St Anne's on the Sea Land and Building Company

St. Anne's on the Sea Land and Building Company

Company type	Private company
Industry	Construction and civil engineering, Land development
Founded	1874
Founder	Group of eight businessmen from Rossendale, led by Joseph Wood Whitehead
Defunct	1979
Fate	Ceased operations after parent company receivership
Headquarters	St Anne's on the Sea , England, United Kingdom
Key people	William John Porritt (principal financier and chairman 1881–1896), Joseph Wood Whitehead (chairman)
Products	Land development, construction of seaside resort facilities
Number of employees	Unknown
Parent	Amalgamated Investment and Property Company (from 1951)

St. Anne's on the Sea Land and Building Company was founded in 1874 and played a pivotal role in shaping the emerging town of St. Anne's on the Sea starting from 1875. Originating from the Rossendale region, its principal financier was William John Porritt, a woollen industry entrepreneur based in Helmshore. His financial support was instrumental in advancing St Anne’s growth and restoring optimism following initial difficulties.

Company's formative years

The Clifton Family, proprietors of the Manor of Lytham at Lytham Hall, initiated plans for a new settlement during the 1840s, guided by their land agent James Fair. In the 1850s, they invested in the Lytham-Blackpool railway line, which commenced operations in 1863. By the early 1870s, roadways were established connecting Fairhaven to St Anne’s Square and extending to the Parish Church of St Anne, constructed in 1872/3 and funded by Lady Eleanor Cecily Clifton, after whom the town was named.

The company was created in 1874 by a group of eight businessmen from Rossendale, led by chairman Joseph Wood Whitehead. They negotiated long-term leases of 999 years with Thomas Fair, who succeeded James Fair as agent for the Clifton estate. The enterprise concentrated on developing what became known as the central "Square Mile" of St Anne’s. Architects Maxwell and Tuke of Peel Chambers, Bury—later renowned for designing Blackpool Tower—were appointed to oversee the architectural plans.

Their vision was to establish an exclusive seaside resort. An early company statement declared: "Blackpool has become so much the resort of Excursionists that a decided want is felt for a watering place which... shall secure a more select and better class of visitors."

The initial lease agreement with the Clifton estate was finalized on 14 December 1874. Construction commenced in February 1875 with work on the Promenade and St Anne’s Hotel, whose foundation stone was laid on 31 March. At this event, Whitehead highlighted that 82 acres had been secured under long lease and expressed optimism about swift progress supported by significant financial backing.

William John Porritt’s influence and company advancement

William John Porritt, born in Ramsbottom in 1828, emerged as a central figure in St Anne’s development. Collaborating with his father Joseph through their firm Joseph Porritt and Sons, he constructed Sunnybank Mill in Helmshore in 1866 and purchased Higher Mill in 1880. Porritt joined the Land and Building Company’s board shortly after the hotel’s foundation stone ceremony and served as chairman from 1881 until his death in 1896.

Throughout the financial difficulties encountered during the 1880s and 1890s, Porritt’s ongoing investment—estimated to involve properties worth approximately £100,000 at that time (equivalent to several millions today)—and initiatives such as the 'Porritt Houses' located north of the pier were vital to sustaining growth.

In addition to leading investors like Porritt, many individuals from Rossendale relocated early to St Anne’s, including professionals and labourers who supported the construction surge.

By the 1890s, maps illustrate a developing town centre featuring key landmarks such as the pier, promenade, churches, and Porritt houses. Subsequent growth is apparent by 1911 and again by 1932 with new residential areas, additional churches, establishment of the Carnegie Library and Technical School, alongside expansion into nearby districts including Ansdell and Fairhaven.

Following Porritt’s passing in 1896, the company gradually shifted its emphasis from active development to managing land leases and collecting ground rents. In 1951 it was purchased by Amalgamated Investment and Property Company, which eventually entered receivership and ceased operations in 1979.

References

Sources

Further reading

• Peter Shakeshaft (2008), St Anne's on the Sea: a history, Carnegie Publishing.
• Lytham St Anne's Civic Society and St Anne's on the Sea Town Council (2010), "St Anne's on the Sea - Town Trail"
• Gabriel Harrison (1971), "Rage of sand: the story of the men who built their own seaside town", Benn

External links

• [1]
• [2]