17 lost scenes of Blackpool in the 1940s

Many of these pictures are from the Gazette’s Glass Plates Photography Archives.

By Claire Lark

Published 11th Jul 2023, 12:00 BST

Updated 11th Jul 2023, 13:25 BST

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They’re rare and are an important window to our resort’s past. They reflect a decade in Blackpool from the war years to when Blackpool resurfaced at the start of its glory years. There’s a brilliant shot of Church Street in the rain, a spitfire in the town centre and a chimney where Grange Park is now, being demolished

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Church Street close to the junction of Bank Hey Street, with the familiar site of The Grand Theatre ( in the centre) and H Samuels (on the right)

1. Blackpool in the 1940s

Church Street close to the junction of Bank Hey Street, with the familiar site of The Grand Theatre ( in the centre) and H Samuels (on the right) Photo: staff

Blackpool Tower frontage in the 1940s - it was the 'Wonderland of the World'

2. Blackpool in the 1940s

Blackpool Tower frontage in the 1940s - it was the 'Wonderland of the World' Photo: staff

Army trucks moving snow from the Promenade onto the beach

3. Blackpool in the 1940s

Army trucks moving snow from the Promenade onto the beach Photo: staff

Robb Wilton, stage and radio comedian in Blackpool

4. Blackpool in the 1940s

Robb Wilton, stage and radio comedian in Blackpool Photo: staff

Brickworks chimney felling in Blackpool - thought to be where Grange Park is now - undated but probably the 1940s

5. Blackpool in the 1940s

Brickworks chimney felling in Blackpool - thought to be where Grange Park is now - undated but probably the 1940s Photo: staff

This German Messerschmitt, shot down by a World War Two British fighter plane, arrived in Church Street Blackpool . It was on it's way to the old St John's Market site to raise money for the Spitfire Fund

6. Blackpool in the 1940s

This German Messerschmitt, shot down by a World War Two British fighter plane, arrived in Church Street Blackpool . It was on it's way to the old St John's Market site to raise money for the Spitfire Fund Photo: library

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