... into a substantial town when a railway was built connecting it to the industrial towns of the north. The railway made it much easier and cheaper for visitors to reach Blackpool. The first railway in the area opened in 1840 but it only ran as far as Poulton in the Fylde. Nevertheless the Preston and Wyre railway boosted the growth of Blackpool. In 1846 a branch line was built from Poulton to Blackpool. Then the resort began to boom. Another line was built through Lytham in 1863. Meanwhile St John's Church was consecrated in 1821. Victoria Terrace was built in 1837. St John's Market was built in 1844. Amenities in the fast growing town quickly improved. In 1851 a Board of Health was formed. From 1852 Blackpool had gaslight. Blackpool gained a piped water supply in 1864. In the years 1856-1870 a Promenade was built along the sea front. Then in 1863 ...

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