Arnold School fields were being used for army training, evacuees were welcomed to the safety of the seaside and Blackpool experienced one of its heaviest snowfalls on record. These pictures go back more than 80 years and provide a glimpse into our resort’s past including street scenes, shops and public transport.
In case you missed them: 41 evocative Blackpool pictures from the 1970s and 1980s including street scenes, football trouble and nightclubs
1. Blackpool, 1940
One of Blackpool's most famous meeting places got a new frontage in 1940. The venue, in Talbot Square, is now (1999) the home of Trilogy Photo: submit
3. Blackpool, 1940
Blackpool Home Guard training on the beach, October 1940 Photo: library
5. Blackpool, 1940
The Pensions Department of the Ministry of Health adapt to their luxurious new offices in the solarium of a Blackpool hotel, 5th January 1940. The entire ministry has been relocated during World War II Photo: Fox Photos
6. Blackpool, 1940
A little evacuee from the East End of London plays on the sands at Blackpool in Lancashire Photo: Fox Photos