Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/345

 by the gentleman whose words have just been quoted and who was present on the occasion, was expended in procuring one day's festivity for the poor and needy, the aged and the young. About ten in the morning, the children of the township, amounting to one hundred and thirty-nine, assembled at the national school, erected near the church, where they were each presented with a coronation medal. Afterwards they paraded the beach, headed by two musicians, and sang the national anthem at all the principal houses, followed by ringing cheers; returning to the school-house, each child was regaled with a large bun, and spiced ale and coppers were distributed amongst them. When these had been dismissed to their homes, upwards of thirty old people met in the same room, where they sat down to an ample and excellent dinner, at the conclusion of which they each drank the king's health in a pint of strong ale. The same kind-hearted ladies who had superintended the children in the procession, waited on this venerable company, and had their generosity rewarded by witnessing the amusing spectacle of three old women, upwards of seventy, who had probably danced at the coronation of George III., go through a Scotch reel, which they accomplished in excellent style.

On the 21st of March, 1825, the first stone of a small Independent chapel, situated at the lower end of Chapel Street, and lying on the south extremity of the village, was laid by the Rev. D. T. Carnson, and on the 6th of the ensuing July it was opened for public worship by the Rev. Dr. Raffles.

The summer of 1827 is remarkable as having been an exceptionally prosperous season for Blackpool; vast numbers of carts and other vehicles laden with their living freights arrived from Blackburn, Burnley, Colne, Padiham, and the borders of Yorkshire, and during the month of August so crowded was the place that many were lodged in stables and barns, whilst others sought refuge at Poulton. The following year a fine gravel promenade was tastefully laid out on the sea bank to a considerable distance, occupying a large portion of the site of the old road. A beautiful green turf walk was constructed from the beach to the church, leading through pleasant fields, and furnished at intervals with covered seats. The Albion Hotel was also erected at the north-*west corner of Lane Ends Street.