Demolition of Preston Public Hall P.H.S. (1999) and the final days of Saul Street Baths

[@Buffalo31]

Thanks for this history lesson. I've only lived in Preston for nearly 3 years and always thought that the now pub looked unoriginal with its odd shaped walls from the back.

[@PaulStClair-hq7fw]

I sang with several school choirs + full symphony orchestra about 1958 at the public Hall. I also watched the Beatles on their first UK tour. Learnt to swim at Saul st Baths. Ah, old memories.

[@JC-cb4oz]

The Public Hall was demolished in 1986, not 1999 as the video title suggests, leaving only the front elevation of which is now a pub and has been for some years. The organ was dismantled by Nicholson's and put into storage and has since been used, albeit not in its entirety, in a new organ in Edinburgh.

[@sarahshields1232]

I thought the footage looked a lot older

[@jappychap2003]

How many other northern towns and cities allowed their equivalent of the Town Hall to rot away? Very few. They are now restored to the benefit of the place. I have fond memories of it. Not so Saul Street baths - I was terrified of water and couldn't swim. Never learnt at school. (My wife taught me in my 30's). The pictures of the entrance and passageways still send a shiver down my spine.

[@PrestonVisualArchive]

Thanks for the comment John - I concur. Hated Saul Street Baths too. Are you the John Preston who was a regular contributor to the Lancashire Evening Post?

[@jappychap2003]

No, not me I'm afraid. Born and bred there though, from 1948 to 1971. Pop back sometimes, parts have changed beyond recognition. My old area of Broadgate still seems much the same.

[@PNEKarl]

Cracking surname you have John! Nice one.

[@spinaway]

It's the eyesores in church street that need demolishing, not beautiful buildings like these.

[@PNEKarl]

I love it! I learnt to swim at Brinscall baths but spent my early teen years in Saul Street baths. Thanks for the memories.

[@MrHeesbeen]

The Public Hall had a superb giant of an organ, donated by a Preston businessman. Alas, it was not maintained and allowed to become derelict and unplayable. I worked for over 12 years in the building that stood on the site of Saul Street Baths. I remember the baths used to have a floor covering the main plunge in winter and concerts would be held.

[@danielhacking9420]

I used to sing every year in the Christmas schools choir service in the 60s. Then in the early 70s saw David Bowie perform here ,wonderful memories

[@oskarcollison1801]

The Beatles performed live here twice in Oct 1962 and May 1963

[@dischargesummary8794]

hello my name isnt steven were you there?

[@cosmic4037]

I learned to swim there. A smaller warmer pool seperate to one side of baths. Changing rooms wood doors and feet washes. You would walk through the girls changing rooms to get to the big or little pool. Our teacher would always hurry us through lol. Great days...sad to see its been demolished. I came last in scouts swimming contest here for first Preston...another thing list to the sands of time.

[@cosmic4037]

Must add....once you had learned to swim. The teachers would move you to the big pool to get your bronze medal, (once across the width of the Large pool). To the gold medal one length and back....Also remember that no one wanted to go from the learners pool. Its water and air was warm and inviting. The main pool was always cold.

[@j_c2225]

There is no way these clips are from 1999. The cars look like they’re from the 60s

[@rolandbamber650]

Saul St baths wow.

[@MrKmoconne]

What happened to the pipe organ?

[@michaelcollins6935]

My sister saw Led Zeppelin at Preston Public Hall.

[@dischargesummary8794]

Michael Collins lol......

[@spinaway]

where did the organ go?

[@owenturner6358]

Into store in Halifax for many years and suffered damage there I believe. It is now a major component of a new organ built in Edinburgh Catholic cathedral. It has lost its integrity being merely source material for something else but at least it didn't go for scrap.