Formby, Freshfield and Altcar: Images of England

Formby and its environs have a history dating back to before the Domesday Book. For most of this period it was a small, isolated village, but after the coming of the railway it grew in search and importance. This collections provides a pictorial record of the last century or so of Formby’s existence and charts the changes in buildings, street, employment, leisure and society. According to local legend, the first potatoes grown in England were planted here, taken from a wrecked ship. The importance of agriculture and land management has persisted since. Prize-winning asparagus was grown here until fairly recent times and management and protection of the extensive sand dunes continues today. In addition to the ‘traditional’ picture-postcard views of the town, this intriguing selection of archive photographs portrays the everyday life, work and leisure of Formby’s inhabitants. Not surprisingly, the sea has played a significant role and this is recognised by a chapter devoted to the marine rescue services. Formby’s lifeboat station was the first in the country, a fact discovered and researched by the authors in their first book. The importance of Freshfield sands in pioneer aviation and of the coastal defences in two world wars is also not forgotten. Many of the photographs included here come from the albums of members of the Formby Society, who have also contributed valuable information to the captions, which are rich in historical detail and anecdotes. This nostalgic compilation is sure to appeal to all those who know Formby, Freshfield and Altcar.