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.

Here is  a link to our latest newsletter: Winckley Square Times: Issue 31: Spring 2024 It contains a great article by Steve Harrison ” WINCKLEY SQUARE: AT THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT/ EDUCATION IN ENGLAND”. Dates for your diary 9 Spring Friends of Winckley Square Guided Walks.  See Page 4 of the newsletter for more information. They will be put on the Trybooking website soon.

Thinking of buying a birthday 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.

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 Lancashire County Council. 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. We are very grateful to Lancashire County Council for sponsoring a reprint of the walk.

 

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'

Guided Walk

“Preston It’s a Gas!” Winckley Square Guided Walk

Start Centre Winckley Square Gardens Starkie House, Winckley Square, Preston, England PR1 3JJ

1st May 2024 | 2:00 PM

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Cornelia Peacock
Guided Walk

Extraordinary Women of Winckley Square Guided Walk

Meet Centre of Winckley Square Gardens Winckley Square , Winckley Square, Preston, England PR1 3JJ

8th May 2024 | 2:00 PM

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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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