Preston, County town in Lancashire, England.
Preston is a county town in Lancashire that sits on the north bank of the River Ribble, linking urban centers with countryside within the Forest of Bowland. Streets run from the historic core to modern districts with shopping areas, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
The settlement received its first royal charter from Henry II in 1179, creating a merchant guild that began the tradition of Guild celebrations. The town became a major textile industry center during the 19th century and has maintained its administrative role ever since.
T he n am e comes from Old English meaning 'pr iest's settlement', reflecting the town's early religious connections. Local markets and shopping quarters now fill the streets where medieval guilds once gathered every twenty years.
The university operates several campuses across the city center, bringing students and visitors into the streets and shaping the rhythm of the neighborhoods. Bus stops and footpaths connect the different areas, making it easy to move between historic and modern districts.
The local football club's Deepdale stadium is the oldest continuously used football ground in the world, hosting matches since 1875. The Harris Museum displays extensive collections of regional art, costumes, and archaeological finds from Lancashire.
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