Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/94

 in Lancashire, admitting, as from a central point, excursions by land and water in all directions, amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the empire. A couple of hours steaming takes the tourist across Morecambe Bay to the Furness capital, and into the heart of a district of surpassing interest. Charming indeed is Fleetwood in the height of the summer, with its cool sands, northern aspect, and delightful prospects. First there is a noble bay in front, an ocean of itself when the tide is in; and when it is out offering firm sands of vast extent, for riding or walking." Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, bart., of Rossall Hall, lord of the manor, and founder of the town to which he gave his name, was returned on four occasions as one of the parliamentary representatives of Preston:—

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR PRESTON.

1832.—Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, and the Hon. Henry Thos. Stanley. 1835.—Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, and the Hon. Henry Thos. Stanley. 1837.—Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, and Robert Townley Parker. 1841.—Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, Bart., and Sir Geo. Strickland, Bart.

The year 1840 was an auspicious one in the history of the Fylde. On the 25th of July, the Preston and Wyre Railway, running through the heart of this district, was completed and declared open for traffic. By its means the farmer became enabled to convey his produce to the extensive market of Preston; and Kirkham, Poulton, and Garstang were no longer the only towns accessible to our agriculturists for the sale of their crops. The early appreciation of the utility and benefit of the line is apparent from the rapid increase of its traffic, as shown by the annexed tables, in which the official returns of passengers and goods for the week ending Dec. 14th, 1842, and the corresponding weeks of the four succeeding years are stated:—

Week ending Dec. 14th, 1842. 911 Passengers. £65 10s. 5d. Goods. 62 8   1                                                  -                                                   127 18   6                                                  - Corresponding week in 1843. 1105 Passengers. 88 1   6                                    Goods. 140 11  9                                                  -                                                   228 13   3                                                  -