BLACKPOOL, a flourishing t. in the township of Layton-cum-Warbreck. in the co. of Lancaster, is now a very considerable place, lying on the coast of the Irish sea, between the estuaries of the Ribble and the Lune, distant from Poulton-le-Fylde 4 m., and from Preston 18 miles. The population in 1801 was 8506, and in 1871 it had increased to 6100; but the numbers who resort here during the bathing-season far exceed the perma nently resident inhabitants. Upwards of 100,000 visitors annually come from e. Lanca shire, Manchester, Yorkshire, and other parts of the kingdom. B. is one of the most frequented bathing:.•places in the w. of England. the sands being excellent. It has a branch railway connecting it with the Preston and Wyre railway, which affords easy access from Preston, Liverpool, Manchester, and all parts of the kingdom. There is also another railway connecting it with Lytham, another favorite bathing-place on the Ribble, about 7 in. to the south. B. has a fine pier, furnishing sitting accommodation
rS to upwards of 3000 peons, which cost about S25,000; and second, more recently opened, 500 yards in length. There are three established churches, a Roman Catholic chapel, and five other chapels for the Wesleyans. Independents, etc. Besides excellent streets and terraces of houses elegantly built, it has many large hotels (one of which, recently erected, cost upwards of £12,000); there is also a theater, libraries. news-rooms, etc. 'I here is no trade or manufactures; the lodging-house keepers depend solely on the large concourse of visitors. Fishing is the employment of ninny during the winter months.
tfLACX PRINCE, the name usually given In history to Edward Prince of Wales, son of Edward Ill. (q.v.).