National Preston Day

Young person named Preston, wearing an 'o' or an 'i' hat, surrounded by various Preston-themed props and decorations.. — National preston day illustration

Ah, National Preston Day, a day that is near and dear to the hearts of all Prestons out there! Whether you spell it with an 'o' or an 'i', today is your day to shine. So put on your Preston hat and buckle up for a wild ride of Preston-themed fun and celebration!

When is Preston Day?

It's national preston day on the 18th August.

The Origins of National Preston Day

Now, you might be wondering how on earth National Preston Day came to be. Well, the internet is a funny place filled with wonders and mysteries, and this day is no exception. Legend has it that back in 2017, on August 18th to be exact, the interwebs exploded with mentions of the name 'Preston'. It seemed like every corner of cyberspace was buzzing with Prestons of all shapes and sizes. And thus, National Preston Day was born.

A Day of Remembrance

While National Preston Day is all about celebrating those with the name 'Preston', it's also a day of remembrance. We take this opportunity to celebrate the Prestons who have come before us and made their mark on the world. From famous Prestons in the entertainment industry to unsung heroes making a difference in their communities, we salute them all.

A Time for Fun and Festivities

So, how do you celebrate National Preston Day? Well, the possibilities are endless! Gather your loved ones together and have a Preston-themed feast. Whip up some Preston pasta, munch on Preston burgers, and don't forget the Preston pie for dessert. And for some friendly competition, engage in a game of Preston sports, whatever that may be!

Did You Know?

Now, for a fun fact to impress your friends with: did you know that Preston is not only a name but also a place? Yes, it's true! Preston is a city in Lancashire, England. And let me tell you, if you ever find yourself in Preston on National Preston Day, you're in for a treat!

History behind the term 'Preston'

680 AD

Settlement by the river

In 680 AD, the area now known as Preston was settled by the river Ribble. The name 'Preston' is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'preost' meaning 'priest' and 'tun' meaning 'settlement'. It is thought that the settlement was named after a priest who owned land in the area.

1086

Recorded in the Domesday Book

In 1086, Preston was mentioned in the Domesday Book as 'Prestune'. This early reference is an important documentation of the town's existence and serves as evidence of its historical significance.

1179

Becoming a market town

In 1179, Preston was granted the right to hold a weekly market by King Henry II. This marked a significant turning point in the town's development, as it grew in importance as a trading center. The market brought economic prosperity to Preston and helped establish its reputation as a commercial hub.

1328

Gained its Guild Merchant status

In 1328, Preston was awarded the prestigious status of a Guild Merchant town by King Henry VIII. This granted the town special privileges and control over trade within its boundaries. The Guild Merchant became an important institution in Preston's history, and the tradition of the Preston Guild still continues today, making it the only town in England to have retained this tradition for over 800 years.

1502

Became part of the royal forest

In 1502, Preston became part of the royal forest known as the 'Royal Forest of Fulwood'. The area was used as a hunting ground by royalty, and the designation of Preston as part of the forest further emphasized its significance in the region.

1648

Siege during the English Civil War

During the English Civil War in 1648, Preston played a significant role as a battleground and was besieged by Parliamentary forces. The Siege of Preston lasted for three weeks before the Royalist forces surrendered. This event had a lasting impact on the town's history and contributed to its status as a historic site.

1802

First railway station

In 1802, Preston became one of the first towns in England to have a railway station. This marked the beginning of the railway era in Preston, bringing a new mode of transportation and further connecting the town to the rest of the country.

1882

The birthplace of the football league

In 1882, the Football League was founded in the city of Preston. This marked a significant moment in the history of football, as it established the first organized league system in the world. Preston North End, one of the founding members, went on to win the inaugural league title without losing a single match, earning them the nickname 'The Invincibles'.

1952

Became a city

In 1952, Preston was awarded city status as part of the celebrations for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This elevated the town's status and recognized its importance and contribution to the region.

2002

Celebrated the 800th Guild Merchant

In 2002, Preston commemorated the 800th anniversary of its Guild Merchant with a series of special events and celebrations. This milestone highlighted the town's enduring traditions and its rich cultural heritage.