The Blackpool Sanatorium for Infectious Diseases and the Health of Blackpool. 1/ Late 1876 to early 1900’s. There were two sanatoriums – (sanatoria if preferred) –for infectious diseases in Blackpool. The first was constructed,...
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George Washington Williams 1849-1891
Soldier, preacher, politician, lawyer, historian, traveller, public speaker, lecturer, champion of his race and stern critic of the established inertia towards the resolution of worldwide slavery, especially within the American and African continents. Born...
Pauline Rivers
Pauline Rivers Danseuse, Maitresse de ballet, choreographer and creator of the lasting children’s ballet at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. In the theatre industry publication, the Era of 27th October 1926; ‘Madame Pauline Rivers is...
The Actors’ Chapel St Stephen on the Cliffs North Shore Blackpool 1928
As the suspicion of the Church towards the stage persisted, the Actress could always say to the Bishop with innuendo, “…..” The creation of an Actors’ Chapel within the church of St Stephen’s in...
Lawrence Wright, ‘Mr Tin Pan Alley’, Music Publisher, Showman, Song Writer and flamboyant publicist.
Lawrence Wright showman, song writer and publisher, ‘was to popular music as was as Edward Elgar was to classical music,’ spoken no doubt with the concept of the Land of Hope and Glory during...
The Shooting of Madeleine Cuisinaud
Of The Flying Alizés Blackpool June 1938 An Account of the Tragedy of Love’s Mutual Selfishness Madeleine is a member of the Flying Alizés trapeze act performing for the summer season at the Tower...
Johnnie Hayes and the unusual story of the HMS Fidelity
31/12/2022 is the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the HMS Fidelity. When the ship was torpedoed and sunk, among the crew was Johnnie (Jack) Hayes, Blackpool resident and former pupil of Palatine school....
Cecilia Wright
Opera singer, vaudeville entertainer, sports reporter, aviatrix and adopted daughter of the US Navy. Introduction While researching the life of Cecilia Loftus, vaudeville artiste and famed mimic, who had an education at Layton convent...
More Names and Stories from Blackpool’s History
Pioneering surgeon, Dr Charles Clay; Blackpool’s first Chief Constable John Dereham; tramway engineers John and Angus Cameron; Alice Ashworth, last landlady of the original Gynn Hotel. Dr Charles Clay Eminent physician, surgeon and gynaecologist...