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Preston, Lancashire, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fishergate_Baptist_Church,_Preston_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1291712.jpgAuthor: Dr Neil Clifton
Preston is a city in Lancashire, England. It covers 142.22 sq km (54.9 sq mi) and has a population of 135,000 people (2012 estimate). Preston is the county town for Lancashire. It was granted city status in 2002, in conjunction with the 50th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. It also became the 50th city in England.
Preston is located on the north bank of the River Ribble. It dates back to Roman times, when the Romans established a camp in the area. A parish church was built in the area in AD 705. This church is quite likely the precursor of present-day Preston's St John the Evangelist Church.
There are some theories over how Preston got its name. Some believe that it was originally Priest's Town. It was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Prestune. It was just a small market town until the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution turned it into a center for cotton milling. It was the first English town outside London to be lit by gas.
Prosperity from cotton came to an end in the aftermath of World War I. In the interwar years, other industries came to Preston, providing much needed employment for its people. They include the electrical and engineering. They also attracted immigrants to Preston, mainly from Asia and the Caribbean.
Lancashire County Hall, Preston: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lancashire_County_Hall,_Preston_-_geograph.org.uk_-_715979.jpgAuthor: Rose and Trev Clough
Preston faced another round of economic decline in the 1970s and 80s, resulting in massive unemployment - a phenomenon not unique to the town, but experienced across the country due to global recession.
Today Preston is home to the British defence aerospace industry. A number of major companies also operate in the city, including Alstom Transport, James Hall & Co, and Goss Graphic Systems.
Visiting Preston
Preston is about midway between London and Glasgow. To reach it by car, take the M6 motorway until Exit 31, then head west on A59.If going by train, take the West Coast Main Line which runs from London Euston, stopping at a number of cities including Northampton, Birmingham, Chester, Lancaster, Carlisle and Glasgow.
Places of Interest in Preston
- British Commercial Vehicle Museum: Museum displaying commercial vehicles produced by Britain. Address: King Street, Leyland, near Preston. PR25 2LE; Phone: 01772 451011
- Harris Museum and Art Gallery: Museum in a 19th century building displaying items related to the history of Preston. Address: Market Square, Preston. PR1 2PP; Phone: 01772 258248; Open Mon-Sat, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- Museum of Lancashire: Museum showcasing the history of the ceremonial county of Lancashire. Address: Stanley Street, Preston. PR1 4YP; Phone: 01772 264075; Open Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm.
- Queens Lancashire Regiment Museum: This is the largest museum in North West England to showcase military heritage. Address: Fulwood Barracks, Preston. PR2 8AA; Phone: 01772 260362; Open Tues-Thurs 9:30 am - 4:40 pm.
- St Walburge's Church: Roman Catholic church completed in 1854. Its 309-ft (94-m) spire is the tallest spire of any parish church in England. The church is a Grade I listed building.
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