William Sutton (hotelier)

Realizing the importance and opportunity presented by the newly created canal systems, he gambled on the idea of constructing a hotel by the seaside.

His hotel was just 4 miles [6 km] away from the newly constructed Leeds and Liverpool Canal, to and from which he arranged transport for potential guests.

Born in 1752, he was originally the landlord of the Black Bull Inn in Churchtown (now the Hesketh Arms) and known as a good-natured, jovial gentleman who entertained his regulars by playing the fiddle.

Over time Lord Street grew, with the hotel anchoring the southern end, helping to create its own more respectable address.

Nowadays, the town of 93,000 still pays tribute to its founder with a notable plaque made up of two stone tablets set in a cornerstone at Duke Street/Lord Street.