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I can just about remember the station before demolision. It was quite substantial with several platforms and situated on the quayside giving access to the Isle of Man steamers.
The facade of the station's hotel - the North Euston - was a mini replica of the Doric columns used on the approach to the London terminus. The hotel still stands proud to this day, although a little tired looking, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
Fleetwood takes its name from Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood, the town's founder, and was probably Britain's first "model town" with all the streets being laid out to the plan of Decimus Burton, Hesketh's architect. Burton directed the surveying of the roads, which radiate out from the Mount, by directing a man guiding a horse and plough.
Although Fleetwood is now a little depressed, if you are ever in the Fylde area, get a tram from Blackpool, which will take you through the resort's streets, then alight at Fleetwood, purchase a town trail and you'll discover a wealth of rail and maritime history. And it's well worth the effort.
David.
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