Interesting Buildings in Preston

Some interesting buildings around Preston.

St George the Martyr Church



The church is right in the centre of Preston, but tucked away behind the St George's Centre and easy to miss. Presumably the centre gets its name from the church.

St Joseph's Orphanage


The orphanage was built in 1872, but closed in 1954. It continued as a hospital until 1988, and a carehome to 2003, but has been derelict since them.

Tower House and Avenham Towers


This was built in the 1850s as three houses, but designed to look like one in an Italian style.

Avenham Colonnade


This attractive row of houses is just off Avenham Park. The road slopes significantly, but the roof line is level, so each goes gets taller as you look left.

Not sure why it is called a colonnade - there is no sign of a column!

Harris Institute - School of Art


Note sure what this is nowadays!

Winkley Square


Winkley Square is perhaps Preston's most famous historical area. Buildings round the square vary considerably in their age; some look very modern.

Methodist Church


The church has a most impressive entrance. I am not aware of any of church is that style.

The Black Horse


The Black Horse is perhaps the most interesting pub in Preston, but you have to go inside to see it properly. The circular bar is remarkable.

Shrine Church of St. Walburge's, Preston


This Roman Catholic church dates from 1854, and is notable for having the highest church spire in the country (I think there are two taller cathedral spires).

The end seen on the right is a sanctuary that was built twenty years later, hence the redder brick.

The Globe Pub


Now a Chinese restaurant.

Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Preston Free Public Library


Opened in 1893, partly using funds from Edmund Robert Harris, whose name appears all over Preston.

Miller Arcade


Miller Arcade was built in 1899, and included a hotel, spa and Turkish baths. Underneath, there were public conveniences accessed from the fenced off area visible in the image. 

I have heard the upper floors are empty, and some shop space is empty too. It is, in my view, a beautiful building, and it would be a shame to see it fall into disrepair; at the moment it appears in good condition.

Preston Bus Station


Built 1968-9, the bus station is one of the finest examples of Brutalist architecture. The front, seen above, has recently been re-developed into an attractive pedestrian area - previously buses would use both sides.




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