Blackpool History, Mystery, Heritage and Hauntings

Let us explore the history of Blackpool's Palatine Buildings! A prime corner site on Blackpool’s Central Promenade is undergoing a complete reconstruction to create the resort’s first five star hotel and a museum detailing Blackpool’s rich history.   1866 - Palatine Buildings, Palatine Hotel, and The Palatine Buildings were constructed onthe Promenade this year, just to the south of the Royal Hotel, and in 1879, the 120-bed Palatine Hotel wasbuilt next door, on the corner with Bank Hey Street. Queens Terrace – a row of houses built in 1848 – was demolished to make way. The Palatine had its own ballroom, lounge bar, new lounge, and dining saloon. For a short time, it was known as the Palatine Family and Commercial Hotel, but by 1883, had reverted to its shorter name. Queen’s Terrace and the Royal Hotel stables block had stood on the site previously.                   ...

The oldest trees in the woodland were planted in the mid 19 th century by a local landlord who favoured native trees. The landlord passed the site into council ownership in 1925 for the use of the people of Lytham. Towards the end of the 20 th century little management of the site was carried out, until in 2002, Fylde Borough Council (FBC) instigated the Friends of Green Drive (FoGD) and produced a management plan for the site. Postcard from circa 1900... The site is a 1km long corridor of mixed age deciduous woodland. The oldest trees, Oak, Beech and Lime, were planted in the mid 19 th Century. Native flora and fauna abound, but exotic species are also present. Some, like the cultivated daffodils, were planted. There are also some garden escapees like Himalayan Balsam. Beech, Ash and Sycamore regenerate readily and Oak regenerates where the top soil is humus rich. A number of felled Elm and Sycamore now form thick coppice st...