Charles Hardwick

Born in Preston, Lancashire, on September 10, 1817, he was the son of an innkeeper and began working life as a printer's apprentice. After that apprenticeship ended, he turned to art and worked as a portrait painter in Preston.

He became well known for writing about Lancashire history and tradition. His best-known books include History of the Borough of Preston and Its Environs, Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-Lore, and On Some Antient Battlefields in Lancashire. He also edited Country Words: a North of England Magazine of Literature, Science, and Art in the 1860s.

Beyond his books, he was active in public and literary life. He helped found the Manchester Literary Club, served as one of its vice-presidents, and was also involved in reform work within the Odd Fellows, where he became grand-master of the Manchester Unity. He died in Manchester on July 8, 1889.