James Gray: This view is little changed fifty years later, except that the long line of trees has gone. Considered an obstruction, they were removed in 1954 and later replaced by young trees at the kerbside. jgc_18_230
2019: Looking west towards Preston Park Station. A wall along the left-hand side still remains marking the perimeter of No 253 Preston Road, currently under renovation. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)
James Gray: The Cottage – Number 255 and to the right Fitzherbert Lodge – Number 257 jgc_18_244
2018: The corner of Clermont Road adjoining Preston Road. The buildings of Nos 255 and 257 Preston Road are still recognisable together with the perimeter wall and columns. Even the tree in the centre remains a recognisable landmark when compared to the original image. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)
James Gray: This fine photograph of the church dates from 1886, the year of its erection. It was taken from a large house, Clermont, which later gave its name to this area. This house stood well back from the Preston Road, while its gardens, front and rear, occupied the full length of Cumberland Road.
Note the line of the railway behind the church, and the open fields beyond, now the site of Robertson and Hampstead Roads. jgc_18_232
2019: The Google image clearly shows the modern church hall and the development of housing in Cumberland Road in addition to a glimpse of Robertson Road just beyond the railway tracks. See also jgc_18_228, 229 and 234. (Photographer: Google image)
James Gray: The focal point of this photograph is the Station Master’s house, now gone. I do not know when this was built or when it was removed, though this was not long ago, possibly around 1970 when the station was reconstructed. The Station was opened on November 1st, 1869, and the house was provided for the senior official soon afterwards. It would look out of place with the gaunt appearance of the rebuilt Station. Date of the photograph – unknown. jgc_18_214