Garstang

The ancient Lancashire market town of Garstang has a rich and varied history. The earliest written record of the settlement is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is referred to as 'Cherestanc', and it has played host to vibrant markets since the 1300s. In the early twentieth century, photographers produced charming postcards of the area, which now provide an important record of a bygone era. Local author John Askew has selected the best postcards from his own collection, and accompanied them with substantial, informative captions. From sunny market days, to the tranquil Royal Oak Field, or a long-gone tree or thatched cottage, each image represents a unique moment in time, as readers are taken on a wonderful pictorial tour through Garstang's past. Starting at the railway station, the tour passes through Catterall, Bowgreave and Bonds before reaching Garstang, and continues along the River Wyre, finishing in Barnacre and Nether Wyresdale.
There are many interesting accounts of long-ago incidents, such as the night in 1761 when Mr Styth's 'pretty house' burnt down, destroying the town's charter, and the disorderly bonfire nights when burning tar barrels were paraded through the streets. Together with an excellent introduction that tells the early history of Garstang, including accounts of the manor, market and fairs, this pictorial tour makes a unique, beautifully produced little book and will be fascinating reading for anybody interested in the history of the Garstang area.
 
The ancient Lancashire market town of Garstang has a rich and varied history. The earliest written record of the settlement is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is referred to as 'Cherestanc', and it has played host to vibrant markets since the 1300s. In the early twentieth century, photographers produced charming postcards of the area, which now provide an important record of a bygone era. Local author John Askew has selected the best postcards from his own collection, and accompanied them with substantial, informative captions. From sunny market days, to the tranquil Royal Oak Field, or a long-gone tree or thatched cottage, each image represents a unique moment in time, as readers are taken on a wonderful pictorial tour through Garstang's past. Starting at the railway station, the tour passes through Catterall, Bowgreave and Bonds before reaching Garstang, and continues along the River Wyre, finishing in Barnacre and Nether Wyresdale.
There are many interesting accounts of long-ago incidents, such as the night in 1761 when Mr Styth's 'pretty house' burnt down, destroying the town's charter, and the disorderly bonfire nights when burning tar barrels were paraded through the streets. Together with an excellent introduction that tells the early history of Garstang, including accounts of the manor, market and fairs, this pictorial tour makes a unique, beautifully produced little book and will be fascinating reading for anybody interested in the history of the Garstang area.