Welcome to Preston’s Wonderful Winckley Square

Welcome to ‘Preston’s Hidden Gem’. Winckley Square is in the city centre, a short stroll from Fishergate. It is unique and one of the finest examples of a Georgian square in the NW with a compelling history.

Merry Christmas from the Friends of Winckley Square. Here is  a link to our latest newsletter: Twinckley Square Times: Issue 33: Summer 2024 It contains a PART 2 of the article by Michael Akers ” A MONUMENTAL DECISION: 14th EARL OF DERBY, EDWARD SMITH STANLEY 1799-1869″.

Why not join us for one of our Christmas events. This year is a NEW talk by Susan Douglass on 2nd and 12th December and our annual Christmas Concert on 15th December.    2nd December “Three Winckley Edwardian Christmases”. Enjoy a cosy Christmassy afternoon. For the last two years, Susan has given a Christmas talk. 2022 was “Three Winckley Georgian Christmases” and 2023 “Three Victorian Christmases”. They are such a huge success that we offer the talk twice. Be greeted by Christmas Carols whilst you enjoy a mince pie, mulled wine (0%) or hot chocolate, sitting in the very comfortable seats from the former Gaumont Cinema. The afternoon includes an Edwardian Christmas slide show followed by the Three Edwardian Christmases Talk. (link to 12th December) 

Twinckley Square Christmas Concert 15th December  FREE family event. 

Wondering what to buy for a Christmas  present? Why not consider a ‘Friend of Winckley Square Gift Voucher’ for lovers of local history? £5 and £10 vouchers are available that can be used on our guided walks or talks. Contact patricia@winckley.org.uk

Our  Going on a date: City Centre datestone walk  is a lively, fun, interesting activity to do in Preston’s historic centre, for individuals and for families spanning the generations. Here is a link to the Datestone Locations but don’t cheat and download this  before you go on the walk – that would be far too easy! ENJOY. The reprint of this very popular City Centre Walk has been sponsored by LCC. You can pick up a paper copy at the Avenham Pavilion Cafe, Town Hall, Harris Library, Central Methodist Church, Lune Street and some local shops.

The Friends of Winckley Square look forward to seeing you at one of our events. 

Kids and teacher running through Winckley Square in Preston
Local schoolchildren were the first to run through the Square when it was reopened.

Visitor Information

Here you will find important information on how to get here, accessibility and how to hire the Gardens.

Find out more

For all events see 'What's On' & 'Walks and Talks'

Three Edwardian Christmases
Event

Three Edwardian Christmases in Winckley Square (Talk)

Central Methodist Church Lune Street, Winckley Square, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2NL

2nd December 2024 | 2:00 PM

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Three Edwardian Christmases
Event

Three Edwardian Christmases in Winckley Square: TALK

Central Methodist Church Lune Street, Preston, PR1 2NL

12th December 2024 | 2:00 PM

Find out more

People

Edith Rigby, second from the left, walking on a Pier

Edith Rigby, second from the left, walking on a Pier

Meet some of the former residents: the wealthy lawyers and cotton manufacturers, the sometimes invisible ‘extraordinary women’ and the unsung servants on whom the owners depended.

Minnie as a young woman

Minnie as a young woman

Learn too of scandalous stories that occurred behind closed doors!

Visit our people page

Buildings

The Winckley Club & The Literary and Philosophical Institute of 1846

Buildings

Read the fascinating stories of some of the properties. Buildings designed as homes later transformed into schools educating almost 2,000 pupils in their heyday.

View our historical buildings
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