Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/453

 houses, the occupants of 75 of which were employed chiefly in agriculture, and of 55 in trade, fishing, or handicraft, those of the remaining 128 being unclassified. Three years later the Wheat Sheaf Inn and a wide range of thatched buildings adjoining were demolished, and after leaving the spacious opening, called Dicconson Terrace, leading down to the beach, several improved dwellings and a billiard-room were placed on the remainder of the ground. The greater part of the marine frontage had been levelled, and efforts commenced to lay out a species of walk or promenade. The houses standing along the shore line were usually hired furnished by families for varying periods, at prices from one and a half to three guineas per week, their value being estimated by the number of bed-rooms, each of which represented ten shillings and sixpence a week. Other villas in the watering-*place were similarly let, but lodgings could be procured amongst the humble cottages on a weekly payment of four shillings and sixpence by each individual. The prices at the hotels for board and lodging, exclusive of wine and liquors, were—at the Clifton Arms, seven shillings a day in private, and six shillings in public; the Commercial, five shillings and sixpence; and the Ship, a new inn erected since 1820, three shillings and sixpence. Of trades and professions in the village there were three milliners, six drapers, three boot and shoe makers, five joiners and cabinet makers, one druggist, two blacksmiths, one ship carpenter, one custom-house officer, one tide-waiter, one corn miller, three butchers, five grocers, two coal dealers, one confectioner, one surgeon, one attorney, and one clergyman. In addition it should be mentioned that a solitary ladies' seminary had been established within the previous twelve months. "I recollect," says Mr. Whittle, in his Marina, "visiting Lytham during July, 1824, when Mr. Lardner's troop of comedians were performing in what was termed the 'New Theatre, Lytham,' Cibber's admired comedy of a 'Journey to London, or a Bold Push for a Fortune,' and the laughable farce of the 'Irish Tutor, or New Lights.' The chief of the stage business was done by the Lardners, consisting of father, mother, son, and daughter. Likenesses were also taken in miniature by Mr. Lardner, senior, at from two to five guineas each! and the polite art of dancing taught by Lardner, junior. We saw in succession performed Morton's