Catherine Rothwell – författare

Fleetwood, a pictorial history.

Liverpool in Old Photographs brings to life the history of a famous port and city over the past century. Concentrating on its varied shipping and unparalleled waterfront, its historic streets and buildings of outstanding architectural interest, together with the lives of ordinary citizens, this well-illustrated book affords an opportunity to look back on what has now become a 'city of change and challenge'. Driven by poverty, cholera and unemployment, thousands flocked to the city in the 19th century, hoping to either settle there or to use it as a springboard to a better life through the cheap means of escape offered by the shipping companies. Jobs in the New World and wealth in the Australian gold fields beckoned, but overcrowding resulted in slums developing alongside some of the finest buildings in Europe. Pride in achievement and strength in adversity, coupled with grit and humour, characterise this 'Scouse' port, imbuing it with a phoenix-like quality of survival. This book, with over 200 photographs tells a great story.

There can be no better example of Victorian enterprise than the amazing success story of Blackpool whose pioneering spirit embodied all the unflagging, indomitable confidence of that age - "He who dares wins". This was the watchword, and bold publicity coupled with diligent application of the town's motto "Progress" proved it to be true.There were great natural advantages: 7 miles of flat, golden sands washed twice daily by no ordinary sea but "the bounding main". With the help of the railways, equally confident and zealous, the workers were speedily brought from sprawling, industrial areas and once in, they were captivated. Here was splendour in buildings and interiors envisaged only in fairy tales. Here was safe bathing (all the rage) and the facilities that went with it. Here was a cornucopia of entertainment and daylong merriment extending into night. Every Bank Holiday after the opening of Blackpool Tower signalled some new and entrancing addition to the pleasure domes. The crowds came in their thousands year after year, as children, with their own children, and with their grandchildren, to "wonderful Blackpool, the most progressive resort under the flag".This book is a truly wonderful record of the growth of Blackpool into the national treasure it is today.

Clitheroe is a thriving town situated in the heart of Great Britain: nearby Dunsop Bridge has been officially recognised as the Centre of the Kingdom. The town's Norman castle - one of the oldest stone buildings in Lancashire - hints at the eight hundred years of history that have shaped this region. Catherine Rothwell has chosen over two hundred photographs to create a vivid impression of life in Clitheroe and the surrounding area over the last century. The collection encompasses Pendle Hill (centre of Lancashire Witch country), Whalley and its ancient Cistercian abbey, the Ribble valley's other capital - Longridge, Roman Ribchester, picturesque villages - as unspoilt today as they were a hundred years ago, and of Britain's last wildernesses - the Forest of Bowland. "Around Clitheroe" will evoke nostalgic memories for many, and will give pleasure to all who love this unrivalled part of Lancashire, residents and visitors alike.