And Lancaster city centre looked quite different from how it does now, especially on the roads which were virtually traffic free as car production was limited during wartime and the average cost of a vehicle in the Forties was around £300.
At the beginning of the decade, World War Two had barely begun but preparations were already being made for a Home Guard – or ‘Dad’s Army’ – in the city with another unit being formed for Morecambe and Heysham.
It wasn’t until 1943 that Lancashire established the Women’s Home Guard Auxiliaries.
Volunteers in Lancaster went to sign up at the Town Hall which is included in some of the photographs we feature today, thanks to Andrew Reilly of Lancaster Past & Present.
In case you missed them: Back to the 70s: 16 great old pictures show just how different Lancaster looked 50 years ago
1. Looking back
Dalton Square in the Forties. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past & Present
2. Looking back
Horse drawn vehicles were still on the roads in the 1940s as shown in this photo of Penny Street. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past & Present
3. Looking back
A relatively traffic free shot of a two-way King Street. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past & Present
4. Looking back
Empty shops in Market Street in the Forties as well as Bate & Gorst. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past & Present