Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/458

 effected by its fury was the overthrow of this pile, which was subsequently re-erected on the Star Hills, far removed from the destructive influence of the waves, and perhaps more efficacious, from its greater elevation, as a beacon. During the year 1848 a Market Hall was built on an open space, formerly the ornamental garden referred to in a late page. In the month of June the edifice was completed and ready for use, being constructed of brick and supplied with stalls for various articles, such as fish, vegetables, toys, etc. The tower was elevated in 1872 to receive a large clock, the gift of Lady Eleanor Cecily Clifton, and during the following twelve months additional dials and illuminative power were added. The Hall is prettily situated in an enclosure of elm trees.

Another church, dedicated to St. John, was erected on the east beach in 1848-9, and consecrated on the 11th September, 1850. The site was granted by John Talbot Clifton, esq., who retains the patronage of the living, and the expense of construction defrayed by subscription. The edifice is of stone, and includes a nave, side aisles, transepts, chancel, porch, and tower, surmounted by a lofty spire. The side aisles are separated from the nave by pointed arches on circular columns. The chancel has since been enlarged. Within the church are several memorial windows, one of which, in the west end, is in memory of "James and Elizabeth Fair, who died August 16, 1871, and July 27, 1867," inserted by their children. By the side of this is a smaller stained window to Mr. Bannerman by his widow. The east window of the chancel is magnificently illuminated, and another, lighting the scholars' chapel on the south of that part, was placed by the Rev. W. H. Self "to his wife, Mary, ob. 1859." The windows in the north and south transepts are, respectively, to "Thomas Miller, ob. 1865," and "Thomas Clifton, ob. 1851." There are no mural tablets. The organ was presented by William Bradshaw Swainson, esq., of Cooper Hill, near Preston, "as a tribute of affection, in memory of his mother, Catherine Swainson, who died at Lytham on the 1st of February, 1848." The instrument was enlarged by the aid of public contributions in 1874. The lectern was presented by Margaret Ellen Clifford, the second wife of the Rev. W. H. Self, in memoriam of her mother, Mrs. Hannah Biddell, in 1867. The tower contains a peal of six bells. An