St Annes-on-the-Sea Land & Building Company
During the 1870s the then Squire (John Talbot Clifton, residing at Lytham Hall) and his wife Lady Eleanor Clifton owned the land that is now St Annes-on-the-Sea as well as much of the surrounding areas. In 1872-3 (what is now known as) St Annes Parish Church was built with its construction funded by Lady Eleanor Clifton. In 1874 Elijah Hargreaves, an East Lancashire mill owner, leased approximately 600 acres of land centred on the railway to the south-west of St Annes Parish Church from the Squire. The Squire granted a lease of 999 years to the Saint Annes-on-the-Sea Land and Building Company so that a new resort town could be built. After the erection of workers facilities, the first building (St Annes Hotel) was completed in 1875. The railway station was completed shortly after and by 1876 works had been completed constructing a not insubstantial asphalt promenade stretching 3,000ft long and 180ft wide. Planning and design for the new town's buildings was undertaken by Messrs. Maxwell and Tuke (architects of Bury) and although some buildings enjoyed a more definitive style, such as the now Fylde Borough Town Hall and the Poritt houses that still line the southern end of Clifton Drive North, most buildings were of a common architectural style albeit grand and then modern to attract wealthy visitors.
15 June 1885 saw the completion and opening of St Annes Pier being used in its early years as a boat dock for pedestrians, livestock, and grain. However, with the Floral Hall opening in 1910, it soon became kown for its entertainment. A popular attraction it hosted a variety of stars until, in 1975, a fire seriously damaged the building. Although some considerable effort was made to reinstate the building, another fire in 1982 completely destroyed it. It was then decided to demolish the end section, leaving only the original jetty as a reminder of what once had been.
During the late 1930s the then Squire (presumbly concerned regarding the oncoming war) sold his interest in the Land of St Annes-on-the-Sea to the St Annes-on-the-Sea Land & Building Company. The current company to this day continues to own and manage substantial key areas of the town.
