FLEETWOOD, a rising seaport and watering-place in Lancashire, at the mouth of the Wye, and connected with Preston by a railway 22 miles in length. Fleetwood dates its rise from 1836, and takes its name from Sir P. H. Fleetwood by whom it was laid out, and who has erected various public buildings. It has a neat church, several chapels and schools, mechanics' institute, subscription news-room, market-house, lighthouse, docks, two wharfs, custom-house, and bonded warehouses. Steamers ply between it and Glasgow, Belfast, Londonderry, and Isle of Man. The number of vessels registered at the port on 31st December 1853 was 30 sailing vessels of 3804 tons, and 5 steamers of 904 tons; during that year 443 sailing vessels of 33,874 tons, and 672 steamers of 117,880, entered; and 268 sailing vessels of 19,255 tons, and 671 steamers of 118,725 tons left the port. Pop. (1851) 3048.