The City of Preston sits on the banks of the River Ribble. It was famously granted its city status in 2002. Interestingly, it became England’s 50th city in the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s 50th anniversary as the country’s monarch.
Preston sits in an interesting situation, geographically; lying between a coastal plain, the Ribble Valley and a not insignificant portion of moorland. The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding beauty overlaps with the North East of the district, whilst Preston city centre is approximately 27 miles from both Manchester and Liverpool.
Preston is a culturally diverse city. Many residents are of South Asian origins and this community has had a notable influence on town centre shops and small businesses. Preston is one of the centres of the British defense industry. BAE Systems, the UK’s major military aircraft developer, has its headquarters in the area. The area also has a long-running connection with the transport and haulage industry. Telecommunication leader The Carphone Warehouse also have a strong presence in the local economy.
Preston is perhaps most famous for its, historically significant, football team Preston North End FC. North End were England’s first league champions. Their home of Deepdale holds around 25,000 spectators and possesses a stand named the Invincibles Pavilion after the 1888/89 team that went unbeaten for an entire season.
Celebrity residents have included; cricketer Andrew Flintoff, footballing legend Sir Tom Finney, current Manchester United and England star Phil Jones and Radio 1 DJ Mary Ann Hobbs.
