Preston

Preston, Lancashire is situated at the north bank of Ribble river, It comes under the jurisdictional area of Lancashire, northwest of England. It got the status of a city in 2002. According to 2011 census. It has a population of 1 lakh 23 thousand. Some past actions of Preston provide a sign of Romans presence like the roman built road which headed to a camp at Walton-le-Dale. Flemish weavers helped in the expansion of the textile business. During 18^thcentury, it was recognised as a pretty town by Edmund Calamy. It is also a birthplace of Sir Richard Arkwright who discovered rotating frame. It underwent rapid and sudden population and economic growth during the industrial revolution.

History

The Romans built many roads through the centre of today’s Preston. There had been many roads built on the outskirts of the Preston. The tax collection of the town in the 12^th century also depicted this town as the wealthiest ones. During a charter of 1179, King Henry II gave the right to organise Guild Merchant. The Process of celebrating this festival is only continued by Preston. The latest was celebrated in 2012. It celebrates after every 20 years of break. The town is located exactly between Glasgow and London. There had been many deadly wars fought on the land of Preston.  A nasty incident of strike where few deaths occurred is also associated with the town.  During the 19^th century, the town was transformed from small industrial one to larger one.

Governance

The unparished urban settlement accounts 19 councillors. They have been looking after the administration of the Preston. The Preston and Wyre and Preston North are two Westminster constituencies. The Lancashire county council is looking after the administration of Lancashire and Preston. They also look after development projects and finalising of funds for any projects.

Geography and Climate

The Ribble river is the famous river which flows south of the city. The view is very beautiful of the river and attracts tourists from nearby towns. Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool are near to it. Preston weather is a moderate nautical type with a very less fluctuation in the day to day weather condition. The official Met Office does time to time updating of climate change for local people. It is located at Moor Park which is 1 mile north of City Centre. The maximum temperature marked in last month of 2010.

Demography

Roman Catholic Christian community has been a dominant community for many years. People have strong faith in Christian religion here. Due to the migration of various communities in this region, the Muslim population is also increased in multifold number like Gujarati Indian descent. 10% population is the atheist who does not follow any religion. ‘PRESTON’ name was taken from the religious town of “priests” which has a strong belief in Christian and Catholic community.

Economy

The British defence aerospace Industry BAE systems main centre is located in Preston. The major aircraft design Headquarter is also located nearby Warton. It is strategically important part of the country as far as security is concerned.

Landmark

A few famous landmarks such as Museums, Parks and natural reserves are Harris museum and art gallery, Broughton cottage museum, Ribble steam railway, Museum of Lancashire, Avenham Park, Ashton Park, Moor Park, Miller Park, Grange valley, Hills and hollows valley and a few more.

Transport

The Preston By-Pass started in 1958, became the first stretch of the United Kingdom. It connects M6 and M55 highways. The main purpose was to ease the traffic of Blackpool and The Lake District. Preston railway has been giving its services since 1838. Five main bus operators such as Preston Bus, Ribble Motor Services etc. serve the region of Preston.