The following is a list of some of the more notable people and families of Wrea Green’s history and modern day community.
James Thistleton
A local village worker, who left £180 to build a new school for the children of Wrea Green. This was an astonishing amount considering Thistleton’s modest wage.
See Brief History for further information on James Thistleton
Nicholas Sharples
A London Innkeeper, who had spent part of his childhood in Wrea Green. Upon hearing of James Thistleton’s charity, Sharples donated a further £850 toward the upkeep and maintenance of a school in the village. This trust also provided the establishment of a chapel in the village.
See Brief History for further information on Nicholas Sharples.
Thomas Noblet
Regarded as the “greatest character in the village” (Porter, History of the Fylde), Thomas Noblet lived in the same house for 50 years during the nineteenth century and was sextant to the church for 35 years. Thomas was well-known for his dislike of any travel bar walking and would think nothing of making the trip on foot to and from Preston in the same day. His colourful clothing made him an instantly recognisable character. The
Hornby Family
The Hornby family built Ribby Hall in 1776 and were prominent residents within the parish. Mr. Hornby was a trustee of the Ribby Free School.
The Duckworth Family
The Duckworths lived at Ribby Hall between 1902 and 1941. Mr. Duckworth was a generous man and in addition to paying for the Lych Gate at the church, also provided land for the extension of the churchyard and assisted in financing the building of the war memorial along with the Birley family, built locally in the Smithy by Mike Parker.
Joe McCall
Football legend Joe McCall who played centre half for Preston North End and England was a resident of Wrea Green. Joe lived on Mill Lane and owned an area of land where McCall Close was built and named in his honour.
Jim Kirkham
Jim was one of the great characters of Wrea Green, a bellringer and verger upto the age of 84, he lived at Bradkirk Farm for 53 years and spent over 40 years on the Parish Council. In 1970, Jim was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen in recognition of his service to the community. In 1980, he was elected Chairman of the Field Day committee for the 50th time.
The Wareing Family
The Wareings are probably the best known family still residing in the village and remain the largest employer in the Wrea Green area. The agricultural building business is now run by Peter and Andrew Wareing and has premises on Blackpool Road.
Birley Family
The Birley family were arguably the eminent family of the village for the first half of the twentieth century. Their seat of power was the Villa from 1902 up unti,the late 1950s (when it became a restaurant). Mrs Percy Langton Birley was chief commisioner of the girl guide movement in England, and the movements founders’ Lord and Lady Baden-Powell stayed at the Villa. Mrs Percy Langton Birley commanded so much respect that children were expected to curtsy or don their caps to her. The Birley Arms was named after the Birley family.
Bill Beaumont
Former England Rugby Union legend Bill Beaumont who captained England to their 1980 Grand Slam was a former resident of the village.
Graham Kelly
The former secretary of the Football League and Chief Executive of the Football Association is a current resident.