet in The Preston Guardian of 1921. It was dated the 31st December and there was a photograph of the river bank in Broadgate during a flood and the picture shows a street lamp standard half submerged. The words describe ‘ a big fresh down the Ribble, the water travelling at a great rate. A sixth of the West Cliff Cricket Ground was under water.’
What I couldn’t find, however, was the background to the building of the original Broadgate wall. This was partly as I would like to leave that for another month but mostly because I found it difficult to drag myself away from the adverts in the papers of the time.
One of my favourites was for ‘correct and distinctive Dress Wear from Austin Reed.’
‘Dress ties – the latest dress tie is the Regent tie, it’s the latest word in simplicity and an explanatory diagram is supplied’
‘Discerning men appreciate that Austin Read Dress Wear is not only correct in style and detail but possesses a distinctive, quiet simplicity rather than any suggestion of the extreme.’
I rather like to think that this would also describe this columnist.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Broadgate Stories
Sitting in the Reference Library and wading through old books is fine but it’s a bit remote from real life – not to mention the numb feeling that spreads after a few hours on hard seats. So it was a real pleasure to be able to relax at Geoff and Joyce Tyrer’s house where Geoff gave me some insights into Broadgate over the years.
It’s never been clear to me where the boats used to be moored around the Continental area but I think I’ve got it now. Apparently there used to be a jetty opposite the side gate entrance to the pub but that was moved down river a bit to a ramp opposite Ferry House. Geoff said that when he was a boy the owner, Mr Cooton, used to let him and his mates bale out the boats after it had rained and in return they would be allowed to take one of the boats out up river where they would turn and come back bouncing down over the rapids – while Mr Cooton would be waving wildly from the bank to tell them off. Interestingly you can still make out the landing place for the Ferry on the other side of the river. It’s right at the end of the wall where it dips down to the water.
All that area was subject to flooding and he remembers well the date and time of the worst. 11-30 at night on the 20th November 1977. He’d checked the tides and went out with his children to check as it wasn’t too bad at the time and as they were watching a bore of water just rolled up South End flooding the road. As a result the wall was built in 1979.
Much to my surprise Geoff said there used to be a detached house on the site of the BAC club grounds near the river and half way to the Continental. No sign of it now or Mr Eccle’s orchard which also used to be on the site before the club was there. You can still see the entrances just along South Meadow Lane where tracks used to go into scrub land marked of by a big hedge which zigzagged across to the river separating it from the orchard and also the market garden which used to have flower beds – scrupulously avoided by a young Mr Tyrer and his mates when hunting for the odd apple.
He also told me that before South End was built the land was used as a Strawberry Gardens. And that Meadow Court was Saul’s Nursery with next to it Billy Lee’s field where the shopkeeper from South Meadow Lane used to keep his horse. Indeed the nursery stretched across South Meadow Lane into Hassock Close and further up nearer to West Cliff. You get a real feeling for how almost rural this area used to be not very long ago.
In the middle of all this the Victoria Bowling Club must have been a majestic sight with its Pavilion and car park where Woods Green is now with the Rolls and Bentleys
arriving to play a game. Which makes the fact that Preston Cricket Club has kept its land and historic Pavilion all the more commendable.
I’ve come to the end of this month’s column and we’ve only got as far as the middle of South Meadow Lane so rather than squash more stories into a couple of sentences we’ll leave them for another time. Many thanks to Geoff and Joyce – and for a large malt I won’t tell about the biscuits.
It’s never been clear to me where the boats used to be moored around the Continental area but I think I’ve got it now. Apparently there used to be a jetty opposite the side gate entrance to the pub but that was moved down river a bit to a ramp opposite Ferry House. Geoff said that when he was a boy the owner, Mr Cooton, used to let him and his mates bale out the boats after it had rained and in return they would be allowed to take one of the boats out up river where they would turn and come back bouncing down over the rapids – while Mr Cooton would be waving wildly from the bank to tell them off. Interestingly you can still make out the landing place for the Ferry on the other side of the river. It’s right at the end of the wall where it dips down to the water.
All that area was subject to flooding and he remembers well the date and time of the worst. 11-30 at night on the 20th November 1977. He’d checked the tides and went out with his children to check as it wasn’t too bad at the time and as they were watching a bore of water just rolled up South End flooding the road. As a result the wall was built in 1979.
Much to my surprise Geoff said there used to be a detached house on the site of the BAC club grounds near the river and half way to the Continental. No sign of it now or Mr Eccle’s orchard which also used to be on the site before the club was there. You can still see the entrances just along South Meadow Lane where tracks used to go into scrub land marked of by a big hedge which zigzagged across to the river separating it from the orchard and also the market garden which used to have flower beds – scrupulously avoided by a young Mr Tyrer and his mates when hunting for the odd apple.
He also told me that before South End was built the land was used as a Strawberry Gardens. And that Meadow Court was Saul’s Nursery with next to it Billy Lee’s field where the shopkeeper from South Meadow Lane used to keep his horse. Indeed the nursery stretched across South Meadow Lane into Hassock Close and further up nearer to West Cliff. You get a real feeling for how almost rural this area used to be not very long ago.
In the middle of all this the Victoria Bowling Club must have been a majestic sight with its Pavilion and car park where Woods Green is now with the Rolls and Bentleys
arriving to play a game. Which makes the fact that Preston Cricket Club has kept its land and historic Pavilion all the more commendable.
I’ve come to the end of this month’s column and we’ve only got as far as the middle of South Meadow Lane so rather than squash more stories into a couple of sentences we’ll leave them for another time. Many thanks to Geoff and Joyce – and for a large malt I won’t tell about the biscuits.
poem
remembrances
at
eleven
there’s a pause –
Feeling one’s heartbreaks
one’s breaths
rise
&
fall
some
Elevens,
there’s…
a
pause.
John Francis Osborne orig. November 2001
at
eleven
there’s a pause –
Feeling one’s heartbreaks
one’s breaths
rise
&
fall
some
Elevens,
there’s…
a
pause.
John Francis Osborne orig. November 2001
Saturday, 25 October 2008
The Continental
A few words about alcohol this month. A subject that I feel qualified to write about since sneaking into the ‘Men Only’ snug at The Swan in Yardley, Birmingham at the age of 15. The Swan was the largest pub in Europe at the time but has now been knocked down – interesting fact number one.
I have no interest in The Continental other than as a consumer. If, indeed, a Pub can be viewed as just a seller of commodities. But I seem to remember in my very first column that I bemoaned the lack of pubs in the area and the fact that pubs in general had lost the plot in what they were trying and failing to sell. They hadn’t done any market research as to what would attract me away from the delights of Meath Road on a wet September evening.
Equally I recall my first visit to Broadgate back in the winter of 1995 and passing the windows of The Continental as I tried to find an area of Preston in which to live. I was smitten when I saw a comfortably crowded pub with all parts of society chatting away, reading books and reading papers. It was great. And eventually Tess the dog agreed and would automatically turn right on the way back from our walks.
Which brings me to the reason for these words i.e. the re opening of The Continental in August. I went with Jed, Ann and Val on a Friday night and mid way during the evening one of us said something like ‘this is what it used to be like’. And we all agreed.
No big screen, no noisy one arm bandits, no pool, no loud music. Comfortable chairs, a selection of quality beers, a background hum of conversation. This is what a local should be about. I stress again that I have no connection with the owners or management of the pub.
I also have no connection with the management of the new Pavilion in the Park. If I had I would have argued long and hard against them putting in for an alcohol licence. An alcohol license for 7 days a week and from 1000hrs in the morning till 2000hrs in the evening.
I haven’t got a problem with people having a traditional picnic in the park with a hamper and a tartan blanket. But I do have a problem with this application. I just don’t believe that it will be a case of a small glass of sparkling Californian white and a cucumber sandwich. It will be all day drinking in the park and then a short cut through Broadgate home. No thank you.
At the BRAG/PACT meeting several people raised the problem that the Pavilion needed a licence if it was to host weddings or special events. Everyone realised that this was necessary as it is a beautiful setting for such occasions and such applications for one off events should be encouraged. It is the 7 day,10 hour license that was worrying.
The more observant of you will have noticed that the spelling of the word ‘license ‘ varies through this column. There is a reason for this.
I have no interest in The Continental other than as a consumer. If, indeed, a Pub can be viewed as just a seller of commodities. But I seem to remember in my very first column that I bemoaned the lack of pubs in the area and the fact that pubs in general had lost the plot in what they were trying and failing to sell. They hadn’t done any market research as to what would attract me away from the delights of Meath Road on a wet September evening.
Equally I recall my first visit to Broadgate back in the winter of 1995 and passing the windows of The Continental as I tried to find an area of Preston in which to live. I was smitten when I saw a comfortably crowded pub with all parts of society chatting away, reading books and reading papers. It was great. And eventually Tess the dog agreed and would automatically turn right on the way back from our walks.
Which brings me to the reason for these words i.e. the re opening of The Continental in August. I went with Jed, Ann and Val on a Friday night and mid way during the evening one of us said something like ‘this is what it used to be like’. And we all agreed.
No big screen, no noisy one arm bandits, no pool, no loud music. Comfortable chairs, a selection of quality beers, a background hum of conversation. This is what a local should be about. I stress again that I have no connection with the owners or management of the pub.
I also have no connection with the management of the new Pavilion in the Park. If I had I would have argued long and hard against them putting in for an alcohol licence. An alcohol license for 7 days a week and from 1000hrs in the morning till 2000hrs in the evening.
I haven’t got a problem with people having a traditional picnic in the park with a hamper and a tartan blanket. But I do have a problem with this application. I just don’t believe that it will be a case of a small glass of sparkling Californian white and a cucumber sandwich. It will be all day drinking in the park and then a short cut through Broadgate home. No thank you.
At the BRAG/PACT meeting several people raised the problem that the Pavilion needed a licence if it was to host weddings or special events. Everyone realised that this was necessary as it is a beautiful setting for such occasions and such applications for one off events should be encouraged. It is the 7 day,10 hour license that was worrying.
The more observant of you will have noticed that the spelling of the word ‘license ‘ varies through this column. There is a reason for this.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
wishful thinking
In July there was an open meeting organised by Bikhu Patel to discuss proposed developments for Winckley Square. Over a hundred people attended and it was a splendid example of democracy in action. Personally I felt that at the end of an evening of heated debate the differences came down to whether a fountain and a shelter should be included in the design. The majority seemed to be against them.
But the whole evening got me thinking about what, if any, improvements could be made in the Broadgate area. I started off on the basis that they should be low key, sustainable and affordable but then veered off into a dreamlike state where the North West Development Agency gave BRAG £3,000,000 as well as giving it to Winckley Square.
But I’ll come to that later as there are a few things that I wouldn’t mind developing now. The first being that patch of land opposite the Ribbleside Inn which seems such a waste hidden away behind a not very attractive hedge. Don’t get me wrong – I like open spaces that hang around and don’t seem to do much but that space seems to attract just drunks and the entire pigeon population of central Lancashire.
I’d like to turn a couple of green areas into allotments that would help people as food and energy prices rise. That linear path that used to be the old railway would be one. Then there is the area on the left going up Fishergate Hill and the spaces around Fitzroy Street. People could sell the surplus to the Continental as the new owners want to source local produce.
I’d ban cars from parking on one side of Broadgate and make it a cycle lane.
I’d convert all the pubs that have closed down into sports and leisure centres for the kids to use.
I’d love the shop that used to be the bookies to re open as a greengrocers or Broadgate Cycles again.
And then for my, sorry our, three million pounds I’d build a walkway under Penwortham Bridge to link up with a paved and lighted path along the Ribble with a level crossing to get to the cinema.
If there was anything left over I’d build a small station at the Strand and open up the railway through the tunnel to Preston station and have a regular steam train service running along it.
And, of course, if we did get three million the BRAG Chair and Secretary would have to go on a fact finding mission to the Cayman Islands to investigate..err…well… facts.
But the whole evening got me thinking about what, if any, improvements could be made in the Broadgate area. I started off on the basis that they should be low key, sustainable and affordable but then veered off into a dreamlike state where the North West Development Agency gave BRAG £3,000,000 as well as giving it to Winckley Square.
But I’ll come to that later as there are a few things that I wouldn’t mind developing now. The first being that patch of land opposite the Ribbleside Inn which seems such a waste hidden away behind a not very attractive hedge. Don’t get me wrong – I like open spaces that hang around and don’t seem to do much but that space seems to attract just drunks and the entire pigeon population of central Lancashire.
I’d like to turn a couple of green areas into allotments that would help people as food and energy prices rise. That linear path that used to be the old railway would be one. Then there is the area on the left going up Fishergate Hill and the spaces around Fitzroy Street. People could sell the surplus to the Continental as the new owners want to source local produce.
I’d ban cars from parking on one side of Broadgate and make it a cycle lane.
I’d convert all the pubs that have closed down into sports and leisure centres for the kids to use.
I’d love the shop that used to be the bookies to re open as a greengrocers or Broadgate Cycles again.
And then for my, sorry our, three million pounds I’d build a walkway under Penwortham Bridge to link up with a paved and lighted path along the Ribble with a level crossing to get to the cinema.
If there was anything left over I’d build a small station at the Strand and open up the railway through the tunnel to Preston station and have a regular steam train service running along it.
And, of course, if we did get three million the BRAG Chair and Secretary would have to go on a fact finding mission to the Cayman Islands to investigate..err…well… facts.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Rebirth of A Much Loved Preston Pub
I got this newsletter from the 'New Continental':
Lets hope for sunshine on Saturday 16th August, so that we can sup in that beautiful beer garden and remember all those glorious summer days of the past!
Lets hope for sunshine on Saturday 16th August, so that we can sup in that beautiful beer garden and remember all those glorious summer days of the past!
Hello again and welcome to Continental's second newsletter. Some very exciting news this time; that's right, we now have a definite opening date.
Mark 12 noon 16th August (yes, that's this Saturday!) in your diary and we hope to see you then.If you read the first newsletter you may recall us mentioning the opening was dependent on the flooring being completed on time?
Well, our gallant team is working through the night to ensure that this happens and we have every faith in them.It has been hugely exciting for us seeing the place gradually come together. The furniture has arrived, the light fixtures have been installed and the conservatory now has windows, which is always a big plus in our book. We've also had bicycle stands fitted, got the garden up to scratch and 'Captain Coconuts' has now well and truly left the building - so long, sailor!
Best of all though, we have taken delivery of large quantities of quality beer, wine and spirits for your delectation and supping pleasure!
Our expertly trained chefs are on the premises, preparing the kitchen to deliver that mouth-watering menu we promised, and, believe me, I've seen it, it's going to be fantastic. The garden is looking rather fabulous (if we say so ourselves) and if we're lucky enough to have some good weather you'll be able to sit out and enjoy it for yourself. Failing that (this is 'The Great British Summer' after all) the outdoor covered area is ready and waiting, but the pub is looking so great on the inside that we think you'll be quite content to spend your visit indoors.
So, Saturday it is hope to see you there and tell all your friends.
Be excited now!
The Continental TeamPS: Don't forget to keep up with the latest news on Ruth's blog on
http://newcontinentalcouintdown.blogspot.com/
and on our website at
http://www.newcontinental.net/
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
What are you doing this Monday Night? (21st July 2008 at 7pm)
Perhaps you'd be interested in this wildlife walk organised by the Preston Birdwatching and Natural History Society?
Heres the message they sent to 'Broadgate is Great':
Why not give it a go - what else is there to do on a Monday night?
Perhaps you'd be interested in this wildlife walk organised by the Preston Birdwatching and Natural History Society?
Heres the message they sent to 'Broadgate is Great':
Would your readers be interested in a wildlife walk from the Tram Bridge, probably through the trees to Vernon's Lodge area, presumably part of the area that will constitute the new Country Park?
It's just one of our series of Monday evening ambles, but we'd be glad to see anyone who would like to come along with us - It's free. We'd be back by the river by 9.15pm at the latest, but anybody who needed an earlier finish could make their own way.
We leave promptly at 7pm, but we probably wouldn't take a lot of finding - we don't walk fast.
Hope to see you soon.
Steve Halliwell - Preston Bird Watching & Natural History Society.
Why not give it a go - what else is there to do on a Monday night?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
