Preston’s Victorian Red Light District: Into the Sandhole

The Sandhole was Preston’s place of debauchery and shame. But Victorian morality ensured that it never appeared on any town maps, and despite regular reports in the newspapers of the time, it doesn’t even survive in folk memory. It is a part of Preston’s history that has been completely lost. Until now.

Local author and historian John Garlington came to the Sandhole, metaphorically speaking, by accident, while researching his family history. After some hesitation, he decided to explore further, uncovering a world of poverty, desperation and barbarism, inhabited by those who never really had any chances in life.

This carefully researched book is revealing, readable and important. Not to be missed.