Henry Banks (developer)

Henry Banks (1758 – 18 April 1847) was an English developer. He was known as the "Father of Blackpool," having been responsible for several buildings in the town.

Early life

Banks was born in Blackpool in 1758 to Edward Banks and Jane Pearson. He was their first child, and was followed by Thomas and Catherine.

Career

In 1819, he purchased the Lane Ends estate (including the Lane Ends Hotel), on which he built Blackpool's first holiday cottages. In 1837, his son-in-law, John Cocker, built the town's first assembly rooms. John Cocker was the father of Blackpool's first mayor, William Cocker. William inherited Banks's land and buildings.

Personal life

Banks married Margaret Bailey, with whom had two known children: Alice (who married Reverend William Thornber) and Jane (who married John Cocker).

References

  1. ↑ Ryan (28 August 2019). "How Was Blackpool Tower Built?". Blackpool Grand Theatre. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "10 people who deserve to be recognised with a statue". Blackpool Gazette. 7 October 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2026.
  3. ↑ co, Pigot James and (1828). Pigot and co.'s national commercial directory for 1828-9, comprising a directory of the merchants, bankers, professional gentleman [&c.] in the counties of Cheshire, Cumberland [&c.]. p. 433.
  4. ↑ Maconie, Stuart (4 September 2008). Pies and Prejudice: In search of the North. Random House. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-09-193030-1.
  5. ↑ Easdown, Martin (1 November 2009). Lancashire's Seaside Piers: Also Featuring the Piers of the River Mersey, Cumbria and the Isle of Man. Casemate Publishers. p. 99. ISBN 978-1-84563-093-5.
  6. ↑ Blackpool, Live (11 January 2026). "History of Blackpool and How it Began • explore the past with Live Blackpool". Blackpool. Retrieved 23 May 2026.