Discover our past
Winckley Square Heritage
Winckley Square is a key part of Preston’s history. It was the brainchild of local lawyer William Cross.
It marked the first planned residential expansion of Preston at the beginning of the 19th Century. William Cross purchased Town End Field from the Winckley estate in 1796. Winckley Street, Winckley Place and subsequently Winckley Square have been named after the Winckley family which had been in Preston since the 16th Century.
It was originally established and developed as a restricted, exclusive residential area around an enclosed square it was subsequently laid out as a series of individual private gardens for the residents.
Winckley Square later became open gardens for the public to enjoy. Some of the residents still own their individual garden plots which are leased to the City Council. Read more about the history of the gardens.
People
Read the fascinating, sad, happy, inspirational, astounding, appalling but never mundane stories of men, women and children with connections to Winckley Square.
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Scandalous Stories
The word scandal takes on different meanings over time. Yesterday’s scandal can be today’s normal. Read what shocked our forebears.
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Buildings and Regulations
Many of the earliest buildings on the Square are still standing. Versatility over time and the quality of construction have been key to their survival.
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Townscape Heritage
The townscape we see around is our heritage. Read how more of the area’s buildings are being saved and brought back to life.
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