Formby Then & Now

Formby is a compact town. Its shopping centre is situated approximately 10 miles north of Liverpool. Probably in existence even prior to Norse settlement, growth and expansion began in 1848 when the railway from Liverpool to Southport was opened, making Formby more accessible. Until then, Formby had been just a small rural hamlet, and it remains a virtual island in the greenbelt, bounded by the sea to the west and farmland to the east. The sandy coastal strip has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and includes two National Nature Reserves.

This nostalgic collection of images highlights how fast the area is changing, and reveals the many sites of enormous historical significance that remain. Insightful captions explore the history of the area in a volume that will delight visitors and residents alike.

Since Reg Yorke’s retirement from his medical career, and Barbara Yorke’s from her work as a magistrate (for which she was delighted to receive an MBE), the authors have continued in their joint enjoyment of local history.

Their original research resulted in the remarkable discovery that Formby lifeboat station, established by 1776, was not only Britain’s first such station but also the world’s first. They have been writing about local history since the early 1980s but still enjoy discovering interesting new things about the area they have lived in for over half a century.