Discover Preesall: Cultural and Salt-Mining History

Preesall-with-Hackensall lies on the eastern bank of the River Wyre. The town’s history ranges from an early written mention to salt mining and historic buildings. Preesall is mentioned in the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086. In the wider regional context, the River Wyre connects the Forest of Bowland with Morecambe Bay.

Salt Mining and Local History

Rock salt was discovered in Preesall on the eastern bank of the River Wyre in 1872. The Preesall mine was the region’s only rock-salt producer. The last recorded production dates to 1930; the mine was abandoned shortly afterwards. The year 1930 therefore marks the last production, not the abandonment of the mine.

Buildings and Architecture

The Church of St Oswald was built in 1896 by Austin and Paley. In the nave, the ceiling follows the curve of its arch braces to form a barrel vault. This architectural feature therefore specifically concerns the nave’s ceiling. Parrox Hall features panelling of a 17th-century type, as well as woodwork from the early 18th century. Preesall Mill adds to the local architectural history as a circular windmill tower made of rendered brickwork, dating from 1839. This lets you distinguish the examples by their structure and fittings rather than comparing dates alone.

Memorial and Landscape History

The Preesall and Knott End War Memorial is a Grade II listed monument commemorating the victims of the First World War. It was unveiled on 3 October 1920 and commemorates 33 local servicemen who died in the First World War; the names of six Second World War casualties were added later. The memorial stands on The Mount, also known as Hakon’s Mound. The site is believed to be an ancient earthwork; it may also be a mill mound or a garden feature.

Lowry Connections in Knott End

A sculpture dedicated to L. S. Lowry stands on the Knott End promenade, near the ferry landing. Lowry frequently visited the area in the 1940s and 1950s, making sketches and paintings of views across the River Wyre towards Fleetwood. The two connections are distinct: the sculpture is dedicated to the artist, while the river views are among his own works.

Walking and Ferry Crossing

Nearby, Knott End can serve as a starting point for the Wyre Way circular route; the route crosses the River Wyre there by ferry. Knott End is therefore both a possible starting point and the location of the ferry crossing. Check that the ferry is operating before setting out. On 11 May 2024, Wyre Council described the G8.3 Preesall Salt Mines circular route as passing through fields, over stiles and along country lanes to sites connected with local salt mining.

Discover more destinations: Hornby, Ormskirk, Pilling, Up Holland, Samlesbury, Waterloo, Hoghton, Morecambe

For the wider travel guide: Lancashire.