Preesall-with-Hackensall lies on the eastern bank of the River Wyre. Preesall is mentioned in the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086. The town’s history therefore stretches from an early written record to buildings and memorial sites from later centuries. Salt mining, architecture and local trails each offer a different focus.
Salt history and trails along the Wyre
Rock salt was discovered in Preesall on the eastern bank of the River Wyre in 1872. Preesall Mine was the region’s only rock salt producer. It was abandoned shortly after the last recorded rock salt production in 1930. The discovery, regional production and closure give the industrial history a clear timeline.
A Wyre Council description listed the circular walk G8.3 Preesall Salt Mines for an event on 11 May 2024. The route crosses fields, stiles and country roads to sites associated with the local salt industry. The sections of the trail give a concrete sense of the route’s character, while its name also reflects the history of salt production.
Nearby, the Wyre Way circular walk offers a different perspective: it crosses the River Wyre by ferry from Knott End. Knott End can also serve as a starting point for the circular walk. Check whether the ferry is running before setting out. The two trail options also differ in practical terms: the Wyre Way includes a ferry crossing, while the G8.3 route is described as crossing fields, stiles and country roads.
In the wider regional context, the River Wyre connects the Forest of Bowland with Morecambe Bay.
Buildings and remembrance
The Church of St Oswald was built in 1896 by Austin and Paley. The nave ceiling follows the curve of its arched braces, forming a barrel vault. Parrox Hall has panelling of a type dating from the 17th century, as well as woodwork from the early 18th century. Preesall Mill adds another example of the area’s industrial heritage: its circular windmill tower, built of rendered brickwork, dates from 1839.
The Preesall and Knott End War Memorial is Grade II listed and commemorates those who died in 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 sequence of events can be read on the memorial itself: additional names were added to the inscription after the original dedication.
The memorial stands on The Mount, also known as Hakon’s Mound. The hill is thought to be an ancient earthwork; it may also be a mill mound or a garden feature. These interpretations remain open and make the site another point of reference in local history.
L. S. Lowry and the riverscape
In the 1940s and 1950s, L. S. Lowry made sketches and paintings of views across the River Wyre towards Fleetwood. A sculpture dedicated to him stands on Knott End’s waterfront, near the ferry landing. Together, these references show two different aspects of his connection with the area: his artistic engagement with the river and a tribute in the form of an artwork on the waterfront.
Discover more destinations: Burnley, Cockerham, Aughton, Ormskirk, Rufford, Lea, Barrowford, Bickerstaffe
For the wider travel guide: Lancashire.
