Footballers who became landlords

The Sailors Home, Marsh Lane, Preston, landlord Mr. Edmund (Edward) Ormerod. Image kindly provided by Margaret Simpson who is a direct descendant of the Proprietor Mr. Edmund (Edward) Ormerod who is seen standing in the doorway.

The series, Talks in the Park, focuses on the old and ancient inns, taverns and beer houses that lined the streets of Victorian Preston.

The first instalment, Invincibles to INN-vincibles, explores the fascinating story of former Preston North End players who went on to try their hand at being pub landlords.

Steve has spent more than 10 years cataloguing information for his blog about the hotel and pub industry in the city, prior to 1904 – including anecdotes, photos and newspaper clippings.

He has researched the area extensively revealing that there were well over 700 pubs in Preston before 1900.

The blog has had more than 160,000 views over the space of a year and many of its visitors have been able to trace the role their ancestors played in the industry.

The talks will take place alternate Wednesday evenings throughout July, August and September in the Avenham Park Pavilion.

Steve will share his extraordinary knowledge of Preston’s past including a look at the city’s better known inns and taverns, where their names came from and a look at the growth of the city and its watering holes.

The first talk starts at 7.30pm tomorrow at the  Avenham Park Pavilion and costs £2, payable on the door – the café will be open before the talk begins.

For more information call Steve Halliwell on 01772 768637 or email [email protected].

Steve’s blog can be found at http://pubsinpreston.blogspot.co.uk.