An Album of Thornton-Cleveleys by Catherine Rothwell F.L.A Page Four

Thornton Marsh was originally open, free pasture on which any cottager could keep geese or cattle. The common was occasionally flooded when tides were high and wind and rain conspired. Hillylaid is the area shown in the photograph from the 1930's. The entrance to the private residence of Mr W Nobb. The photograph indicates Thornton- Cleveleys to be well wooded. In spite of sea winds bending hedges, searing crops and on occasions ruining the harvest, Stock Wood and Pheasant Wood flourished, harbouring plenty of game for the Squires table.		Hillylaid area of Thornton around the 1930's
Farm carts on the roads of Thornton-Cleveleys		Farm carts and the coach belonging to the Fleetwood Heskeths used what raods or tracks existed, but many walked or rode horses, straping goods onto mules or pack horses. All around Little Thornton were fields of oats, corn and barley. Over two hundred years ago it was said to be especially suitable for oat growing, with excellent pasture. The villagers took there corn to Marsh Mill to have it ground to flour.
Marsh mill in Thornton-Cleveleys		Marsh Mill was used as a cafe in the 1930's

Marsh Mill was built in 1794 by Ralph Slater who also built the mills at Pilling and Clifton. Various grades of flour were ground for generations, but at the turn of the century fine white flour was most in demand which the windmill could not produce. Untill 1922 the mill continued to grind meal for farm use. In the 1930's it was used as a cafe and eventually bought by Thornton Urban District Council for preseveation. Much restoration work has been completed and a fund setup. Visitors flock to the Mill in summer to see the only working windmill left in the Fylde.

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