Britain’s largest seaside resort took shape from the 18th century onwards in the sparsely populated coastal area of Layton with Warbreck. Recorded in the Domesday Book, the village of Layton was connected to the sea by Layton Rakes (now Church Street). The word ‘rake’ is a Scandinavian word, meaning a path. It was at the seaward end of Layton Rakes, known as Lane Ends, close to this pub, that the resort later developed.
A print and text about The Layton Rakes.
The text reads: The unusual name of these premises is derived from Layton village, which was the original name of this area, and which was connected to the sea via a ‘Rake’, which is a Scandinavian word, for path. The site of this venue was occupied from the late nineteenth century by Whitehead’s Fish, Game, Poultry and Oyster Warehouse. It was positioned close to Robert’s Oyster Rooms, which is probably Blackpool’s oldest seafront business, and which was virtually unchanged until recent years. The land on which The Layton Rakes stands was once part of the Forshaw Estate. The nearby New Clifton Hotel was first known as Forshaw’s. Market Street itself was named around 1900 with the building of St John’s Market opposite.
A plaque documenting the history of The Layton Rakes.
The plaque reads: Blackpool took shape as a seaside resort from the 18th century, in a sparsely populated area at the seaward end of Layton Rakes (now Church Street).
‘Rake’ is the Scandinavian word meaning path. Layton Rakes led inland to the centuries old village of Layton with Warbreck. In late Victorian times the site of these licensed premises were occupied by Whitehead’s Fish, Game, Poultry and Oyster Warehouse, which boasted a magnificent oyster room.
These premises were built by J D Wetherspoon and opened in November 2011.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk