Here at Clearview, we’re happy about our close proximity to the UK’s newest City, Preston. It’s a City that’s steeped in history and has many a story about it.
As we supply our top quality conservatories, orangeries and more to the people of Preston and surrounding areas, we thought it would be good to list a few facts about the local city.
If you can think of something we’ve missed off our list or something that we haven’t included, let us know in the comments! Without further ado, here’s a few facts about Preston.
The Beginnings
Preston was first established around 705 AD when, in Ripon the lands near the River Ribble were set on a new foundation and it was also around this time that the parish church was probably erected. This parish church was probably situated on the grounds of the present Anglican parish of St. John the Evangelist on Church Street. Also, when assessed for tax purposes in 1218-19, Preston was the wealthiest town in the whole country.
Bus Station and KFC
The City’s bus station was at one point the largest in Europe and it is still one of the largest in Europe but it is coming under a lot of scrutiny about the upkeep costs and may soon be knocked down. The first KFC shop in the UK was opened in Preston in 1965.
Wallace and Gromit
Everyone knows Wallace and Gromit, one of the most loved animated TV shows and now they’re the stars of their own big screen movie!
Well, the guy behind Wallace and Gromit, Nick Park, is from Preston. He’s from a little village called Walmer Bridge which actually isn’t far from our Leyland showroom.
Preston North End
Preston North End are one of the founding members of the football league and they are also the first club to have won the league and cup double in 1888 which was the league’s first year.
On top of this, they were known as The Invincibles. They won the league without losing a single game and they also won the cup without conceding a single goal.
They also hold the record for the highest ever score in English football. They defeated Hyde United in the FA Cup 1st Round, 15 October, 1887. Jimmy Ross scored 7 goals in the 26-0 drubbing of Hyde United.
They’re also the club who had the first black professional football player in English League football and also the first black player to play in the football league, Arthur Wharton.
So, that’s all for facts and a brief history on Preston. Is there anything we’ve missed or is there anything you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.
