From cannons to crispy chicken, ancient city street finds new life

With the recent opening of a 'Popeyes fast food outlet on Fishergate at the corner of Cannon Street, in the former Tessuti clothing store premises, the old thoroughfare was once again thrust into the spotlight

- writes Keith Johnson.

A couple of months ago the street was making the headlines following the fear of collapse and eventually demolition of the derelict shop premises Nos 14 -15 Cannon Street when curiosity compelled me to stroll along this ancient thoroughfare.

This is a street entrenched deep in Preston's history, it is where UCLan claim its root flourished when the 'Institute For The Diffusion Of Knowledge' opened its doors at No. 21 Cannon Street in November 1828 with its library of 700 books and 595 members. That organisation soon became known as the Mechanics Institute, moving in 1849 to their magnificent purpose-built premises facing Avenham Walk. In that period the Preston Waterworks Company operated from offices at No. 17 Cannon Street before removing to Church Street in 1851 and with the 'Preston Chronicle' being printed at No. 21 until it ceased publication in 1893 and the 'Preston Guardian' also printed on the street it was very much a hub of activity.

Not only was the street developing commercially but In July 1826, at its Cross Street end, the Congregational Church opened. It was enlarged in 1852 and again 1887 when its principle entrance was moved to Guildhall Street as it stretched between the two thoroughfares.

The church would prosper in the decades ahead, but a post war decline in congregation led to its closure in 1952. There is now no trace of the church which after being used for other purposes was eventually swept away and a towering office block called the Norwest Court built on the site.