About Fleetwood in Lancashire
Fleetwood is a town and civil parish within the Wyre district of Lancashire, England. It lies at the northwest tip of the Fylde, on the coast of the Irish Sea. Fleetwood acquired its modern character in the early 19th century, when it was founded as a fishing port by Peter Fleetwood, a local landowner. The town grew rapidly in the second half of the 19th century, when it became a prominent holiday resort. More recently, it has become known as a dormitory town for the nearby cities of Preston and Manchester.
The town's name is derived from its founder's surname. The original village of Fleetwood was situated on a small hill overlooking the Wyre estuary, and had a population of around 500 in the early 19th century. In 1839, Peter Fleetwood inherited Poulton Hall and estate from his uncle, Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood. Sir Peter had been one of the first investors in the new port of Liverpool, and he saw the potential for a similar development at Fleetwood.
In 1839, Fleetwood began construction of a new harbour, which was completed in 1841. The harbour allowed for larger ships to dock at the town, and soon became a busy fishing port. The town's population grew rapidly in the 1840s and 1850s, reaching around 5,000 by 1860. The growth of Fleetwood as a holiday resort began in 1847, when a railway line from Preston was extended to the town. This made it much easier for visitors to reach Fleetwood from Lancashire's industrial towns and cities.
The first large hotel in Fleetwood was the Mount Hotel, which was built in 1848. Other hotels soon followed, and by the end of the 19th century, Fleetwood was a popular destination for holidaymakers from across Lancashire and Yorkshire. The town's promenade and seafront were developed in the 1850s, and Fleetwood's first pier was built in 1858.
The 20th century saw further growth for Fleetwood as a holiday resort. The town's second pier was built in 1908, and its tramway system was extended to Blackpool in 1912. In World War II, Fleetwood was used as a base for minesweepers and other vessels involved in the Battle of the Atlantic. After the war, tourism continued to be an important part of the town's economy.
Today, Fleetwood is still a popular holiday destination, with a wide range of hotels, guest houses, and self-catering accommodation available. The town also has a number of attractions, including its two piers, Marine Hall & Gardens, and the Mount Pavilion Theatre.
