Whether the Tyldesleys were induced to locate themselves on this spot solely by a prospect of possessing some of the territory around, or were actuated also by a desire to have a retreat far removed from the scenes of disturbance with which the different factions were constantly vexing the land, is a matter of little importance, but to their presence it was due that the natural beauties of Blackpool were brought before the people at an early date. There can be no doubt that the priests and others, who had fled to the Hall as a harbour of refuge, would, on returning to their own districts, circulate glowing and eulogistic accounts of the place they had been visiting—of the glorious beauty of the sea, the endless stretch of level sands, and the bracing purity of the breeze. In such manner a desire would readily be implanted in the bosoms of their auditory to become personally acquainted with the new land, which had created such a deep and favourable impression on the minds of men, whose positions and education warranted the genuineness of their statements and enhanced the value of their opinions. There is one other circumstance worthy to be mentioned as having in all likelihood aided considerably in bringing the place into notice, and that is an annual race meeting, held for long on Layton Hawes. The proximity of the site to the residences of so many families of wealth and distinction, as the Allens of Rossall, the Westbys of Burn Hall, the Rigbys of Layton Hall, the Veales of Whinney Heys, the Heskeths of Mains, the Cliftons of Lytham, and the Tyldesleys of Blackpool, must have rendered the assembly one of no mean importance, and we may picture in our minds the gay and brilliant scene presented each year on the outskirts of the present town, when our ancestors in their antique and many-hued costumes congregated to witness the contests of their favourite steeds, and the level turf echoed to the fleet hoofs of the horses as the varied colours of their riders flashed round the course.