Preston: A Potted History

An accessible history of Preston from prehistory to the present day highlighting the city’s significant events and people.

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The city of Preston in Lancashire is renowned for its industrial heritage, with centuries of textile manufacturing and its boom years during the Industrial Revolution. However, as this book reveals, industry is but one aspect of its rich and fascinating past. In Preston: A Potted History, local author Keith Johnson explores the city’s heritage, charting its journey from earliest times right up to the present day. He highlights the significant events, incredible achievements and enthralling interludes that have taken place in the city, which was known in Saxon times as ‘Priest’s Town’. Not surprisingly monks and monasteries, churches and chapels, preachers and parsons have all contributed to the growth of the place. Through successive centuries the author looks at Preston’s people and their progress, the transport and trade, industry and innovations, celebrations and ceremonies, education and entertainment, along with the political and military conflicts. This engaging and informative book reveals the poverty, turmoil, triumphs and transformation that Preston has undergone throughout history. Illustrated throughout, this accessible historical portrait will be of great interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.