Book celebrates town’s long history

“Tiny alleyways and empty buildings are an echo of the past and pictorial evidence depicts almost Dickensian architecture,” writes author Sally Outram.

She praises regeneration plans for the town, which include many of its historical buildings.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Gainsborough will once again lead the way with its ever-changing growth and development.”

She has chosen a wartime picture of Market Place as her first photo.

Timber props are supporting the town hal l which suffered bomb damage in 1942. The building was restored in 1956 and is now home to a row of shops.

A picture of Silver Street shows how some of the 17th and 18th centurey architecture still remains, while Elswitha Hall, built in 1759 on Caskgate Street, appears unchanged.

Other buildings have disappeared, like the old police lock-up on Torr Street which was where McDonalds is now.

And the Aldi supermarket on Lea Road is where the Union Workhouse once stood.

Another picture shows the start of work on the Thorndyke Way dual carriageway, completed in 1974.