Cars and shoppers shared the space as they looked for bargains in the 1940s on the open air market that bordered Market Street, Church Street, Corporation Street and West Street, an area now given over to a multi storey car park and Bhs store. Looking towards Church Street "Buy UCP Tripe" urged the sign on that company's wall and names now gone include Maypole, Nevilles, Stead & Simpson and H Johns and Son. Still with us today, at either end of the picture, are H Samuel jewellers and the Grand Theatreplaceholder image
Cars and shoppers shared the space as they looked for bargains in the 1940s on the open air market that bordered Market Street, Church Street, Corporation Street and West Street, an area now given over to a multi storey car park and Bhs store. Looking towards Church Street "Buy UCP Tripe" urged the sign on that company's wall and names now gone include Maypole, Nevilles, Stead & Simpson and H Johns and Son. Still with us today, at either end of the picture, are H Samuel jewellers and the Grand Theatre | National World

48 ancient archive images of 1940s and 1950s Blackpool, from landmarks to locals eight decades ago

Claire Lark
By Claire Lark

Digital Journalist

Published 12th Aug 2024, 11:40 GMT

I often wonder what it was like to live in Blackpool years ago.

Things have changed so much - the landscape, the infrastructure - have the people changed? Society certainly has.

Blackpool as a seaside resort has never faltered though, it’s still as enticing as ever and while many of us opt for the beaches abroad, Blackpool still offers that classic British seaside feel. These pictures remember how our resort was in the 40s and 50s...

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For all your Blackpool nostalgia needs - sign up for the Gazette’s retro newsletter.

During World War Two white stripes were painted on trees to make them visible to traffic and pedestrians in the blackout. Today this view of Harrowside looking towards the Farmers Arms and Highfield Road is still recognisable. Although the trees have gone the grass remains and the "halt" sign has been replaced by traffic lights

13. Blackpool, 1940

During World War Two white stripes were painted on trees to make them visible to traffic and pedestrians in the blackout. Today this view of Harrowside looking towards the Farmers Arms and Highfield Road is still recognisable. Although the trees have gone the grass remains and the "halt" sign has been replaced by traffic lights | National World

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Evacuees travelled by train to Blackpool at the beginning of World War Two. Hundreds of children were given new homes to escape the blitz in other North West towns and cities

14. Blackpool, 1940s

Evacuees travelled by train to Blackpool at the beginning of World War Two. Hundreds of children were given new homes to escape the blitz in other North West towns and cities | library

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Fulwood reader Mrs Margaret Smith is in the centre of this photo taken at the Royal Lancs Show on Stanley Park, Blackpool in the late 1940s or early 50s. Speedwell Tool Co, which was founded by her parents, William and Lilian Bamber, used to be in Preston's Meadow Street. Our contributor's late brother Raymond is on the far right

15. Blackpool, 1940s

Fulwood reader Mrs Margaret Smith is in the centre of this photo taken at the Royal Lancs Show on Stanley Park, Blackpool in the late 1940s or early 50s. Speedwell Tool Co, which was founded by her parents, William and Lilian Bamber, used to be in Preston's Meadow Street. Our contributor's late brother Raymond is on the far right | National World

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Deck chairs dominate in this 1940s summer view of Fleetwood Marine Hall which has been the town's central seafront attraction for many years. The Hall was opened in 1935 and has been the premier entertainment venue for Wyre ever since

16. Blackpool, 1940s

Deck chairs dominate in this 1940s summer view of Fleetwood Marine Hall which has been the town's central seafront attraction for many years. The Hall was opened in 1935 and has been the premier entertainment venue for Wyre ever since | National World

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Pauline Nicholls (nee Merrill) (left), an unknown male and Joyce Gardiner dive from the five metre board at Derby Baths, Blackpool, in the early 1940s

17. Blackpool, 1940s

Pauline Nicholls (nee Merrill) (left), an unknown male and Joyce Gardiner dive from the five metre board at Derby Baths, Blackpool, in the early 1940s | National World

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Army trucks moving snow from the Promenade onto the beach Blackpool 1940s

18. Blackpool, 1940s

Army trucks moving snow from the Promenade onto the beach Blackpool 1940s | National World

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